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Helicopter Flight Instructor Jobs in Colorado (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 ...

FW Check Airman

Greenwood Village, CO · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... Company instructor who performs an oversight, safety and qualification role for Helicopter and/or Fixed Wing pilots undergoing evaluation. Conducts training and flight checks in a classroom, an ...

IFR Check Airman

Watkins, CO · On-site

$119K/yr

... Company instructor who performs an oversight, safety and qualification role for Helicopter and/or Fixed Wing pilots undergoing evaluation. Conducts training and flight checks in a classroom, an ...

IFR Check Airman

Watkins, CO · On-site

$119K/yr

... Company instructor who performs an oversight, safety and qualification role for Helicopter and/or Fixed Wing pilots undergoing evaluation. Conducts training and flight checks in a classroom, an ...

FW Check Airman

Watkins, CO · On-site

$114K - $119K/yr

FW Check Airman Job Summary Company instructor who performs an oversight, safety and qualification role for Helicopter and/or Fixed Wing pilots undergoing evaluation. Conducts training and flight ...

FW Check Airman

Watkins, CO · On-site +1

$114K - $119K/yr

... Company instructor who performs an oversight, safety and qualification role for Helicopter and/or Fixed Wing pilots undergoing evaluation. Conducts training and flight checks in a classroom, an ...

FW Check Airman

Watkins, CO · On-site +1

$119K/yr

... Company instructor who performs an oversight, safety and qualification role for Helicopter and/or Fixed Wing pilots undergoing evaluation. Conducts training and flight checks in a classroom, an ...

FW Check Airman

Watkins, CO · On-site +1

$119K/yr

... Company instructor who performs an oversight, safety and qualification role for Helicopter and/or Fixed Wing pilots undergoing evaluation. Conducts training and flight checks in a classroom, an ...

Company instructor who performs an oversight, safety and qualification role for Helicopter pilots undergoing evaluation. Conducts training and flight checks in a classroom, an aircraft, or in a ...

Company instructor who performs an oversight, safety and qualification role for Helicopter pilots undergoing evaluation. Conducts training and flight checks in a classroom, an aircraft, or in a ...

Company instructor who performs an oversight, safety and qualification role for Helicopter pilots undergoing evaluation. Conducts training and flight checks in a classroom, an aircraft, or in a ...

Check Airman

Greenwood Village, CO · On-site

$114K - $119K/yr

Company instructor who performs an oversight, safety and qualification role for Helicopter pilots undergoing evaluation. Conducts training and flight checks in a classroom, an aircraft, or in a ...

Check Airman

Greenwood Village, CO · On-site

$114K - $119K/yr

Company instructor who performs an oversight, safety and qualification role for Helicopter pilots undergoing evaluation. Conducts training and flight checks in a classroom, an aircraft, or in a ...

Helicopter Flight Instructor information

See Colorado salary details

$9

$32

$49

How much do helicopter flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for helicopter flight instructor in Colorado is $32.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.72 and $42.54 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 Colorado?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Helicopter Flight Instructor job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,945 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/EVALUATOR

US Department of the Army

Aurora, CO

$140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


United States Army rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 495 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/EVALUATOR, Position Description Number D2460P01 and is part of the CO Army Aviation Support Facility, National Guard.
The position is responsible for providing instruction, evaluation and examination of rated pilots, instructor pilots, and aeroscout observers in flying techniques and methods of instruction, examination, and evaluation.

Qualifications:

Military Grades: W-1 thru W-5

1. Specialized experience will be used to determine qualifications for the announced position.
2. An applicants RESUME must provide, in detail, how they meet each specialized experience listed below.
3. It must be documented with "from (mm/yy)" and "to (mm/yy)" dates and description of the specialized experience.
DO NOT copy each bullet listed below word for word and place into your resume; you must describe your personal experience as it pertains to each bullet.
You will be immediately disqualified if you fail to include specialized experience in your resume.
Must have at least 24 months of Specialized Experience in each of the following:
1. Experience in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation.
2. Experience in reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information.
3. Experience in filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings.
4. Experience in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments.
5. Experience in performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance.
6. Experience in conducting or supervising the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks.
7. Experience in developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders.
8. Experience in the unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, regulations, and directives.Education:Education cannot be substituted for Specialized Experience for this position.Employment Type: OTHER

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Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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