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Air Force Helicopter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prior experience as a US Air Force Helicopter instructor pilot preferred. * Total Flight Time - 1,000 hrs. Flight time as pilot-in-command or second in command (per FAR 61.51); as Pilot in Command ...

Prior experience as a US Air Force Helicopter instructor pilot preferred. * Total Flight Time - 1,000 hrs. Flight time as pilot-in-command or second in command (per FAR 61.51); as Pilot in Command ...

Prior experience as a US Air Force Helicopter instructor pilot preferred. * Total Flight Time - 1,000 hrs. Flight time as pilot-in-command or second in command (per FAR 61.51); as Pilot in Command ...

Prior experience as a US Air Force Helicopter instructor pilot preferred. * Total Flight Time - 1,000 hrs. Flight time as pilot-in-command or second in command (per FAR 61.51); as Pilot in Command ...

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a ... For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter. PART-TIME OR UNPAID ...

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Air Force Helicopter information

See salary details

$59.5K

$96.4K

$102.5K

How much do air force helicopter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for air force helicopter in the United States is $96,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do Air Force helicopter pilots make?

Air Force helicopter pilots typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and years of service. Military pilots also receive benefits such as housing allowances, healthcare, and retirement options, with pay increasing with rank and time in service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Air Force Helicopter position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Force Helicopter Pilot, you need strong piloting skills, knowledge of aerodynamics and flight operations, and must typically complete specialized military flight training and obtain necessary security clearances. Familiarity with complex avionics systems, navigation tools, and adherence to strict safety protocols is essential. Outstanding communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills help you excel in high-pressure missions and dynamic environments. Mastery of these competencies ensures safe mission execution, operational effectiveness, and the ability to respond rapidly to evolving situations.

What is an Air Force Helicopter job?

An Air Force Helicopter job involves piloting, maintaining, or supporting helicopter operations for military missions. Roles include pilots, crew chiefs, and maintenance personnel who ensure aircraft are mission-ready. Helicopters are used for search and rescue, medical evacuations, combat support, and transport missions. Personnel receive specialized training to operate and maintain advanced rotorcraft in various environments.

How hard is it to become an Air Force helicopter pilot?

Becoming an Air Force helicopter pilot requires completing a bachelor's degree, passing the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, and meeting physical and medical standards. Candidates must also complete Officer Training School and flight training, which includes extensive simulator and flight hours, making it a competitive and demanding process. Strong skills in leadership, technical knowledge, and physical fitness are essential.

What is the $600000 bonus for the Air Force?

The $600,000 bonus for Air Force helicopter pilots is a retention incentive offered to experienced personnel to encourage continued service. Such bonuses are typically part of recruiting or retention programs and may require specific commitments or qualifications. They are designed to address pilot shortages and ensure operational readiness.

What types of missions do Air Force Helicopter Pilots typically undertake?

Air Force Helicopter Pilots may be tasked with a wide range of missions including search and rescue operations, troop transport, medical evacuations, and logistical support. Daily responsibilities can vary depending on the squadron and current operational needs, often involving both training flights and real-world assignments. Pilots work closely with crew members, maintenance teams, and mission planners to ensure successful and safe operations. This diverse mission set offers pilots the opportunity to develop specialized expertise and grow within different career tracks in the Air Force.

Is 40 too old to become a helicopter pilot?

Age 40 is not necessarily too old to become an Air Force helicopter pilot, but candidates typically need to meet specific medical, physical, and educational requirements. The military often prefers candidates to be within a certain age range, usually under 30, but exceptions can be made based on prior experience or specialized skills. Physical fitness and the ability to complete rigorous training are essential regardless of age.
More about Air Force Helicopter jobs
What states have the most Air Force Helicopter jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Force Helicopter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Air Force Helicopter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,397 per year, or $46.3 per hour.
Helicopter Pilot (Instructor) (TH-1H)

Helicopter Pilot (Instructor) (TH-1H)

Amentum

Fort Novosel, AL • On-site

$55.85/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Amentum is currently accepting applications for the position of INSTRUCTOR PILOT (TH-1H) at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Applicants selected for hire will provide instruction in the TH-1H. USAF military aviation experience is required.
FLYING VERTICAL-LIFT REQUIRES special skills and rigorous training. The men and women of the US Air Force vertical-lift community are called upon day or night to fly difficult missions, often under challenging conditions. USAF vertical-lift carries out their missions in the world's most sophisticated Combat Rescue, Special Operations and Global Strike aircraft, from the MH-139 Grey Wolf to the CV-22 Osprey. All of them start their flying careers at USAF's premier helicopter flying training unit, the 23d Flying Training Squadron (FTS) at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Amentum Air Force Division is an integrated partner with the 23 FTS, instructing flight students in academics, simulations, and flight training for contact, instruments, and remote operations in the TH-1H Huey II helicopter.
Safety is paramount in every aspect of the training, and the program boasts an unprecedented safety record.
The training program occurs at an Army installation and is managed as a partnership between the Air Force, the Army and Amentum. It is just one of many instances where the Department of Defense has outsourced mission-critical technical and management assignments to Amentum. As one of the nation's leading multi-service contractors, Amentum proudly works in tandem with the armed forces to protect American interests at home and abroad.
Requirements
  • Shall have previously qualified as a U.S. Air Force helicopter instructor pilot. (CV-22 pilots who attended SUPT-H or UHT qualify).
  • Shall have been current in U.S. DOD military aircraft within the previous 4 years or within the previous 6 years if the candidate has performed 11 years of DOD military operational flying duty.
  • Shall have 1,000 hours of total DOD military helicopter time.
  • Shall have 200 hours of DOD military helicopter instructor time.
  • Shall have a working knowledge with all USAF flight regulations.
  • Must have a current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate prior to beginning PIT training.
  • Must not exceed 250 pounds in flight duty uniform.
  • Must be able to successfully pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI),
  • To be considered for this position, candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and be able to provide proof of such authorization.

IMPORTANT
Applicants for employment are subject to Government approval and the terms of a 12-month Employee Training Agreement. Applicants selected for hire will be required to pass and maintain a U.S. Government background security check. Applicants selected for hire must complete training and a government acceptance checkride
Compensation Details:
$55.85 / Hourly
Original Posting:
07/14/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.