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Day Sheriff Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot

Detroit, MI · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

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 ...

STS Technical Services is hiring a VFR Helicopter Pilot to support air medical transport operations ... The schedule follows a consistent 7 days on / 7 days off rotation with 24 hour operational coverage ...

STS Technical Services is hiring a VFR Helicopter Pilot to support air medical transport operations ... Operations run 24 hours per day with rotating day and night schedules under VFR and Night Vision ...

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

STS Technical Services is hiring a VFR Helicopter Pilot to support air medical transport operations ... Operations run 24 hours per day with rotating day and night schedules under VFR and Night Vision ...

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Livingston, TX · On-site

$67K - $84K/yr

STS Technical Services is hiring VFR Helicopter Pilots in Livingston, Texas. Position Summary STS ... You will fly day and night missions in a 24-hour operational environment, supporting emergency ...

Helicopter Pilot

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Responsible for the safe operation of a medium lift twin engine helicopter in single pilot day/night/NVG visual and instrument flight condition. Performs flight duty in a 24 hour hospital based ...

Pilots conduct day and night missions and are responsible for the safe, compliant execution of all ... Commercial Helicopter Rating * Instrument Helicopter Rating * First Class Medical Certificate

Helicopter Pilot

Aberdeen, NC · On-site

$74K - $93K/yr

We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our communities 24 hours a day ... helicopter (3,000 hours preferred); 1000 hours turbine. * 1000 hours Pilot-in-Command. * 200 hours ...

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Day Sheriff Helicopter Pilot information

See salary details

$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do day sheriff helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for day sheriff 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 is a day sheriff helicopter pilot?

Day Sheriff Helicopter Pilots are law enforcement officers trained to operate helicopters during daytime shifts. Their primary responsibilities include aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, supporting ground units during pursuits, and providing rapid response to emergencies. They play a crucial role in public safety by offering a bird’s-eye view of situations, which helps coordinate law enforcement efforts more effectively. These pilots must have specialized training in both aviation and police procedures, as well as the ability to work closely with other members of the sheriff’s department. Qualifications typically include a commercial pilot’s license, law enforcement experience, and additional certifications related to helicopter operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a day sheriff helicopter pilot?

To thrive as a Day Sheriff Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial helicopter pilot license, strong flight skills, and knowledge of law enforcement procedures. Familiarity with aviation navigation systems, GPS, radios, and night vision equipment (even for day shifts) is typically required, along with completion of law enforcement aviation training. Excellent situational awareness, calm decision-making under pressure, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe operation during complex missions and effective support for law enforcement activities in dynamic environments.

What are some common challenges faced by day sheriff helicopter pilots and how are they addressed on the job?

Day Sheriff Helicopter Pilots often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, coordinating effectively with ground units during pursuits or search-and-rescue missions, and maintaining situational awareness in high-pressure scenarios. To address these challenges, pilots undergo regular training in both flight operations and law enforcement protocols, and they work closely with tactical flight officers to ensure clear communication. Additionally, most sheriff departments provide access to advanced navigation and communication systems to support decision-making and safety during flights.

What is the difference between Day Sheriff Helicopter Pilot vs Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot?

AspectDay Sheriff Helicopter PilotSearch and Rescue Helicopter Pilot
CredentialsCommercial pilot license, sheriff department trainingCommercial pilot license, SAR training certifications
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement missions, sheriff's department facilitiesRescue operations, often in remote or disaster areas
Employer & IndustrySheriff's department, law enforcementRescue agencies, emergency services

The main difference between a Day Sheriff Helicopter Pilot and a Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot lies in their primary missions and work environments. The sheriff pilot focuses on law enforcement activities during the day, while the SAR pilot specializes in rescue operations, often in challenging terrains or disaster zones. Both roles require similar certifications but serve distinct operational purposes.

Is it hard to become a day sheriff helicopter pilot?

Becoming a day sheriff helicopter pilot requires extensive training, including obtaining a commercial pilot license, flight hours, and often specialized law enforcement or emergency response certifications. The job demands strong flying skills, situational awareness, and the ability to operate in high-pressure environments, making it a challenging career path.

What cities are hiring for Day Sheriff Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Day Sheriff Helicopter Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Sheriff Helicopter Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Sheriff Helicopter Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Day Sheriff Helicopter Pilot jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Day Sheriff Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Locum Tenens, 69% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 21% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

$89K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 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.