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Helicopter Co Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

Responsible for acting as the pilot flying Helicopter for our tours, VFR day/night/NVG by ... Ability to work with a diverse group of co-workers and customers Physical Demands: The physical ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR ยท On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...

FAA FAA-certified commercial pilot, Helicopter with an Instrument helicopter rating. * FAA Certificated Flight Instructor Helicopter, with Instrument Helicopter Instructor rating required (current)

Helicopter Pilot

Chehalis, WA ยท On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

This helicopter pilot position is based out of Chehalis, Washington providing VFR helicopter services to Weyerhaeuser Timberlands in Oregon and Washington. Some operations require travel away from ...

Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...

Blackhawk Pilot

Mcminnville, OR ยท On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Act as PIC or Co-pilot of S-70 (UH-60L) Black Hawk helicopter in firefighting operations both day and night and other missions as required by the company. * Conduct aerial work operations such as ...

Responsible for acting as the pilot flying Helicopter for our tours, VFR day/night/NVG by ... Ability to work with a diverse group of co-workers and customers Physical Demands: The physical ...

Air Ambulance Pilot SPIFR EC145

Peru, IL ยท On-site

$93.12 - $117.79/hr

Overview This position is responsible for the operation of helicopter. Maintains all standard ... Organizational skills necessary to coordinate services with co-workers, and other departments.

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Helicopter Co Pilot information

See salary details

$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do helicopter co pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter co 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 helicopter co pilot?

Helicopter co pilots are licensed pilots who assist the main pilot (captain) in operating a helicopter. Their duties include helping with navigation, communication, monitoring instruments, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Co pilots often handle radio communication, assist with pre-flight and post-flight checks, and may take over the controls if needed. This position is crucial for multi-crew operations and serves as valuable experience for those aiming to become a captain in the future.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a helicopter co pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Helicopter Co Pilot, you need strong flight training, a commercial pilot license with rotorcraft category, and a solid understanding of aviation regulations. Familiarity with avionics systems, GPS navigation, and flight planning software is typically required, along with FAA certifications. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, and clear communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with the pilot-in-command and crew. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring flight safety, mission efficiency, and effective teamwork in demanding flight operations.

What are some common challenges faced by helicopter co pilots during multi-crew operations?

Helicopter co-pilots often face challenges related to effective communication and coordination with the pilot-in-command, especially during high-pressure situations such as search and rescue missions or complex aerial maneuvers. They must maintain situational awareness while managing navigation, radio communication, and assisting with flight controls. Balancing these responsibilities and adapting to the lead pilot's style requires strong teamwork and adaptability. Overcoming these challenges is essential for flight safety and contributes to developing the skills needed for advancement to pilot-in-command roles.

What is the difference between Helicopter Co Pilot vs Helicopter Pilot?

AspectHelicopter Co PilotHelicopter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), rotorcraft category, instrument ratingCommercial Pilot License (CPL), rotorcraft category, instrument rating
Work EnvironmentAssists the pilot, operates aircraft under supervision, often in charter, rescue, or corporate settingsLeads flights, makes navigation and safety decisions, responsible for flight operation
Roles & ResponsibilitiesSupports the pilot, handles navigation, communication, and safety checksResponsible for flight planning, decision-making, and overall aircraft operation

The main difference between a Helicopter Co Pilot and a Helicopter Pilot lies in their roles and responsibilities. The co-pilot assists the pilot and operates under supervision, while the pilot is in charge of the flight. Both roles require similar certifications, but the pilot holds the primary responsibility for flight safety and decision-making.

Is 40 too late to become a helicopter co pilot?

Becoming a helicopter co-pilot at age 40 is possible, as many pilots start their training later in life. Key requirements include obtaining a commercial pilot license, accumulating flight hours, and passing medical exams, which can be achieved at various ages. Experience, skills, and certifications are often more important than age in this field.

Is there a demand for helicopter co pilots?

The demand for helicopter co-pilots is generally steady, especially in sectors such as emergency medical services, offshore oil support, and tourism. Job opportunities depend on industry needs, experience, and certifications like a commercial pilot license with rotorcraft ratings. As the aviation industry evolves, skilled co-pilots remain essential for safe and efficient operations.
Infographic showing various Helicopter Co Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Helicopter Pilot

Detroit, MI โ€ข On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 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.