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Chief Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

Reporting directly to the Chief Pilot or Lead Pilot Responsible for the safe conduct of flights to ... Helicopter pilot training * Commercial helicopter training * Individual aircraft training ...

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA

$122K - $164K/yr

... of the helicopter operations. The Fire Pilot is distinguished from the Chief Fire Pilot which performs lead journey-level pilot duties and is responsible for supervisory activities. ESSENTIAL ...

Fire Pilot

Buena Park, CA ยท On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

... of the helicopter operations. The Fire Pilot is distinguished from the Chief Fire Pilot which performs lead journey-level pilot duties and is responsible for supervisory activities. ESSENTIAL ...

Responsible for acting as the pilot flying Helicopter for our tours, VFR day/night/NVG by performing the following duties. Responsibilities : Reporting directly to the Chief Pilot or Lead Pilot ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR ยท On-site

$91K - $114K/yr

PIC of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other ... or Chief Pilot (aka Head of flying Operations). * Relocate to Northwest Oregon area with the ...

Responsible for acting as the pilot flying Helicopter for our tours, VFR day/night/NVG by performing the following duties. Responsibilities : Reporting directly to the Chief Pilot or Lead Pilot ...

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter ... or Chief Pilot (aka Head of flying Operations). * Relocate to Northwest Oregon area with the ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR ยท On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter ... or Chief Pilot (aka Head of flying Operations). * Relocate to Northwest Oregon area with the ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR ยท On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter ... or Chief Pilot (aka Head of flying Operations). * Relocate to Northwest Oregon area with the ...

Weyerhaeuser is seeking a Blackhawk pilot based out of McMinnville, Oregon providing helicopter ... or Chief Pilot (aka Head of flying Operations). * Relocate to Northwest Oregon area with the ...

In coordination with the CAE IFT-R Chief Pilot, Director of Quality Assurance, Standardization, and ... FAA FAA-certified commercial pilot, Helicopter with an Instrument helicopter rating. * FAA ...

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Showing results 1-20

Chief Helicopter Pilot information

See salary details

$33K

$163.2K

$234.5K

How much do chief helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief helicopter pilot in the United States is $163,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,000.00 and $207,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief helicopter pilot do?

A Chief Helicopter Pilot oversees helicopter flight operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency. They manage pilot training, schedule flights, and enforce aviation regulations. Additionally, they coordinate maintenance needs, assess flight risks, and may also fly missions when required. Their role is critical in maintaining operational standards and ensuring the safety of crew and passengers.

What are some typical responsibilities of a chief helicopter pilot beyond flying duties?

In addition to conducting flight missions, Chief Helicopter Pilots are responsible for overseeing the training and performance of other pilots, managing flight schedules, and ensuring strict compliance with all aviation regulations and company safety protocols. They often coordinate directly with maintenance crews to monitor the airworthiness of the fleet and may participate in hiring or mentoring new pilots. This role also involves developing and implementing operational policies, conducting safety briefings, and liaising with senior management to align flight operations with organizational goals. By balancing flight and supervisory duties, Chief Helicopter Pilots play a crucial part in maintaining both operational excellence and team cohesion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the chief helicopter pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Helicopter Pilot, you need extensive flight experience, advanced piloting skills, leadership capability, and typically hold an Airline Transport Pilot (Helicopter) license. Expertise in flight management systems, GPS navigation, maintenance tracking software, and adherence to FAA regulations are critical. Strong decision-making, team leadership, communication, and crisis management abilities set outstanding candidates apart. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient operations and the effective management of both the helicopter fleet and pilot team.

How much do chief helicopter pilots make?

Chief helicopter pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often hold advanced certifications and have extensive flight hours, which can influence salary levels.

How much does a chief helicopter pilot get paid?

A chief helicopter pilot's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. They often hold advanced certifications and have extensive flight hours, which can influence compensation.
More about Chief Helicopter Pilot jobs

What states have the most Chief Helicopter Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chief Helicopter Pilot jobs include:

Infographic showing various Chief Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $163,193 per year, or $78.5 per hour.

$89K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Responsible for acting as the pilot flying Helicopter for our tours, VFR day/night/NVG by performing the following duties.
Responsibilities:
Reporting directly to the Chief Pilot or Lead Pilot
Responsible for the safe conduct of flights to which assigned
Has the final authority in the operation of the aircraft
PICs must ensure compliance with all federal, state, local and foreign regulations, as well as the policies and procedures specified in the company operations manual
Providing excellent customer service
Complying with schedules and other directives governing the aircraft's operation
Ensuring the preflight inspection is completer before each departure
Ensures passengers have been briefed in accordance as per 14 CFR 135.117
Ensures that each flight is conducted in accordance with 14 CFR 135 or 91 as appropriate
Checking all applicable NOTAMs, studying weather conditions at destination, enroute, alternate airports and departure points
Preparing flight plans as appropriate
Ensuring that the aircraft is clean and prepared for flight
Ensuring that the aircraft is airworthy, duly registered and that all required documentation is on board the aircraft
Reviewing and calculating the aircraft weight and balance, fuel and oxygen requirements and performance charts
Using checklists and operating procedures noted in this manual
Making decisions necessary to start, delay, or cancel flights and deviate the flight from planned route or destination when operating conditions dictate
Notify authorities of any accident, suspected communicable disease, acts of unlawful interference, or landing at an airport other than planned or as caused by circumstances beyond the control of the PIC
Completing all post flight duties, including flight logs, deferred item sheet, notification to the company of any deviation from the planned itinerary or overnight location
When necessary, utilizes the authority to refuse transportation of any person or object if the carriage poses any risk to the safety of the aircraft or its occupants
Ensuring that he/she is current and qualified to operate the aircraft to which he/she is assigned. This includes, but is not limited to: training, testing, compliance with flight time restrictions and rest requirements, maintaining a current medical certificate as required and notifies the chief pilot if any medical (physical or mental) condition exists that may impair his/her ability to perform as a crewmember, and all other applicable Federal Aviation Regulations.
Assists with cleaning of aircraft and work areas
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Language Ability:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Math Ability:
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of word processing software, spreadsheet software, and internet software.
Education/Experience:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and eight to ten years related experience and/or training; 2000 hours as a pilot; 1000 hours as a PIC, 250 hours cross country time; 250 hours at night un-aided; or equivalent combination of education and experience. NVG experience preferred.
Specialized Training:
  • Helicopter pilot training
  • Commercial helicopter training
  • Individual aircraft training

Certificates and Licenses:
  • FAA Commercial Helicopter, with instrument rating
  • FAA Class 2 Medical

Equipment:
  • Flight helmet
  • Flight suit
  • Black leather boots above ankle
  • Night Vision Goggles (NVG)

Knowledge, Skills and Other Abilities:
Ability to work with a diverse group of co-workers and customers
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, and ability to see color.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold (non-weather); extreme heat (non-weather); and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather) and risk of electrical shock.
The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.