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Helicopter Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$66K - $82K/yr

Valid Driver's License Minimum Required Experience (Regulatory and CAMTS Requirements) * Total Flight Time = 2,000 hours * Helicopter Flight Time = 1,200 hours * Total Pilot-in-Command Helicopter ...

Fire Pilot

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

Must possess and maintain a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Helicopter Instrument Rating * Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at time of appointment This ...

Fire Pilot

Irvine, CA

$122K - $164K/yr

... Helicopter Instrument Rating Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at time of appointment This classification is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice ...

WI · On-site

$115K - $126K/yr

Helicopter instrument rating * Current FAA Class II Medical Certificate * 2,000 Total Flight Hours * 1,500 Helicopter Hours * 1,000 Helicopter PIC Hours * 500 Turbine Helicopter Hours * 200 ...

Showing results 41-60

Helicopter Driver information

What is a helicopter driver?

Helicopter drivers, more accurately known as helicopter pilots, are trained professionals who operate helicopters for various purposes such as transportation, search and rescue, medical evacuation, aerial surveying, and law enforcement. They are responsible for safely flying helicopters, conducting pre-flight inspections, navigating routes, and ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo. Helicopter pilots must hold a commercial pilot's license specific to rotary-wing aircraft and meet strict training and certification requirements. Their job requires excellent situational awareness, communication skills, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

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

To thrive as a Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license, strong understanding of aviation regulations, and solid flight experience. Familiarity with navigation systems, radio communication equipment, and weather monitoring tools is essential, along with certifications such as an FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Certificate. Excellent decision-making, situational awareness, and calmness under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring passenger safety, effective flight operations, and responding to dynamic conditions in the air.

What are some common challenges helicopter drivers face during daily operations?

Helicopter pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, navigating complex airspace, and landing in confined or remote areas. Each flight can present unique obstacles, requiring strong situational awareness and quick decision-making skills. Additionally, pilots must maintain clear communication with air traffic control and ground crews to ensure safety and efficiency. Adherence to strict safety protocols and ongoing training are essential parts of the role.

What is the difference between Helicopter Driver vs Helicopter Pilot?

AspectHelicopter DriverHelicopter Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL) with rotorcraft ratingCommercial Pilot License (CPL) with rotorcraft rating
Work EnvironmentTransporting passengers or cargo, often in private or commercial settingsOperating helicopters for various purposes, including transport, rescue, or filming
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate companies, tourism, media, or corporate clientsAirlines, emergency services, media, or private clients

Both Helicopter Drivers and Helicopter Pilots require similar certifications and often work in overlapping environments. The main difference lies in terminology and specific job roles, with 'Helicopter Driver' often used in private or non-aviation contexts, while 'Helicopter Pilot' is the standard industry term for licensed operators.

Is it easy to get a helicopter driver job?

Getting a helicopter pilot job can be competitive and requires specialized training, including obtaining a commercial pilot license and relevant certifications. Experience, flight hours, and safety records are important factors, and many employers prefer candidates with military or extensive civilian flying backgrounds.
More about Helicopter Driver jobs

What cities are hiring for Helicopter Driver jobs?

Cities with the most Helicopter Driver job openings:

What states have the most Helicopter Driver jobs?

States with the most job openings for Helicopter Driver jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Helicopter Driver jobs?

For Helicopter Driver jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Helicopter Driver job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Helicopter Air Ambulance Pilot - IFR/PIC - EC135 - LAR - 110

On-site

Metro Aviation
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$66K - $82K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 8 days ago


Metro Aviation rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 68 rated aviation services


Job description

Metro Aviation, Inc. is seeking a Helicopter Air Ambulance Pilot (IFR/PIC) (EC135) in Shreveport, Louisiana for the Acadian Air Med program.

  • *$2,000 Sign-On Bonus*
  • *$5,000 Retention Bonus*
  • *Pilot Housing*
  • *$20,000 Hardship Stipend Available*
  • *Relocation Assistance Available*
  • *Subject to offer letter terms and policy*

Our mission is to provide the safest and highest quality traditional aircraft operations, completions, and maintenance so that we will:

  • Allow our customers to safely and effectively accomplish their mission profile,
  • Allow our employees to exercise their talents and maximize their potential, and
  • Ensure the financial stability of the corporation.

Our goal is to find qualified candidates who value our mission and contribute to our overall safety culture. We invest in the well-being of our employees. The following FREE benefits are offered to all full-time employees: Family Health and Prescription Insurance, Family Dental Insurance, Family Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Short-term Disability, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Job Objective

The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) is responsible for all phases and aspects of the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. The pilot will uphold the highest standards of flight safety while conducting their duties and represent the Company in the communities we serve in a professional manner at all times. The pilot will maintain a direct, honest, and courteous line of communication with their immediate supervisor, the Company, and the clients we serve. They will recognize the importance of exceptional and professional interpersonal relationships with co-workers and our clients to ensure the Company’s longevity in this industry.

Essential Functions
  • Directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to the operation of the assigned aircraft at all times
  • Perform duties in a professional and courteous manner to include interaction with customers, co-workers, Metro Aviation management, and the general public
  • Maintain a work and training schedule as set forth by Metro Aviation, Inc. and also be prepared to occasionally serve extra duty shifts, when called upon, due to the absence of other pilots during vacations, sick or military leave, or when short-staffed at a base
  • Attend Metro Aviation, Inc. or customer meetings as required
  • Comply with all directives and guidance of the Metro Aviation, Inc. General Operations Manual, Operations Specifications, Policy & Procedures, Company Bulletins, Federal Aviation Regulations and any other guidance/directives/regulations as applicable
  • Perform the duties and responsibilities specific to Operational Control, as listed in the Metro Aviation, Inc. General Operations Manual
  • Perform proper pre-flight inspection, servicing (fuel, oxygen, etc.) and confirm aircraft airworthiness
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the assigned aircraft.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSA)
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Possess sound judgment and objectivity in decision-making
  • Ability to create an environment that demonstrates teamwork and professionalism with diverse personalities and professional backgrounds
  • Ability to maintain cooperative and harmonious relationships with internal and external customers
  • Demonstrated leadership qualities and strong initiative
  • Proficient in directing and guiding
Required Certificates
  • FAA Commercial Pilot Rotorcraft Certificate and Instrument Helicopter Rating (Airline Transport Pilot Rotorcraft Preferred)
  • FAA 2nd Class Medical (1st Class required at some locations)
  • Valid Driver's License
Minimum Required Experience (Regulatory and CAMTS Requirements)
  • Total Flight Time =2,000 hours
  • Helicopter Flight Time =1,200 hours
  • Total Pilot-in-Command Helicopter Time =1,000 hours
  • Turbine Helicopter Time =500 hours
  • Total X/C Time =500 hours
  • Total Night Time =100 hours (50 unaided)
  • Total Instrument Time =75 hours (50 in flight)
Preferred Experience
  • Air Medical operations
  • Single Pilot IFR operations
  • Night Vision Goggle operations
Physical Demands
  • Prolonged periods of standing, sitting, and walking
  • Ability to conduct activities requiring a moderate to rigorous amount of static pushing, pulling, reaching, and lifting
  • Capable of lifting 40 pounds floor to bench height
  • Ability to hear and respond to routine aircraft noises
  • Maintain a "duty" weight (body weight + uniform/equipment helmet not included) if applicable per program
  • Ability to wear a commercially available respirator mask with proper fit when requested
  • Require close and distant visual capability
  • Periodic hands to key ability (typing)
Work Environment
  • Temperature controlled office/rest quarters
  • Exposure to outdoor aircraft facility with potential cold and hot temperatures
  • Exposure to running aircraft
  • Exposure to refueling systems
Status & Work Schedule
  • Full Time
  • 7 on / 7 off schedule
  • 12-hour shifts
  • Workover is available depending on the needs of the program
  • Travel to required annual training

*Metro Aviation, Inc. does not have a Visa Sponsorship program at this time*

Metro Aviation, Inc. is committed to employees, customers, and the community to promote diversity and inclusion by developing policies, programs, and procedures that foster a work environment where differences are respected and employees are treated fairly.

Metro Aviation, Inc. prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind and ensures equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all aspects of the relationship between Metro Aviation, Inc. and its employees, including recruitment, employment, promotion, transfer, training, working conditions, wages and salary administration, employee benefits, and application of policies.

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