ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance 500 Hour Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

STS Technical Services

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Oracle, AZ · On-site

$50K/yr

First Class FAA Medical Flight Experience Requirements * 2,000 Total Flight Hours * 1,500 Helicopter Flight Hours * 1,000 Hours Pilot in Command Helicopters * 500 Hours Turbine Helicopter Time * 100 ...

STS Technical Services

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

First Class FAA Medical Flight Experience Requirements * 2,000 Total Flight Hours * 1,500 Helicopter Flight Hours * 1,000 Hours Pilot in Command Helicopters * 500 Hours Turbine Helicopter Time * 100 ...

Textron

Pilot - Skillbridge

Cherry Point, NC · On-site

... • 500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft Specific Air Force Contract Qualifications • 1200 hours total PIC of a tactical military aircraft • ...

Air Methods Pilots

Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Pilot

Lihue, HI · On-site

$88K - $110K/yr

High school diploma or GED required. * 2,500 hours Pilot-in-Command hours documented and verifiable. * 1,000 turbine hours * Pilot in Command Hours preferred. * Have a Commercial-instrument ...

Textron

... 500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft Specific Air Force Contract Qualifications 1200 hours total PIC of a tactical military aircraft Current in a ...

Textron

Pilot - Skillbridge (High Point)

High Point, NC · On-site

Secret Security Clearance, US Citizen Specific Navy Contract Qualifications * 1000 hours PIC of a military tactical aircraft * 500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD‑owned/operated ...

i3

Research Pilot

Edwards, CA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

Logbook and/or flight records verifying the following flight time minimums: 1,500 hours of pilot in command (PIC) (Required), pilots should have at least 1000 hours in transport category aircraft ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All Jobsfreelance JobsTravel JobsAviation JobsPilot JobsFreelance 500 Hour Pilot Jobs

Freelance 500 Hour Pilot information

See salary details

$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance 500 hour pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance 500 hour pilot in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance 500 hour pilot?

A Freelance 500 Hour Pilot is an independent commercial pilot who has accumulated at least 500 hours of total flight time. These pilots typically work on a contract basis for various clients, performing tasks such as charter flights, ferrying aircraft, or aerial photography. The '500 hour' designation often indicates a level of experience that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for many entry-level commercial pilot positions. Freelance pilots enjoy flexibility in choosing assignments but must manage their own scheduling, licensing, and insurance. This role is common among pilots building hours toward more advanced aviation careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance 500 hour pilot?

To thrive as a Freelance 500 Hour Pilot, you need a commercial pilot certificate, a minimum of 500 flight hours, and thorough knowledge of aviation regulations and safety procedures. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and aircraft-specific avionics is typically required. Strong decision-making, communication, and adaptability are essential soft skills for managing diverse flight scenarios and interacting with clients or crews. These skills and qualifications are critical for ensuring safe operations, client satisfaction, and regulatory compliance in varied and sometimes unpredictable flying assignments.

What are some common challenges freelance 500 hour pilots face when securing new flying opportunities?

Freelance 500-hour pilots often encounter challenges such as fluctuating demand for contract pilots, competition from more experienced aviators, and the need to continually network to find new assignments. Building a strong reputation for reliability and professionalism is crucial for securing repeat business. Additionally, freelancers must stay current with certifications and adapt quickly to different aircraft and operational procedures, as clients may vary widely in equipment and expectations.

What is the difference between Freelance 500 Hour Pilot vs Part-Time Commercial Pilot?

AspectFreelance 500 Hour PilotPart-Time Commercial Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, 500 flight hoursCommercial Pilot Certificate, often with additional ratings
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed, varied locations, flexible schedulePart-time employment, fixed schedules, employer-based
Industry UsageFreelance flying jobs, private charters, aerial workScheduled flights, charter services, flight instruction

The Freelance 500 Hour Pilot typically works independently, offering services on a flexible basis with at least 500 flight hours. In contrast, a Part-Time Commercial Pilot is usually employed by a company or flight school, working scheduled hours. Both roles require a commercial pilot certificate, but their work settings and employment structures differ significantly.

More about Freelance 500 Hour Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance 500 Hour Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance 500 Hour Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of 500 Hour Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of 500 Hour Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance 500 Hour Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance 500 Hour Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Freelance 500 Hour Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance 500 Hour Pilot jobs are:

Freelance 500 Hour Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance 500 Hour Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

VFR Helicopter Pilot

STS Technical Services

Oracle, AZ • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

STS Technical Services is hiring a VFR Helicopter Pilot to support air medical transport operations based in Oracle, Arizona. This role places experienced pilots at the center of critical care response, flying urgent medical missions where safety, professionalism, and disciplined decision making are essential.
Pilots in this position operate Airbus AS350 aircraft supporting emergency medical teams across the region. The schedule follows a consistent 7 days on / 7 days off rotation with 24 hour operational coverage, including both day and night flight operations under VFR and Night Vision Goggle (NVG) conditions.
For pilots who value purpose driven flying and a strong safety culture, this position offers the opportunity to perform meaningful work while operating advanced aircraft in demanding real world environments.
Position Overview
STS Technical Services is recruiting an experienced Air Medical Helicopter Pilot to support operations for a leading air medical transport provider based in Oracle, Arizona.
In this role, pilots conduct critical care transport missions, delivering rapid medical response to patients in urgent situations. This position combines advanced aviation operations with meaningful work that directly supports life saving emergency care.
Operations include 24 hour flight coverage with rotating day and night schedules, flying under VFR and Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations.
Aircraft and Operational Details
  • Aircraft: Airbus AS350
  • Location: Oracle, Arizona
  • Schedule: 7 days on / 7 days off rotation
  • 24 hour operational coverage
  • Day and night flight operations
  • VFR and NVG operations

Compensation
  • Sign On Bonus: Up to $50,000
  • Competitive base compensation
  • Shift bonuses and incentives
  • Annual safety bonus and performance bonuses
  • Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Key Responsibilities
  • Perform line pilot duties in accordance with company operational procedures
  • Safely operate an AS350 helicopter during air medical transport missions
  • Assist with patient and equipment loading when required
  • Maintain strict adherence to operational procedures and safety protocols
  • Participate in community outreach programs and operational initiatives
  • Work closely with medical crews to ensure safe and efficient patient transport
  • Support company safety programs and Safety Management System initiatives

Minimum Qualifications
  • Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate
  • Instrument Rating
  • First Class FAA Medical

Flight Experience Requirements
  • 2,000 Total Flight Hours
  • 1,500 Helicopter Flight Hours
  • 1,000 Hours Pilot in Command Helicopters
  • 500 Hours Turbine Helicopter Time
  • 100 Hours Unaided Night Operations - or -
  • 50 Hours Unaided Night + 100 Hours Night Vision Goggle (NVG)

Additional Requirements
  • Must meet company flight personnel weight restriction policy of 235 lbs or less
  • Ability to assist with lifting up to 100 pounds when loading equipment or patients
  • Must pass pre employment physical exam, drug screening, and background check
  • Strong communication and customer service skills
  • Candidates must reside within one hour of the base location

Schedule
  • 7 days on / 7 days off rotation
  • 24 hour operational coverage
  • Day and night flight operations

About STS Technical Services
STS Technical Services is a leading provider of workforce solutions across aviation, aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and industrial markets. We connect highly skilled professionals with mission critical roles that make a real difference.
STS Technical Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status.
#IndeedSTS

Apply