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Helicopter Flight Instructor Jobs in Virginia (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 ...

Helicopter Flight Instructor information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$33

$51

How much do helicopter flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for helicopter flight instructor in Virginia is $33.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.44 and $43.95 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Helicopter Flight Instructor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,163 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR / EVALUATOR (Title 32) with Security Clearance

Sterling, VA • On-site


Department of the Army
National Security • 10K+ employees

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

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$90K - $113K/yr

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Duties As a HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR / EVALUATOR (Title 32) with the Texas Army National Guard, your duties will include, but will not be limited to: * Performs preflight weather analysis, route and altitude selections, alternate airport selection, fuel, cargo and passenger load computations, selection of refueling stops, preflight inspections, flight plan filing, and firing ranges route planning/coordination. Incorporates precision, non-precision, and GPS route navigation and instrument approaches in all mission planning and must be knowledgeable in all aspects of their operations. Maintains and studies current and complete files of aeronautical publications, navigation charts, instrument approach procedures, and air traffic control procedures. * Performs one or more of the following major functional duties: * a. Serves as rotary wing Instrument Flight Examiner (IE): Conducts instrument flight qualifications and training which includes, instrument flight planning, precision handling and maneuvering of the aircraft, navigation using the aircraft navigation instruments and systems, air traffic control operations, approach, departure, and holding procedures, and use of the ILS. Conducts initial instrument standardization rides for new air crew members and as a minimum conducts annual check rides for assigned and attached pilots. * b. Serves as rotary wing Standardization Instructor Pilot (SIP): Trains and evaluates IP's and provides technical supervision of the standardization program. Ensures flight crew proficiency and qualification records are standardized and kept current. * Serves are Maintenance Test Pilot Examiner (ME)/Functional Check Pilot (FCP) Evaluator: Serves as rotary wing Maintenance Test Pilot Examiner/Function Check Pilot Evaluator. Trains and evaluates ME/FCP's and provides technical supervision and standardization of the maintenance program. Maintains requirements and performs function of technical inspector for aircraft assigned. Ensures ME/FCP pilot proficiency and qualification records are standardized and kept current. Maintains requirements and performs function of technical inspector for aircraft assigned. * Serves as rotary wing Unit Trainer/Evaluator (UT/E) or Instructor Pilot (IP): Trains and evaluates aviators on basic and advanced flight techniques. This includes the procedures to use in emergencies and malfunctions over rough terrain, e.g., hills and forests both day and night. Training includes instruction and evaluation for operating unique electronics equipment, such as precision, non-precision, and GPS route navigation and approaches. Conducts initial standardization flight evaluations for new air crew members and annual evaluations for assigned and attached pilots, including local aircraft transitions including refresher training. Serves as pilot-in-command while operating single and/or multi-engine rotary wing aircraft to perform airlift support for DOD personnel, emergency medical evacuations, aerial fire suppression support, paradrops, rescue, and Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations. May be required to transport classified, chemical, or other hazardous cargo. May be required to perform extended flights to and from a wide variety of points, with responsibility for safely transporting passengers and/or classified, chemical, or other hazardous cargo. Pilot will possess competency on all aviation matters that will encompass safety as the number one priority, demonstrate a consistent mature judgment and maintain a high degree of pilot proficiency for conducting flight missions under visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR). Flights may be performed with a combination of day, night, and night vision goggle (NVG) operations under both favorable and unfavorable environmental conditions (fog, sleet, ice, rain, snow, high winds, low ceilings) over both favorable and unfavorable terrain (mountains, water, desert, swamp, forest) which may require a transfer from IFR condition to marginal VFR condition for landing at remote locations. Locations may include a combination of confined areas with unfavorable terrain and obstacles and high altitude requiring an in-depth performance planning for take-off and landings under heavy load conditions. Flights could be conducted with a combination of unfavorable weather conditions, over unfavorable terrain or water at both low altitude and slow airspeed, at maximum gross weight, which are outside the recommended flight envelops for safe flight and/or involve the use of techniques employed as to avoid detection, and often entail prolonged periods of flying. Such flights, maintenance test flights, and low-level flights are such that a safe emergency landing would be difficult and would require a very high degree of pilot skill. Pilot will adhere to existing Army flight regulations and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. * Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of employment Appointment Factor(s): This is an Excepted Service position that requires active membership in a compatible military assignment in the Texas Army National Guard and wear of the military uniform. Areas of Consideration: Nationwide Excepted. This includes: * All currently employed full-time permanent, indefinite and temporary personnel of the Texas National Guard. * All current members of the Texas Army National Guard and individuals eligible for membership in the Texas Army National Guard. Remarks: * The Texas National Guard is an Equal Opportunity employer. * Veterans' preference is not applicable to this position. * Direct deposit is mandatory. * Trial period required (see additional information) Military Requirements A military skill set is determined by the applicable service classification and qualification requirements. Upon selection, individuals are assigned to a compatible military skill in accordance with Army or Air Force skill classification directives, statutes, and National Guard Bureau regulations. The Dual Status technician must obtain and maintain all military certifications OR Federal Aviation Administration certificates; current aeronautical ratings, medical and flight physical requirements, and qualifications for aviation service, military skill requirements in training, education, certifications, and experience. Army National Guard Officer Branch 67 - Medical Service Corps Rank Spread: Warrant Officer: W-3/CW3 Not to Exceed CW5 Officer: O-3 (CPT) Not to Exceed O-5 (LTC) Applicants must: 1. Prior to appointment, an applicant's military medical record must indicate a completed and current medical physical, flight physical, medical profile, and completed/cleared drug test. 2. Possess a valid state driver's license to operate government motor vehicles, for the state in which they live or are principally employed, in accordance with Army and Air Force Vehicle Operations Directives; and, 3. Qualify to operate government motor vehicles and vehicular equipment for "Maintenance Purposes Only" according to Army or Air Force Vehicle Maintenance Operations Directives. Qualifications In describing your experience in your resume, please be clear and specific. Assumptions regarding your experience will not be made. To be considered for qualification, your resume must include relevant experience with beginning and ending dates of employment/experience reflecting the following: Mandatory Qualification Requirements - Eligibility requirements for Dual Status technician positions in this occupation are based on the candidate's possession of Federal Aviation Administration pilot certificates -OR- appropriate military certifications, military ratings in the main-frame military aircraft of employment, and the required competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities). Specialized Experience Required Warrant Officers: Applicants must demonstrate the following specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, and abilities) to qualify for entry appointments to GS-2181-13 Army National Guard Dual Status Warrant Officer positions. Qualification competencies are determined by three factors: The aircraft operated; the nature and purpose of assignments; and, the degree of hazard. For Army National Guard positions, must have working experiences in civilian aviation programs; or, in military service aviation programs (active duty or reserve components); or, in the Army National Guard Aviation Support facilities; or, in Air National Guard Wing/ Operations Groups. To qualify, the applicant must have at least two years specialized competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation. Experienced in reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information. Experienced in filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings. Experienced in aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments. Experienced in performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance. Competent in conducting or supervising the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks. Experienced in developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders. Knowledge is required in flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures. Experienced 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. Officers: Applicants must demonstrate the following specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, and abilities) to qualify for appointments to GS-2181-13 Army National Guard Dual Status Officer positions. For Army National Guard positions, must have working experiences in civilian

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

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10,000+ Employees

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Arlington, VA, US

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