KC-135 / C-135FR Pilot
About the role
KC-135 / C-135 Pilot – PIC & SIC | Metrea
Metrea provides specialised operational capabilities and mission support services to national security partners across multiple domains. Its activities include airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, secure communications, aerial refuelling, special air missions, aerial firefighting and advanced simulation.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Metrea operates across the United States, United Kingdom, continental Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Through its Air Mobility Group (AIRMOB), Metrea develops and delivers aerial refuelling capabilities, managing tanker fleet operations, maintenance, airworthiness and mission readiness.
The company is recruiting experienced KC-135 / C-135FR Pilots-in-Command and Second-in-Command to support high-tempo aerial refuelling missions for U.S. and allied forces.
Job Description
Metrea is seeking current and qualified KC-135 / C-135FR pilots to conduct precision aerial refuelling operations in support of military and strategic air mobility missions.
These contract positions offer opportunities for both short-term and extended deployments, including 45–90-day rotations in India.
Pilots will operate within a specialised tanker environment, working alongside experienced crews to deliver safe, effective and mission-ready aerial refuelling capabilities.
Candidates must be prepared for deployment at short notice and able to adapt to changing operational requirements, locations and mission durations.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Command and operate KC-135 / C-135FR aircraft in support of assigned aerial refuelling missions.
- Lead and coordinate the flight crew during normal, abnormal and emergency situations.
- Conduct thorough pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight inspections, checklists and documentation.
- Maintain situational awareness and apply effective Crew Resource Management (CRM) throughout all phases of flight.
- Comply with company Flight Operations Procedures (FOPs), Ground Operations Procedures (GOPs), FAA regulations and applicable safety notices.
- Maintain current qualifications, operational currency and advanced systems knowledge relevant to the KC-135 / C-135FR fleet.
- Support safe and effective mission execution in demanding operational environments.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Minimum 1,000 total flight hours.
- Minimum 400 flight hours on KC-135 / C-135FR aircraft.
- Current U.S. Air Force Instrument Qualification.
- KC/C-135 Aircraft Commander check ride completed within the preceding 12 months. Qualification must remain valid throughout the deployment.
- B-707 type rating.
- Minimum FAA Flying Class II physical.
- FCC Radiotelegraph Operator's Permit.
- Current ATP or Restricted ATP preferred.
- Current Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certificate preferred.
- Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) certificate preferred.
- Valid driver's licence.
- Current U.S. or French passport, with at least one year of validity remaining at the start of the contract.
- Aircraft MPRS experience.
- KC/C-135R Instructor Pilot (IP) or Evaluator Pilot (EP) experience.
- Ability and availability to fly aboard KC/C-135FR aircraft in India.
- Willingness to deploy at short notice.
- Flexibility to accommodate varying mission durations and deployment locations.
- Ability to operate effectively in a demanding, high-tempo environment.
- Strong written and spoken English.
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Familiarity with iOS operating systems, including iPads and Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs).
- U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance or higher.
- Must maintain all applicable flight qualifications and medical certification throughout employment and deployment.
Package highlights
- CONUS and OCONUS assignments.
- Rotations ranging from several days to several weeks.
- Flexible mission scheduling depending on operational requirements.
- Extended rotations of approximately 45–90 days or longer.
- Assignments in India supporting high-tempo regional aerial refuelling operations.
- Deployment logistics and mission support provided by Metrea.
- Competitive daily contract rates and mission incentives.
- Short- and long-term deployment opportunities.
- Flexible scheduling and rotation options.
- Travel, accommodation and mission logistics covered.
- Opportunity to fly specialised KC-135 / C-135FR tanker aircraft.
- Work alongside experienced crews supporting strategically important missions.
- The published base pay range is USD $126,000–$203,000. Final compensation may vary according to qualifications, experience, job location and the agreed compensation package.
- Medical insurance options.
- Dental and vision insurance.
- Retirement plan eligibility.
- Enhanced parental leave.
- Subsidised gym memberships and fitness plans through Wellhub.
Applications go directly to Metrea. bestpilotjobs is an independent pilot job board — not the employer and not a recruitment agency.
