ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coulson Aviation

Pilot In Command-S61

Portland, OR · On-site

... contract execution, and represent Coulson Aviation with professionalism in all interactions. Key ... Minimum Requirements - FAA Commercial Rotorcraft License - Instrument Rating (Helicopter ...

North Memorial Health

Pilot EX - Bemidji

Bemidji, MN · On-site

$46.76 - $70.14/hr

... ATP Preferred. • Helicopter Instrument Rating • Current FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate ... Work Group: Non Contract Hours per two week pay period: 80 Shift: Day/Night 12 hours Weekend ...

North Memorial Health

Pilot EX - Bemidji

Bemidji, MN · On-site

$46.76 - $70.14/hr

... ATP Preferred. • Helicopter Instrument Rating • Current FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate ... Work Group: Non Contract Hours per two week pay period: 80 Shift: Day/Night 12 hours Weekend ...

Blaze Health

Pilot EX - Bemidji

Bemidji, MN · On-site

Helicopter Instrument Rating Current FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate Experience 1500 hours ... Work Group: Non Contract Hours per two week pay period: 80 Shift: Day/Night 12 hours Weekend ...

Blaze Health

Pilot EX - Bemidji

Bemidji, MN

Helicopter Instrument Rating Current FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate Experience 1500 hours ... Work Group: Non Contract Hours per two week pay period: 80 Shift: Day/Night 12 hours Weekend ...

Blaze Health

Pilot EX - Brainerd

Brainerd, MN

Helicopter Instrument Rating Current FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate Experience 1500 hours ... Work Group: Non Contract Hours per two week pay period: 80 Shift: Day/Night 12 hours Weekend ...

Coulson Aviation

CH47-Pilot In Command

Portland, OR · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

... contract execution, and represent Coulson Aviation with professionalism in all interactions. Key ... Instrument Rating (Helicopter) * Qualified to act as PIC in CH47 * Minimum 2,500 hours PIC ...

Hillsboro Aviation

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

... helicopter and airplane services comprised of five divisions: contract & charter, aircraft sales ... As a B205A-1++ Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter:

Itlearn360

$80.25 - $120.37/hr

... high-quality contracts across the world. We've been managing Scotland's air ambulance for over ... helicopter pilot is likely to face. Both an H145 type rating and HEMS/NVIS training will be ...

Angel MedFlight

Learjet PIC

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$115K - $206K/yr

We're looking for exceptional pilots to join our mission of safely transporting patients to the ... Company Paid PIC type rating at FSI or CAE * 12-month initial training contract * Paid off day ...

Blue Air Training

Pilot

North Las Vegas, NV · On-site

OV-10 Bronco, PC-9, IAR-823 Brasov, Bell-206 helicopter, and A-90 Raider in support of our customer ... Must be able to obtain/maintain a clearance level as required per contract. Must be able to obtain ...

KBR

AH-64E Instructor Pilot

Killeen, TX · On-site

Our foreign military aviation training activity builds lethal attack helicopter units through ... the contract Must have an FAA Commercial Instrument Rotary Wing License Must be able to create ...

Blue Air Training

Pilot (Part-Time)

Avon Park, FL · On-site

OV-10 Bronco, PC-9, IAR-823 Brasov, Bell-206 helicopter, and A-90 Raider in support of our customer ... Must be able to obtain/maintain a clearance level as required per contract. Must be able to obtain ...

KBR

AH-64E Instructor Pilot

Killeen, TX

Our foreign military aviation training activity builds lethal attack helicopter units through ... the contract Must have an FAA Commercial Instrument Rotary Wing License Must be able to create ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsContract Helicopter Pilot Jobs

Contract Helicopter Pilot information

See salary details

$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do contract helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract helicopter pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of assignments and work environments can a contract helicopter pilot expect?

Contract Helicopter Pilots often work on a variety of assignments, including but not limited to aerial surveying, transport, emergency medical flights, firefighting support, and utility work in remote locations. Work environments range from urban helipads and hospitals to offshore platforms and mountainous terrain, often requiring flexibility and readiness to travel or relocate for short-term projects. Pilots may operate independently or as part of a specialized team, coordinating with ground crews, dispatchers, or mission specialists. Assignments can vary in duration and may involve irregular hours, depending on client needs and project requirements. This diversity offers unique professional development opportunities but also requires resilience and strong time management skills.

What is a contract helicopter pilot?

A Contract Helicopter Pilot is a freelance or temporary pilot hired to operate helicopters for various missions, including aerial tours, firefighting, emergency medical services, offshore transportation, and utility work. Unlike full-time pilots, contract pilots work on a per-job or short-term basis, often moving between different employers or locations as needed. This role offers flexibility but requires pilots to manage their own licensing, training, and often their own equipment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a contract helicopter pilot?

Contract Helicopter Pilots must possess advanced piloting skills, a commercial helicopter license, substantial flying hours, and a clean safety record. Operational proficiency with avionics, GPS navigation, and communication systems, as well as certification for specific aircraft types, is typically required. Strong decision-making, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are key soft skills for success in this role. These capabilities ensure safe, efficient operation in diverse environments and build trust with employers and clients relying on timely aerial services.

More about Contract Helicopter Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Helicopter Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Contract Helicopter Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Helicopter Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Helicopter Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Helicopter Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Helicopter Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Helicopter Pilot jobs are:
Contract Helicopter Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Pilot In Command-S61

Coulson Aviation

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

S-61 Pilot in Command (PIC)


About Coulson Aviation

Coulson Aviation is a global leader in aerial firefighting, operating across the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. Our diverse fleet of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft supports rapid response wildfire suppression, including both initial and extended attack operations.

As part of the Coulson Group, we have over 65 years of operational experience and continued growth in the aviation and firefighting industry.

No relocation required. Pilots may live anywhere in the U.S. we provide travel to and from assignments.


Position Overview

The S-61 Pilot in Command (PIC) reports to the Chief Pilot and is responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional execution of all assigned flight operations.

This role requires a strong working knowledge of applicable FAA regulations (Parts 91, 133, 135, and 137), company procedures, and operational best practices.


Missions may include:

- Aerial firefighting (day and night operations)

- External load (logging and construction)

- Ferry and repositioning flights

- Reconnaissance

- Emergency response and disaster mitigation

-Pilots are expected to manage daily operational requirements, support contract execution, and represent Coulson Aviation with professionalism in all interactions.


Key Responsibilities

- Exercise final authority for the safe operation of the aircraft in accordance with 14 CFR 91.3.

- Review flight assignments, weather, NOTAMs, and mission-specific requirements.

- Ensure proper preflight planning, including weight & balance, fuel, routing, and performance.

- Conduct thorough aircraft inspections and ensure readiness for flight.

- Verify all maintenance discrepancies have been procedurally complied with, deferred, or corrected by maintenance personnel in accordance with the approved Minimum Equipment Lis for the aircraft, prior to flight.

- Ensure all required documents, equipment, and materials are onboard.

- Maintain accurate flight logs and operational records.

- Conduct passenger and crew briefings, when applicable.

- Coordinate effectively during pilot shift changes.

- Ensure compliance with duty and flight time limitations.

- Support and mentor copilots and crew members.

- Assist with aircraft cleanliness and basic support to maintenance as needed.

- Maintain a high standard of professionalism with clients and stakeholders.


Minimum Requirements

- FAA Commercial Rotorcraft License

- Instrument Rating (Helicopter)

- Qualified to act as PIC in the S-61 or similar aircraft

- Minimum 2,500 hours PIC (helicopter) preferred

- Must meet or exceed USFS PIC qualification requirements

- No FAA violations or enforcement actions within the past 5 years

- Strong knowledge of FAA regulations and operational standards

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

- Team-oriented with strong decision-making skills

- High school diploma or equivalent


Preferred Qualifications

- Night Vision Goggle (NVG) experience

- Vertical reference and/or tank operations experience

- Previous firefighting or utility helicopter experience

- Experience supervising crew and copilots


Work Environment

- Field-based operations in dynamic and remote environments

- Exposure to noise, dust, fumes, and varying weather conditions

- Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs


Compensation & Benefits

- Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications

- Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

- 401(k) with company match

- Flexible work schedule supporting work-life balance

- Travel provided to and from assignments


Equal Opportunity Employer

Coulson Aviation is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process.





Apply