ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Helicopter Flight Instructor Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

All JobsHelicopter Flight Instructor JobsHelicopter Flight Instructor Jobs in Alaska

Helicopter Flight Instructor information

What is a helicopter flight instructor?

Helicopter Flight Instructors are licensed pilots who are qualified to teach students how to fly helicopters. They provide both ground and flight instruction, covering essential topics such as flight maneuvers, safety procedures, navigation, and emergency protocols. Their goal is to prepare students for various pilot certifications and ensure they develop the skills and knowledge necessary for safe helicopter operation. Instructors typically hold a commercial pilot's license with an additional instructor rating specific to helicopters.

What does a helicopter flight instructor do?

As a helicopter flight instructor, your job is to teach a student how to pilot a helicopter, particularly as it relates to preparing them for the FAA flight exam. In your role as a CFI, you may guide students through ground school, help them acquire each rating necessary to proceed in their training, and help them meet experience requirements while flying training aircraft. Helicopter flight instructors often work with simulators and pilot helicopters in a variety of different weather conditions. Depending on the needs of your school, you may also teach students how to fly other types of aircraft, maintain records, or examine helicopters to determine airworthiness.

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

To thrive as a Helicopter Flight Instructor, you need advanced piloting skills, comprehensive aviation knowledge, and a Commercial Helicopter Pilot License with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating. Familiarity with flight training software, navigation systems, and FAA regulations is essential. Strong communication, patience, and situational awareness are crucial soft skills for effective teaching and student safety. These competencies ensure that students receive thorough, safe, and high-quality training in compliance with industry standards.

What are some common challenges helicopter flight instructors face when training new pilots?

Helicopter flight instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting to varying student learning speeds and managing students’ initial anxiety or nervousness during flight. Instructors must balance maintaining safety while allowing students hands-on control, and they need to effectively communicate complex maneuvers in a way that is clear and reassuring. Additionally, instructors may work irregular hours to accommodate students’ schedules and changing weather conditions. Developing strong observation and interpersonal skills is key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring students build both competence and confidence.

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

AspectHelicopter Flight InstructorHelicopter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), specific helicopter ratingsCommercial Pilot Certificate, helicopter ratings
Work EnvironmentFlight schools, training environments, instructional settingsCharter services, corporate, transportation, aerial work
Job FocusTeaching and training pilots, safety instructionOperating helicopters for various missions, transportation

Helicopter Flight Instructors primarily focus on training and certifying new pilots, working in instructional environments. Helicopter Pilots operate aircraft for transportation, commercial, or aerial work. While both roles require similar certifications, instructors emphasize teaching, whereas pilots focus on flight operations.

How much do helicopter flight instructors make?

Helicopter flight instructors typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of employer. Instructors with advanced certifications and more flight hours can earn higher wages, especially when working for commercial flight schools or private operators.
More about Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs

What are popular job titles related to Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Alaska?

For Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Alaska are:

Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Flight Instructor job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

PUBLIC NOTICE - Aviation Safety Inspector (Flight Oversight Rotorcraft-Helicopter)

Department of Transportation

Anchorage, AK • On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago

California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

545th of 855 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft-Helicopter) Flight Oversight

Aviation Safety Inspectors in this specialty (Rotorcraft - Helicopter FLIGHT OVERSIGHT) apply knowledge and skills typically acquired as airmen (pilots, navigators, flight instructors, etc) to develop and administer regulations and safety standards pertaining to the operation of rotorcraft.

The selectee serves as a developmental performing duty as assigned without authority for actions or decisions and will be required to complete initial new hire training to include formal and on-the-job training up to 24 months.

The Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft-Helicopter) Flight Oversight is responsible for the performance of assigned technical administration, certification, and surveillance duties and assures that aviation organizations and airmen comply with regulatory requirements and reports deficiencies to the principal inspector or supervisor.

Duties and responsibilities at the FG-12 level may include but are not limited to:

  • Selectee is delegated the specific authority to make decisions as to the quality of operations activities;
  • Inspecting at the different aviation facilities; assuring that aviation organizations and airmen comply with regulatory requirements, and reporting deficiencies to the principal inspector or supervisor;
  • Reviewing manuals associated with certification requirements of air carriers, air agencies, and air operators for accuracy and FAR compliance;
  • Evaluating training programs to ensure that they meet the requirements of the FARs, including simulators, training devices, and other such equipment, as well as check airmen; monitoring pilots, designated pilot examiners, check airmen, and aviation organization operations and training activities; and
  • Taking appropriate corrective action for deficiencies noted or making recommendations to principal inspector or supervisor.

Duties and responsibilities at the FG-11 level may include but are not limited to:

  • Assisting in enforcement investigations and preparation of final reports and recommendations on disposition;
  • Participating in accident/incident and complaint investigations;
  • Assisting in the emergency suspension of certificates and conducting reexamination of certificated airmen or assisting in recertification of an operator or agency;
  • Providing verbal and/or written technical assistance to legal counsel, testifying at court trials and formal hearings, and giving depositions; and

Duties and responsibilities at the FG-09 level may include but are not limited to:

  • Conducting commercial pilot flight tests in rotary-wing.
  • Investigating requests for waivers for general aviation operations, gathering information, making recommendations, and conducting periodic surveillance for continued compliance with waiver conditions.
  • Inspecting repairs and alterations made on rotary-wing.

    • May be assigned other duties and responsibilities that are non-grade controlling.

What California Conservation Corps employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply