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:

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?