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Contract Pilot Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Coulson Aviation

S61-Pilot In Command

Portland, OR · On-site

... contract execution, and represent Coulson Aviation with professionalism in all interactions. Key ... pilot shift changes. - Ensure compliance with duty and flight time limitations. - Support and ...

Coulson Aviation

CH47-Pilot In Command

Portland, OR · On-site

... contract execution, and represent Coulson Aviation with professionalism in all interactions. Key ... pilot shift changes. - Ensure compliance with duty and flight time limitations. - Assist with ...

Hillsboro Aviation

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

The Position Hillsboro Aviation's contract & charter division provides services to the United ... As a B205A-1++ Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter:

Hillsboro Aviation

MD500 Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

The Position Hillsboro Aviation is seeking experienced candidates for Utility/Powerline contracts ... Pilot will have a rotational schedule of 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. Qualifications/Licenses • ...

Milwaukee Electronics

NPI Engineer

Canby, OR · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

... contract electronics manufacturer bringing innovations to life from prototype to production. Our ... Support New Product Introduction (NPI) builds, ensuring product readiness for prototypes, pilots ...

Milegon LLC

NPI Engineer

Canby, OR

$76K - $98K/yr

... contract electronics manufacturer bringing innovations to life from prototype to production. Our ... Support New Product Introduction (NPI) builds, ensuring product readiness for prototypes, pilots ...

Milwaukee Electronics

NPI Engineer

Canby, OR

$76K - $98K/yr

... contract electronics manufacturer bringing innovations to life from prototype to production. Our ... Support New Product Introduction (NPI) builds, ensuring product readiness for prototypes, pilots ...

Imagine Pediatrics

OR · Hybrid

$110K - $130K/yr

... contracts, and collaborate with Finance to tie revenue forecasts to service lines and clinical programs * Lead end-to-end pilot execution for new clinical programs and initiatives, including ...

ImpactSearch Partners

... close contracts * Partner closely with Product, Marketing ,and Engineering to deliver an ... Responsible for scoping, managing and executing customer pilots and POCs * Communicate and ...

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All JobsContract Pilot JobsContract Pilot Jobs in Oregon

Contract Pilot information

See Oregon salary details

$52.3K

$138.4K

$212.5K

How much do contract pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract pilot in Oregon is $138,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,700.00 and $163,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Contract Pilot Do?

A contract pilot is an aviation professional who operates helicopters, charter planes, or another aircraft on a per-job basis. As a contract pilot, you work directly with corporate or individual clients to fly an aircraft between locations and transport passengers or cargo. Your contract may be for a single trip or multiple trips. However, you operate as an independent contractor, so you are responsible for maintaining your credentials and insurance. Working as a contract pilot provides you with greater flexibility than being a pilot for an airline or the military.

What are some common challenges faced by contract pilots when adapting to different aircraft and client expectations?

Contract pilots often fly a variety of aircraft types for different clients, which can require quick adaptation to new cockpit layouts, avionics systems, and company-specific procedures. Additionally, each client may have unique operational standards and expectations regarding communication, scheduling, and reporting. Staying organized, maintaining up-to-date certifications, and being proactive in learning new processes are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Strong interpersonal skills also help contract pilots integrate smoothly with new crews and flight departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Pilot, you need extensive flight experience, an active commercial or airline transport pilot license (CPL/ATPL), and current medical certification. Familiarity with specific aircraft types, proficiency in using advanced avionics systems, and completion of required type ratings are typically necessary. Strong decision-making, adaptability, and effective communication skills help you manage diverse flying environments and coordinate with clients and crews. These competencies ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and reliable service in varied and dynamic aviation assignments.

What are contract pilots?

Contract pilots are professional pilots who are hired on a temporary or per-assignment basis, rather than as full-time employees of an airline or company. They typically operate private jets, corporate aircraft, or charter flights for individuals or organizations that need flight services for a limited period. Contract pilots are responsible for pre-flight planning, operating the aircraft safely, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and sometimes handling administrative tasks related to each flight. This flexible arrangement allows both pilots and employers to meet their scheduling and operational needs without long-term commitments.

What is the difference between Contract Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectContract PilotCommercial Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, possibly additional type ratingsCommercial Pilot Certificate, multi-engine ratings often required
Work EnvironmentHired on a temporary basis for specific contracts, often freelanceEmployed by airlines, charter companies, or corporate operators
Employer & Industry UsageContract basis across various operators, including private and cargoFull-time or part-time employment within commercial aviation

Contract pilots typically hold a commercial pilot certificate and work on a temporary or project basis, often flying for multiple operators. Commercial pilots are usually employed full-time by airlines or companies, with a focus on scheduled or charter flights. The main difference lies in employment type and job stability, with contract pilots offering flexibility and diverse opportunities, while commercial pilots often have more consistent employment within the commercial aviation industry.

More about Contract Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Pilot jobs in Oregon? For Contract Pilot jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Pilot jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Pilot jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Contract Pilot jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Contract Pilot job openings:
Contract Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Pilot job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,416 per year, or $66.5 per hour.

S61-Pilot In Command

Coulson Aviation

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 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.





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