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Heli Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hillsboro Aviation

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

... heli-skiing. Our fleet is comprised of Airbus H145D3, Bell 205 A-1++, Bell 407, Bell 407HP, and ... As a B205A-1++ Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter:

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As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for heli pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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To thrive as a Heli Pilot, you need a commercial helicopter pilot license, strong flight skills, and thorough knowledge of aviation regulations and safety procedures. Familiarity with navigation systems, GPS, advanced avionics, and occasionally night vision goggles is often required, along with relevant ratings or type certifications. Excellent situational awareness, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this high-responsibility role. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure safe, efficient flight operations and to handle unexpected challenges in dynamic environments.

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What does a heli pilot do?

A heli pilot, or helicopter pilot, is responsible for operating helicopters to transport passengers, cargo, or provide specialized services such as search and rescue, aerial surveying, firefighting, or medical evacuation. They conduct pre-flight inspections, navigate according to flight plans, and ensure the safety of all onboard. Heli pilots must communicate with air traffic control and respond quickly to changing weather conditions or emergency situations. Their work often requires flexibility, precision, and strong situational awareness.

What is the difference between Heli Pilot vs Helicopter Flight Instructor?

AspectHeli PilotHelicopter Flight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL) with rotorcraft categoryCommercial Pilot License (CPL) with rotorcraft category + Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating
Work EnvironmentTransport, emergency services, tourism, or corporate flightsTraining new pilots, conducting flight lessons, and safety instruction
Employer & IndustryAirlines, charter companies, emergency services, tourism operatorsFlight schools, training academies, aviation colleges

While both Heli Pilots and Helicopter Flight Instructors operate helicopters and require similar certifications, Heli Pilots focus on transportation and operational roles, whereas Flight Instructors specialize in training and certifying new pilots. The key difference lies in their primary responsibilities and certification requirements.

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B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro Aviation

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

About Hillsboro Aviation

Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and airplane services comprised of five divisions: contract & charter, aircraft sales & management, service center, FBO, and parts sales. Serving domestic and international markets in the government, commercial, and private sectors, we have over 75 employees and 10 turbine aircraft. We operate out of our award-winning headquarters at the Portland-Hillsboro Airport (KHIO).

Our Vision

We believe in the power of a personal approach. We passionately purvey the notion of flight, a dream demanding creativity, persistence, resilience, and intent. We strive to foster a legacy of innovative thought, leadership, mentorship, service, and sustainability. We are dedicated to providing opportunity and growth for our team, our customers, and our community by providing extraordinary and memorable experiences in the air and on the ground.

The Position

Hillsboro Aviation’s contract & charter division provides services to the United States Forest Service (USFS), the Department of Interior (DOI), FEMA, large national utility (powerline & infrastructure), and high-tech companies as well as smaller companies and individuals. Our missions include search and rescue, short-haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief, construction support, aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is comprised of Airbus H145D3, Bell 205 A-1++, Bell 407, Bell 407HP, and Airbus AS350B3e.

As a B205A-1++ Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter: R/W team to organize and manage daily requirements of their assigned contract.

Ideal candidates are engaging, energetic, and driven; can work independently within his/her areas of responsibilities under limited supervision; value a strong work ethic and optimistic attitude; maintain a critical eye for detail and organization; and are excited to represent Hillsboro Aviation in front of key customers, including foreign governments, community leaders, and business partners.

Job Responsibilities

  • Hillsboro Aviation is hiring a B205A-1++ Pilot for either an Exclusive Use (EU) or Call-When-Needed (CWN) contract. The contracts start at the beginning of May or June 2026 and run through the end of the fire season.
    • If assigned to a CWN contract, the pilot will receive a guaranteed number of workdays equivalent to an EU contract.
  • The pilot will cover the fire contract on a 12 on / 12 off or a 12 on / 2 off schedule.
    • For those working a 12 on / 2 off schedule, extended breaks to return home may be arranged periodically, depending on operational demands and relief pilot availability.
  • All travel and accommodations are covered by the company. The pilot will receive per diem for meals and incidentals.
  • Additional utility operations may be assigned based on project requirements with schedules adjusted accordingly.
  • The pilot is responsible for representing both the aircraft and the operation in a professional and courteous manner to the customer, the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Strong judgment, sound airmanship, and a commitment to safety are essential to operating the aircraft effectively.
  • Strict adherence to SOPs, contractual obligations, and daily operational reporting procedures is required.

Qualifications/Licenses

  • COM or ATP certificate with Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating
  • Current Medical Class 1 or 2
  • Driver’s License
  • Passport and FCC radio license (for OPS crossing into Canada or relocations to Alaska)
  • Ability to legally work in the US

Required Skills/Experience

  • Helicopter Total Time: 3,500
  • Last 12 Months: 100 PIC in helicopter
  • Bell Medium PIC Time: 50 hours
  • Last 12 Months: 10 hours PIC in Bell Medium
  • Mountainous Terrain: 300 hours PIC in helicopter
  • Bell Medium PIC Mountainous Terrain: 100 hours
  • Vertical Reference Total Time: 300 hours

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Currently or previously Interagency carded in Bell Mediums (preferably B205)
  • Last 12 Months: 25 hours PIC performing vertical reference w/ precision placements
  • Additional experience in B407/AS350/H145
  • Rotorcraft Instrument Rating
  • Clean Driving Record
  • B205 Factory Training

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • 401K

Hillsboro Aviation’s growth and sustainability is rooted in its commitment to attracting a diverse set of talent from around the world. To that end, we encourage qualified individuals from all walks of life to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

This job will remain open until filled. Please do not call regarding the status of your application.