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Helicopter Flight Instructor Jobs in Atlanta, GA

Helicopter Flight Instructor information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$10

$33

$52

How much do helicopter flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for helicopter flight instructor in Atlanta, GA is $33.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.85 and $44.74 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 Atlanta, GA?

The most popular types of Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What are popular job titles related to Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Atlanta, GA?

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

What job categories do people searching Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Atlanta, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

Infographic showing various Helicopter Flight Instructor job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,405 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Temporary Flight Instructor - Helicopter (Eastman Campus)

Atlanta, GA • On-site


Georgia Institute of Technology
Education • 10K+ employees

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

About Us
Middle Georgia State University (MGA), a multi-campus, baccalaureate and graduate degree-granting public institution, is the most affordable public state university in Georgia. MGA has five campuses-Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, all located in central Georgia-and global outreach through its fully-online campus. Its enrollment of 8,400 students is largely comprised of students from most of Georgia's 159 counties. The University has six academic schools, including Georgia's flagship aviation program, that support its mission to educate and graduate inspired, lifelong learners whose scholarship and careers enhance the state.
Job Summary
This position is responsible for teaching students in the Flight major degree/certificate programs to meet the requirements necessary to obtain FAA Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Flight Instructor Certificates.
Responsibilities
  • Manages student workload of 3-8 students in pursuit of FAA Pilot certificates.
  • Schedules students according to availability of aircraft and student class schedules.
  • Manages student records, endorsements and TSA documents for the flight school.
  • Provides flight instruction for all FAA ratings.

Required Qualifications
Other Required Qualifications
CFI and CFII ¿ Helicopters.
Current 2nd class medical.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
Other Preferred Qualifications
Cabri G2 time with SFAR preferred
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  • Ability to work well under pressure and think critically during flight training situations
  • Knowledge of Federal Aviation regulations and related operational procedures
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills

USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Institutional Values
Middle Georgia State University is committed to four core values in what we do and represent: CORE VALUES: Stewardship - Engagement - Adaptability - Learning
Equal Employment Opportunity
Middle Georgia State University is committed to ensuring a safe learning environment that supports the dignity of all members of the University community. Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG) and Middle Georgia State University. Pursuant to Board of Regents Policy Section 6.6 , federal and state laws and regulations, and our vision, mission, and values, Middle Georgia State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.
Background Check
Employment offer is contingent upon completing a background investigation, including a criminal background check demonstrating your employment eligibility with MGA, as determined by MGA in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application material, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check.

Georgia Tech logo

About Georgia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Georgia Tech is a top-ranked public research university situated in the heart of Atlanta, a diverse and vibrant city with great economic and cultural strengths. The Institute is a member of the University System of Georgia, the Georgia Research Alliance, and the Association of American Universities. Georgia Tech prides itself on its technology resources, collaborations, high-quality student body, and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Industry

Education and colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US


What Georgia Tech employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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