Usual benefits include medical and dental insurance, retirement programs, paid vacation, and free or reduced rates on personal and family airline travel. Many Agricultural Pilots get sick leave and health insurance but seldom receive paid vacations since their work is seasonal. 1,700 Employment Trends by California County Advancement Advancement for Airline Pilots may involve moving from a small airline to a major carrier. Advancement within the same company depends largely on seniority. Flight engineers may become copilots within 2 to 7 years and captains within 5 to 15 years.
Some pilots become check pilots, chief pilots, or self-employed.
A few pilots transfer to managerial jobs. Experienced pilots move up the seniority list and become eligible to bid for larger aircraft, more desirable schedules, routes, or their own home base. Promotional opportunities for Agricultural Pilots include advancing to managerial positions or purchasing their own aircraft to become independent contractors or pest control operators. Most pilots find employment by contacting employers directly. More entry opportunities for airline pilots will be with the regional airlines.