OPT Pilot Jobs
Pilot jobs on OPT are rare but achievable. Most commercial aviation roles require FAA certifications and TSA security clearances that take years to build, so OPT students entering this field typically start with flight instruction, charter operations, or aviation support roles while accumulating hours toward an ATP certificate.
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Sign-On Bonus Details:
- $30,000 Sign-On Bonus available for a 3-year commitment
The UPMC Center for Emergency Medicine is looking to hire a Full-Time Pilot to support MedEvac 5, located in Lemont Furnace, PA.
Schedule:
- 7 days on and 7 days off
Purpose:
The Pilot in Command functions as a member of the critical care transport team. The Pilot in Command is responsible for, and is the final authority over, the safe operation of the assigned aircraft on all flights released and operated by the STAT MedEvac system. Responsibilities include ensuring aircraft airworthiness, currency of all FAA required qualifications and publications, safe conduct of flight operations in accordance with CEM policies and procedures and FAA regulations. The Pilot in Command is expected to execute independent judgment in order to provide the safest and most efficient air transportation of CEM patients in a highly challenging and rapidly changing operational environment. The Pilot in Command functions as a part of a team and shares responsibility for the team's conduct. The Pilot in Command fulfills training and safety requirements as established by the STAT MedEvac Director of Operations, Chief Pilot, Director of Safety, and Director of Training, and performs other duties as assigned. Supports and upholds the mission, goals, and objectives, of the STAT MedEvac system at all times.
Responsibilities:
- Reports for work well rested and fit for duty. Adheres to the drug and alcohol policy at all times, to include FAA requirements regarding the use of over the counter and prescription medications.
- Reports for duty in sufficient time to perform all duties required to accept a flight and receive a release number no later than the beginning of the scheduled shift.
- Coordinates with flight followers with regard to currency, duty time, aircraft, and weather status: confirms NOTAMS, updates weather status as necessary, ensures all regulatory requirements for duty day and crew rest are met; debriefs with flight followers as necessary.
- Responds promptly and efficiently to all requests for service, with highest consideration given to safety of flight.
- Support continuity of service through flexibility in scheduling and base assignment, and assists with coverage both at assigned base and system wide.
- Actively participates in development of the CEM safety culture; ensures the safety of all patients and personnel functioning in and around the aircraft. Utilizes appropriate safety channels to report safety concerns, and utilizes available tools to enhance a safe work environment.
- Completes all official documentation accurately and in a timely manner, including payroll, expense reports, training forms etc.
- Completes all postflight recordkeeping/paperwork accurately and in a timely fashion, including filing hazard or incident reports, ASAP reports, etc., as necessary and ensures familiarity with appropriate software/hardware for accomplishing required tasks.
- Possesses thorough knowledge of the STAT MedEvac policies and procedures and shall assist in meeting operational goals and objectives.
- Provides adequate notice of requested PTO, trade days, etc. to ensure schedule coverage; maintains ultimate responsibility for coverage of assigned shifts.
- Selects and uses personal protective equipment appropriate to the level of the anticipated hazard.
- Performs all assigned duties, including daily, weekly, monthly, or other duties assigned by the Base Site Manager-Aviation.
- Maintains fitness for duty by adhering to all employee health requirements, including maximum weight, hearing conservation program, and required medical certifications. Reports injuries and completes the appropriate documentation, no matter how seemingly minor the injury, to a supervisor in a timely manner.
- Conducts all flights in a manner that safe completion is never in doubt: ensures timely transmission of required flight manifest information to flight followers obtains appropriate flight releases; adheres to all CEM policies and procedures with regard to conduct of flight i.e., GOM, Op Specs, checklist utilization, etc.; operates without violation by regulatory authorities or exercises PIC emergency authority to deviate as required.
- Demonstrates and maintains competency, proficiency and knowledge required to perform as PIC in assigned CEM aircraft including operation of all installed radios and navigation equipment: successfully completes all checkrides to satisfactory standards without retraining to standard; successfully completes all recurrent CTS in a timely manner; performs a minimum of three practice instrument approaches per month (weather permitting) in addition to IIMC and other training department approaches.
- Conducts shift change briefs with assigned medical crewmembers to include assignment of inflight duties in normal and emergency situations, weather status, pre-assigned duties and abort policy; and ensuring currency of aircrew training/CTS, IIMC, NVG, emergency, and any other FAA required training; encourages and participates constructively in crew post flight debriefings.
- Maintains current flight kits, documentation, and training records in accordance with company policy and regulatory requirements: ensures all navigation publications onboard assigned aircraft are current and appropriate; ensures pilot qualifications are current and appropriately documented in base located pilot training record.
- Ensures assigned aircraft is in an airworthy condition: properly and accurately documents all maintenance events in the maintenance log in a timely manner, e.g., MEL deferrals, VOR checks, flight time recording, etc.; performs thorough preflight/postflight inspections as required; maximizes operational readiness by ensuring sufficient fuel/O2, etc., to accept flight assignment with minimal delay ensures aircraft exterior and cockpit interior are clean; ensures aircraft covers/tiedowns are utilized appropriately and that aircraft is hangared as necessary.
- Function as a professional development resource/mentor for newly hired pilots; assist as necessary in the IOE process.
- Protect the privacy of all patient information in accordance with the STAT MedEvac privacy policies, procedures, and practices, as required by federal and state laws.
- Reflects a positive attitude to customers at all times in a high stress environment, with a clear understanding of who the customer is.
- Adheres to uniform policy and personal appearance standards by utilizing the approved flight suit, jacket, vest, hat, boots, gloves and T-shirts.
- Demonstrates an ability to establish a rapport with customers; including the ability to create and sustain a positive relationship, regardless of circumstances or environment, including site visits, and other PR events.
Qualifications
- 2,000 total flight hours
- 1,500 total helicopter flight hours
- 1,000 total PIC helicopter flight hours
- 200 night flight hours (at least 100 hours unaided)
- 100 instrument hours
- 500 turbine hours
Pilots with less than 2,000 hours may be given consideration on a case-by-case basis based upon prior experience and qualifications that exceed those found in the CAMTS PIC Evaluation Tool.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
- Commercial rotorcraft-helicopter certificate with instrument rating required.
- Current second-class medical license required.
- Valid and current state driver's license required.
- Experience in helicopter EMS transport system preferred.
- Four-year degree with aviation applications preferred.
- Airline Transport Pilot OR Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- Act 34
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Pilot
Verify your OPT authorization covers aviation work
Your EAD must list aviation or a related field matching your degree. A degree in aerospace engineering or aviation science supports pilot roles, but a mismatch between your major and job duties can jeopardize your OPT authorization with USCIS.
Prioritize employers with existing visa sponsorship history
Regional airlines and charter operators with prior H-1B visa or TN visa sponsorship experience are more likely to understand OPT timelines. Employers who have never sponsored a foreign national will face a steep learning curve during your 12-month window.
Start STEM OPT extension paperwork early if eligible
If your aviation degree is from a STEM-designated program, apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension at least 90 days before your OPT expires. This nearly triples your authorized work period and gives employers time to file H-1B sponsorship.
Secure all required FAA certifications before job searching
Having your Commercial Pilot License, instrument rating, and applicable medical certificate before applying removes a major employer hesitation. Hiring a pilot who still needs key certifications while on a time-limited work authorization creates compounding risk for operators.
Target flight instruction and Part 135 charter roles first
Flight instructor positions and Part 135 charter operators hire at lower hour minimums than major airlines. These roles let you build flight hours during OPT while making you a more competitive H-1B candidate for regional or major airline sponsorship later.
Document all flight hours and training records meticulously
Employers and immigration attorneys will scrutinize your logbooks during any visa sponsorship process. Accurate, complete records of your flight hours, ratings, and endorsements demonstrate professionalism and make the H-1B or O-1 visa petition process significantly smoother.
Pilot OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as pilots in the United States?
Yes, F-1 OPT students can work as pilots if their degree field relates to aviation or aerospace and their employer is willing to hire within the OPT authorization window. The work must be directly related to your field of study. TSA security threat assessments and FAA medical clearances are separate federal requirements you must also satisfy before flying commercially.
Do pilot jobs typically offer H-1B sponsorship for OPT students?
Major and regional airlines rarely sponsor H-1B visas for pilots because the occupation historically did not qualify as a specialty occupation requiring a specific bachelor's degree. However, some operators have successfully petitioned for pilots with aerospace engineering or aviation science degrees. The O-1A visa is an alternative for pilots with exceptional records, air show credentials, or significant competitive achievements.
What FAA certifications do I need to be employable as a pilot on OPT?
At minimum, you need a Commercial Pilot License with an instrument rating and a valid FAA Second Class Medical Certificate for most paid flying roles. Flight instructor positions require a Certified Flight Instructor certificate. Airline jobs at regional carriers typically require an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, which demands 1,500 flight hours. Building those hours during OPT is the core challenge for international students in aviation.
Where can I find pilot jobs that are open to OPT work authorization?
Migrate Mate lists aviation roles from employers familiar with OPT and international work authorization. Flight schools, Part 135 charter operators, and regional aviation companies are more likely to appear than major airlines, which typically require citizenship or permanent residency for captain positions. Browsing Migrate Mate by job category lets you filter for roles matched to your authorization status.
Does my aviation degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific program's CIP code. Aviation science programs are not automatically STEM-designated, but aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, and some aviation systems technology programs qualify. Check the Department of Homeland Security STEM Designated Degree Program List and confirm with your DSO before assuming you qualify. A STEM extension gives you 24 additional months, which is critical for accumulating the flight hours major carriers require.