**British Airways’ Chicago O’Hare Ground Taxi Pilot Position**
British Airways has a [vacancy for the role of “ground taxi pilot,”](https://careers.ba.com/job/chicago/taxi-crew-chicago-o-hare/22348/94593554176) stationed at Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD), offering a base salary between $90K-100K annually. The position is outlined as follows:
**The position:**
B777 & B787 taxi pilot
You will serve as either Pilot in Command or Second Pilot during ground taxi tasks at Chicago O’Hare Airport.
**Your responsibilities:**
You will significantly contribute to achieving On Time Performance by expertly ground taxiing British Airways Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft between terminals at Chicago O’Hare airport.
**What you’ll contribute to British Airways:**
You ought to be a seasoned Airline Transport Pilot (or a former Airline Transport Pilot) with a robust safety record and a strong knowledge of operations at Chicago O’Hare airport. You will operate with unwavering respect for safety and security consistently.
**Your qualifications:**
You’re expected to have recent operational experience with the Boeing 777 or 787 as Captain or First Officer and an eagerness to learn and adapt to British Airways’ Standard Operating Procedures.
Employment authorization to work in the United States is required.
Many people might wonder, “why does British Airways need pilots to taxi aircraft at Chicago O’Hare?” The airline operates up to three flights daily at this airport, and there’s a unique aspect to their service.
The planes land at Terminal 5 (designated for all international arrivals), but subsequently depart from Terminal 3 (which is mainly used by American). This means one crew finishes their shift after passengers exit at Terminal 5, while another crew starts their shift before passengers board at Terminal 3. This creates the necessity of transporting the aircraft between the two terminals, considering crew duty hour regulations, etc.
**A distinctive and perplexing “pilot” job**
It’s important to note that American and United also need to transport their aircraft out of Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare. However, it’s my understanding that the actual taxiing of planes can be managed by some specialized ground technical operations staff, rather than actual pilots (or could my understanding be wrong?).
So does anyone have insights on this situation? Is the airline prioritizing caution and seeking the most experienced individual for this role? Is there a union regulation that mandates this task must go to a pilot? Or what’s the rationale here?
Some might be surprised to discover that tugs aren’t usually utilized to move planes between terminals. The reason (as I comprehend it) is that they’re slower, and given the intricate network of taxiways at O’Hare, it’s more efficient and safer for planes to taxi using their own engines.
I do question how easily British Airways will manage to recruit a recent 777 or 787 pilot willing to accept a position where they seldom fly but instead use their expertise for only a few minutes of taxiing each day.
I would think that most individuals who are passing all their medical evaluations, not reaching retirement age, etc., would prefer flying planes, accumulating flight hours, and earning more. However, I suppose for those recently retired, who may not have passed a medical, etc., this could be an intriguing opportunity.
**Conclusion**
British Airways aims to recruit a 777 or 787 pilot not for a London-based role flying internationally, but to be located in Chicago, operating only a few minutes of taxiing daily. It’s certainly an unusual position, and I’m curious about the type of candidate who will end up applying.
**What are your thoughts on this “ground taxi pilot” position, and does anyone have insights into why it is necessary?**