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Helicopter Flight Instructor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Showing results 21-23

Helicopter Flight Instructor information

See Colorado salary details

$9

$32

$49

How much do helicopter flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.

$114K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Air Methods rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview:

Temporary Helicopter Check Airman - Part 135 - EC130/135 VFR

 Denver Based

AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HERE! Be a part of something bigger and join a team where your passion makes a real difference! Discover personal fulfillment and growth with us. As leaders in the industry, we welcome exceptional pilots to partner with us in serving communities nationwide with top-tier air medical transport resources. Elevate your career with a supportive 7 days on/7 days off (12-hour shifts) work-life balance, where your safety and well-being are paramount, and your contribution truly matters in making a lasting impact on the lives we care for year-round.

Job Summary: 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 flight simulator. May be homebased with travel on a 7/7 schedule. 

Responsibilities:

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:
• Evaluate operational compliance including all aspects of safety, flight operations, maintenance operations, and other procedures and policies as described in the General Operations Manual
• Initial and Recurrent training (ground and flight)
• Transition, differences and ROC (restricted operations checks) ground and flight training
• Will correct and report out-of-compliance issues immediately. When unable to be corrected immediately, the CA will coordinate with the ACP and Regional Aviation or Maintenance Director as appropriate to ensure the problem is corrected
• Assist in the development and implementation of flight and ground training schedules
• Ensure that standardized training and checking procedures, provided by the certificate are adhered to
• Assist the CP and ACP in all pilot record keeping requirements in accordance with applicable FARs and policies
• Assist in the development and implementation of flight and ground training schedules
• Submit required reports in a timely manner
• Expected to operate advanced aviation training devices and operate full motion simulators as required
• Assist the CP in the development of the aircraft checklist and Air Methods’ Pilot Training Programs
• Will assist in development and conduct (as appropriate): Basic Indoctrination Training, initial and recurrent ground training, initial and recurrent flight training, instrument training (ground and flight), and night vision goggle (NVG) training (ground and flight)
• Other duties as assigned

Additional Job Requirements
• Regular scheduled attendance
• Indicate the percentage of time spent traveling: 10%

Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position.
Education & Experience
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Recommendation from a current Air Methods Flight Instructor or Check Airman preferred
• Previous Instructor/Check Airman experience
• ATP rating in aircraft category preferred
• Commercial/Instrument rating required
• Must meet total flight hour requirements
Skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to implement training programs (initial and recurrent training)
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner with all levels
Computer Skills
• Intermediate Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• CFI / CFII (Rotor wing) or willingness to obtain within one year
This position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident).

Minimum pay: USD $114,000.00/Yr. Maximum Pay: USD $119,000.00/Yr. Benefits:

For more inforation on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities:

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)


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About Air Methods

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Air Methods is the most responsive and reliable provider of critical care transportation solutions. We partner with our EMS and hospital customers to solve the challenges of patient logistics and save lives. We deliver industry-leading performance in safety, clinical quality, and patient advocacy, committing to zero balance bills. In addition to caring for others, we care for our own teammates: building a high-performing culture where people are passionate about their work and always bring their best. We can't be the industry-leading air medical company without you.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Englewood, CO, US

Year founded

1980