British Airways is currently looking to hire a wide body pilot, but not to actually fly planes. This is as niche as pilot jobs get…
British Airways’ Chicago O’Hare ground taxi pilot job
British Airways currently has a job opening for the position of “ground taxi pilot,” to be based at Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD), with a base salary in the range of $90K-100K per year. Here’s how it’s described:
The role:
B777 & B787 taxi pilot
You will operate as Pilot in Command or Second Pilot during ground taxi operations at Chicago O’Hare Airport
What you’ll do:
You’ll play a critical role in helping achieve On Time Performance by safely ground taxiing British Airways Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft between terminals at Chicago O’hare airport.
What you’ll bring to British Airways:
You’ll be an experienced Airline Transport Pilot (or former Airline Transport Pilot) with a solid track record of safety and a high degree of familiarity with procedures at Chicago O’Hare airport. You will operate diligently with an uncompromising regard for safety and security at all times.
Your experience:
You will have recent experience of operating the Boeing 777 or 787 as Captain or First Officer and a willingness to learn and adapt to the British Airways Standard Operating Procedures.
You must have employment authorisation to work in the United States.
I’m sure many people are thinking “wait, why does British Airways need to hire pilots to taxi planes at Chicago O’Hare?” Well, British Airways operates up to three daily flights at the airport, and there’s a bit of a quirk to the service.
The aircraft arrives at Terminal 5 (the terminal for all international arrivals), but then departs from Terminal 3 (which is primarily occupied by American). So the one crew clocks out after passengers disembark from Terminal 5, and another crew clocks in before passengers board from Terminal 3. That leaves the issue of getting the plane between the two terminals, given crew duty hour limits, etc.
What a unique and confusing “pilot” position
Keep in mind that American and United also need to get their planes out of Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare, though it’s my understanding that the actual taxiing of planes can be done by some specialized ground tech ops employees, and not actual pilots (or is my understanding incorrect?).
So does anyone know what’s going on here? Is the airline erring on the side of caution (as it views it), and trying to hire as experienced of a person for the role as possible? Is there some union rule that requires this to go to a pilot? Or what’s the logic here?
Some people might be surprised to learn that tugs typically aren’t used to get planes between the terminals. The reason (as I understand it) is that they’re slower, and given the maze of taxiways at O’Hare, it’s more efficient and safer to just taxi planes under their own engine power.
I do wonder how easily British Airways will find a recent 777 or 787 pilot to accept a role where they never actually fly, but instead, use their experience for a few minutes per day of taxiing.
I have to imagine most people who are passing all their medicals, not at retirement age, etc., would actually want to be flying planes, racking up hours, and making more money. But I suppose if you’re recently retired, didn’t pass a medical, etc., this could be an interesting role.
Bottom line
British Airways is looking to hire a 777 or 787 pilot. Not to be based in London and to fly around the globe, but to be based in Chicago, and to taxi for a few minutes per day. It’s an unusual role, for sure, and I’m curious what kind of a candidate ends up applying.
What do you make of this “ground taxi pilot” job, and does anyone have the background for why this is necessary?