King Air Pilot Jobs: Requirements, Pay, and How to Build Turbine Time
Last updated July 3, 2026
King Air pilot jobs are a classic way to build multi-engine turbine time, spanning charter, cargo, medevac, and corporate flying in the Beechcraft King Air family. For pilots moving beyond 1,000 hours, King Air experience is a valuable step toward advanced commercial flying. Here's what King Air pilot requirements typically look like and how these roles build turbine time.
Quick requirements snapshot
- Certificate
- Commercial Pilot Certificate; ATP may be preferred or required for some PIC roles
- Ratings
- Instrument and multi-engine ratings commonly required
- Typical total time
- Often 1,000–2,000+ hours, varies by operator and PIC/SIC role
- Common aircraft
- King Air 90, 200, 250, 350
- Medical
- Second-class FAA medical (commonly required)
- Best for
- Pilots seeking multi-engine turbine time in charter, cargo, medevac, or corporate operations
Typical ranges only — requirements vary by operator, aircraft, and insurance.
What king air pilot jobs actually are
King Air pilot jobs involve flying the Beechcraft King Air — a family of twin-turboprop aircraft (90, 200, 250, 350) used widely for charter, cargo, medevac, and corporate transport. It's one of the most common ways pilots build multi-engine turbine time.
King Air flying is professional, IFR-focused, and often crewed (SIC/PIC), which makes it excellent experience. The multi-engine turbine time you log is highly valued by charter operators, corporate flight departments, and beyond.
Typical requirements
Baseline FAA certification aside, exact minimums vary by operator. Here's what these roles commonly ask for.
Certificate requirements
King Air pilot jobs require a Commercial Pilot Certificate at minimum, with an ATP preferred or required for some PIC roles depending on the operation.
Ratings
Instrument and multi-engine ratings are commonly required. Turbine time is often preferred, though SIC roles can be an entry point to earn it.
Flight hour expectations
Typical total time runs from around 1,000 to 2,000+ hours depending on the operator, aircraft, PIC/SIC role, insurance, and mission. SIC positions can start lower than PIC.
Aircraft experience
Aircraft include the King Air 90, 200, 250, and 350. Multi-engine time, any turbine or King Air time, and time in type strengthen your application and help with insurance.
Schedule and travel expectations
Charter and medevac work is on-demand with on-call periods and overnights; cargo runs on a schedule; corporate can be more predictable. Expect mission-specific hours.
Other employer preferences
Operators value multi-engine and IFR proficiency, crew coordination, professionalism, and a clean record. Depending on aircraft, insurance, and operator requirements, minimums vary.
Examples of King Air Pilot Jobs FlyTo1500 Tracks
Below are examples of the kind of king air pilot jobs FlyTo1500 helps pilots discover. Exact requirements vary by employer, aircraft, insurance minimums, and location.
King Air SIC
King Air 200
750+ hrs · CPL · IFR · multi-engine
King Air Cargo Pilot
King Air 90
1,000+ hrs · CPL · IFR · multi-engine
King Air 350 Pilot
King Air 350
1,500+ hrs · IFR · multi-engine · turbine preferred
Example roles shown for illustration. FlyTo1500 tracks real, live openings inside the member job board.
What you may be missing
Common gaps between a low-time logbook and these roles. Closing even one or two can open more openings.
- Need a multi-engine rating for King Air roles
- Need more total time for PIC positions
- Need an ATP for some Part 135 PIC roles
- Need turbine time some operators prefer
- Need crew-coordination and strong IFR skills
- Need availability for on-call or overnight schedules
How this job helps build hours
King Air pilot jobs build flight hours while adding multi-engine turbine time — a combination that's especially valuable for advancing beyond 1,500 hours. SIC roles in particular can be an accessible way to start logging that time.
Because the King Air spans charter, cargo, medevac, and corporate flying, the experience connects to many commercial pilot jobs and builds a strong foundation for airline and corporate careers.
How to improve your chances
- Earn your multi-engine rating and keep it current
- Target SIC roles to start building turbine time
- Earn an ATP if you're aiming at PIC positions
- Emphasize multi-engine, IFR, and any turbine time
- Highlight crew coordination and professionalism
- Set up job alerts and check new openings often
- Apply across charter, cargo, and corporate operators
Related pilot job paths
Explore other low-time pilot jobs and how they compare for building hours toward 1,500.
Part 135 Cargo Pilot Jobs
Pilots who want structured commercial experience, IFR and night flying, and a path toward cargo, charter, or turbine roles
PC-12 Pilot Jobs
Pilots working toward turbine, charter, medevac, corporate, or Part 135 experience
Cessna Caravan Pilot Jobs
Pilots seeking single-engine turbine experience in cargo, skydive, charter, commuter, or utility operations
Ferry Pilot Jobs
Pilots who are flexible, comfortable with travel, and interested in aircraft delivery, repositioning, and cross-country flying
Sources & official references
The requirements here summarize FAA regulations and typical operator practices. Rules change and vary by operation — always confirm current requirements with the FAA and the specific employer.
Frequently asked questions
How many flight hours do you need for King Air pilot jobs?+
It varies by role. Multi-engine SIC positions can start around 750 to 1,000 hours, while PIC roles often want 1,500 to 2,000+ hours and may require an ATP. Requirements depend on the operator, aircraft, and insurance.
Do King Air pilots need a multi-engine rating?+
Yes. The King Air is a twin-turboprop, so a multi-engine rating is commonly required, along with an instrument rating and strong IFR proficiency.
How much do King Air pilots make?+
King Air pilot pay varies by operation (charter, cargo, medevac, corporate), region, and PIC/SIC role, and multi-engine turbine roles typically pay more than piston jobs. Check current listings on FlyTo1500 for real figures.
Do King Air pilot jobs help you build turbine time?+
Yes. King Air roles are one of the most common ways to build multi-engine turbine time, especially through SIC positions — valuable experience for charter, corporate, and airline commercial pilot jobs.
Want to know which jobs you actually qualify for?
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