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Helicopter Flight Instructor Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Flight Instructor information

See Ohio salary details

$9

$31

$48

How much do helicopter flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for helicopter flight instructor in Ohio is $31.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.09 and $41.31 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 Ohio?

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

Infographic showing various Helicopter Flight Instructor job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,010 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Aviation Flight Instructor - Part-Time (Adjunct) Faculty

Sinclair Community College

Dayton, OH • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Position Information
Position Information (Default Section)
Job Title
Aviation Flight Instructor - Part-Time (Adjunct) Faculty
Location
Main Campus - Dayton, OH
Job Number
05504
Department
Aviation Technology
Job Category
Adjunct Faculty (Part-time)
Job Type
Part-Time
Status
Regular
Job Open Date
07/02/2026
Resume Review Date
Ongoing
Closing Date
08/31/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Position Summary
Sinclair College offers one of the most comprehensive aviation technology programs in the nation which includes Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in Aviation Technology/Professional Pilot and Unmanned Aerial Systems. Sinclair's bachelor and associate degrees and technical certificate programs prepare graduates for careers as commercial fixed wing and helicopter pilots, aircraft mechanics, flight attendants, aircraft dispatchers, aviation managers and unmanned aerial systems operators and technicians.
The starting pay for Adjunct Faculty is $1,046 per credit hour assigned to teach. For the full list of available courses to teach, please explore our course catalogThis position is open only to applicants who reside in Ohio, Indiana, or Kentucky, or who are able to perform work within one of these states. Sinclair Community College restricts part-time employment to approved states due to employment, tax, and benefits compliance requirements.
Why work for Sinclair College?
The following are some of the benefits that part-time/adjunct faculty with Sinclair College receive:
  • Tuition waiver for 3 credit hours per semester
  • Structured opportunity for advancement and promotion
  • Support for continued professional developmentand education
  • STRS pension participation, with 14% employer contribution
  • High quality programs and events for work-life balance
  • Faculty mentoring available to aide transition from professional work to a teaching role

*SCC has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.
Principal Accountabilities
  • Adjunct Faculty teach curriculum developed by the department
  • Plan and organize instruction in ways which maximize student learning
  • Prepare and provide syllabi for all assigned sections in accordance with department and divisional policies
  • Employ appropriate teaching and learning strategies, use available instructional technology when appropriate
  • Modify, where appropriate, instructional methods and strategies to meet diverse students' needs
  • Support classroom and online efforts to promote student success
  • Evaluate and return student work in a timely manner to promote learning
  • Maintain accurate records of student progress
  • Submit final grade rosters according to established deadlines
  • Maintain confidentiality of student information
  • Adjunct Faculty cannot be assigned to teach more than the maximum of 12 credit hours per semester

Requirements
  • Minimum of a high school diploma, and possession of the following FAA certificates and ratings required for the instructional assignment:
    • Commercial Pilot Certificate (Single-Engine Land) with Instrument Rating
    • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
  • The individual must also meet one of the following qualifications:
    • Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in a field directly related to the course to be taught and/or college or university teaching experience in a field directly related to the course to be taught, as determined by the department chairperson and approved by the division dean; or
    • Successful completion of at least thirty (30) semester credit hours of college-level coursework applicable toward a bachelor's degree, plus demonstrated qualifications to teach the assigned course as determined by the department chairperson and approved by the division dean; or
    • Other comparable education, training, certifications, or widely recognized professional experience directly related to the course to be taught, as determined by the department chairperson and approved by the division dean

Preferred Qualifications
  • Minimum of associate's degree or higher in aviation or a closely related field; bachelor's degree preferred
  • Additional FAA certificates and ratings, including one or more of the following:
    • Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
    • Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
    • Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI)
    • Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
  • Previous successful teaching or instructional experience in higher education, aviation training, military instruction, or industry training programs
  • Demonstrated commitment to improving student learning through evidence-based instructional practices and innovative teaching strategies that support student success
  • Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a community college environment
  • Demonstrated proficiency using instructional technology, learning management systems, multimedia, simulation, and other educational technologies to enhance student learning

Required FAA Documentation
Applicants for Flight Instructor positions must:
  • Hold the required FAA certificates and ratings identified in the minimum qualifications.
  • Upload images of both the front and back of their FAA certificate(s) in the Licensure/Certification section of the employment application.

*Official transcripts for all post-secondary degrees (if applicable) and successful completion of a background check will be required prior to date of hire.