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Helicopter Flight Instructor Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a ... GS-2181-13 (Flight Instructor): Applicant must possess two years of progressively responsible ...

$76K/yr

GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot): Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a ... GS-2181-13 (Flight Instructor): Applicant must possess two years of progressively responsible ...

Learjet PIC

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$115K - $206K/yr

Part 135 experience or Flight Instructor experience preferred but not required. * Learjet or similar aircraft experience. * Ability to plan flight assignments and obtain briefing information ...

Helicopter Flight Instructor information

See Arizona salary details

$10

$33

$51

How much do helicopter flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for helicopter flight instructor in Arizona is $33.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.40 and $43.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Arizona are:

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

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

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Helicopter Flight Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Helicopter Flight Instructor job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,046 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

FAA Part 141 Chief Flight Instructor

RemasCompany Ltd

Tempe, AZ

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

About the job FAA Part 141 Chief Flight Instructor
Our client in Tempe, AZ is seeking a Chief Flight Instructor/Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (Rotary Wing) for their operations at Temple Draughon-Miller Regional Airport in Temple, TX. This position is currently available as either part time or full time to the right candidate. A sign-on bonus is available to the properly qualified candidate who would like to work this position full-time.
Position Description: The Chief Flight Instructor-RW conducts Primary and Advanced helicopter flight and ground training to prepare student and rated pilots to successfully complete certification for Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Instrument Rating in KBFS selected rotary wing aircraft. Specifically, the Chief FI (RW) conducts initial proficiency checks of each instructor assigned to the flight training program; administers annual recurrent proficiency checks in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations; and supervises all RW scheduling, flight training, and evaluation activities. Monitors assigned flight instructors' performance; ensures compliance with FAA regulations; and makes recommendations to the Site Manager and General Manager. Provides recommendations to the Site Manager for operations risk assessments and aviation safety mandates; maintains up-to-date conformance with regulatory and procedural changes in the flight training environment; reviews flight training program courses; and assists with the preparation of FAA Training Course Outlines (TCOs), curriculum updates and the construction of degree/certificate programs. Serves as the principal Point of Contact to the FAA Flight Standardization District Office (FSDO) for all operations, instruction, and safety matters concerning the KBFS rotary wing operations. The Chief FI (RW) may delegate selected duties and responsibilities to the Assistant Chief Flight Instructor. Additionally, the Chief FI/RW must be capable of gaining and maintaining instructor proficiency in various flight training and utility aircraft (e.g., the R44, UH-1H, and Bell 206) operated by KBFS and must already have a minimum of 1000 hours of Pilot in Command Time, which includes a minimum of 400 hours RW CFI time. Must be capable of qualifying as an FI in various commercial single engine RW aircraft. Ability to qualify as Chief Flight Instructor for multi-engine RW operations is a plus. Develops and executes tailored flight and classroom training sessions in accordance with the standards outlined in the FAA Flight Instructor Handbook and makes recommendations for students to conduct solo flights, cross-country flights and to receive FAA certification practical tests. Prepares ground school lesson plans, maintains KBFS student and assigned CFI training folders, and completes required training entries IAW FAA and school requirements. The Chief FI should also have experience with external load operations and capable of certifying with the FAA as a Part 133 Chief Pilot following additional training. Previous experience as a Part 135 Chief Pilot is desired.
Experience/Skills Required: 10 years aviation experience, of which 5 years is Rotary Wing. Supervises assigned certified RW flight instructors at KBFS-Temple. Administers RW flight instruction program under FAA 14CFR Part 141. The company also provides flight instruction to selected student under Part 61. Responsible for care and sustainment training of up to 8 employees that include flight instructors and Part 133 rigger technicians. Helps Site Manager administer the KBFS Safety Management System (SMS). Must have excellent knowledge of FAA regulatory requirements for 14CFR Parts 61, 91, 133, 135, 137, and 141.
Provides rotary wing or fixed wing flight instruction to rated and non-rated aircrew members on all flight tasks stipulated in the flight training Program of Instruction (POI), Flight Training Guide, and CFR 14 Part 141. A Flight Instructor routinely conducts the following tasks: Maintains own flight currency and proficiency as a hands-on instructor; independently prepares flight training syllabus, lesson plans, scheduling, and student training records; and conducts academic instruction in support of basic and advanced flight tasks and maneuvers, instrument training, terrain flight techniques, navigation, and end of stage check-rides. Conducts academic and classroom instruction on aircraft systems, training maneuvers, procedures, and other relevant aviation tasks. Maintains flight training records in accordance with appropriate regulations and local guidance. Conducts all operations safely and in accordance with established company policies, procedures (Flight Operations Procedures, Flight Profiles, and safety programs). Conducts pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight briefings
Education Required: High School Graduate and Graduate of Commercial Pilot Certificate program (military or civilian). Holds a current Class II Medical Flight Physical. Flight Instructor III possesses 2 years' direct experience as a Certified Flight Instructor with a minimum of 400 flight instructor hours. FW Flight Instructor III must hold at least one additional CFI rating (i.e., MEL, High Performance, Tailwheel, Ground Instructor, etc.) and previous designation as Chief or Assistant Chief Instructor. RW Flight Instructor possesses 2 years' direct experience as a Certified Flight Instructor with a minimum of 400 flight instructor hours. RW Flight Instructor is Turbine Engine Qualified and has previous designation as a Chief or Assistant Flight Instructor.
Security Clearance Required: Secret.