ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Helicopter Flight Instructor Jobs in Gresham, OR

All JobsHelicopter Flight Instructor JobsHelicopter Flight Instructor Jobs in Gresham, OR

Helicopter Flight Instructor information

See Gresham, OR salary details

$10

$34

$53

How much do helicopter flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for helicopter flight instructor in Gresham, OR is $34.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.23 and $45.50 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.
More about Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs

What are popular job titles related to Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Gresham, OR?

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

What cities near Gresham, OR are hiring for Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Gresham, OR with the most Helicopter Flight Instructor job openings:

Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Flight Instructor job openings in Gresham, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,601 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Helicopter Flight Instructor

Hillsboro Aero Academy

Troutdale, OR • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

 *** PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOU SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION SUCCESSFULLY ON OUR CAREER WEBSITE, YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION E-MAIL IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ONE, PLEASE SEND YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO HR@flyhaa.com***  

General Position Summary: 

Provide flight, simulator and ground instruction with Hillsboro Aero Academy. This position includes involvement in the HAA Safety Management System including risk analysis and mitigation. Flight instructors are expected to maintain adequate records, meeting course standards, fulfilling training requirements and objectives and ensuring satisfactory student progress.  

Essential/Major Responsibilities: 

• Perform flight instructor duties authorized by the Federal Aviation Regulation and in accordance with the approved training course outlines 

• Ensure compliance with and promotion of the HAA Safety Management System and company SOPs 

• Maintain satisfactory student progress through the course(s), ensure course standards and training requirements are met and communicate delays to supervisor 

• Accurately maintain all appropriate records associated with student training 

• Attend weekly meetings 

• Determine aircraft airworthiness 

• Attend administrative, standardization, in-service training and instructor development meetings, as assigned 

• Maintain and apply effective teaching and evaluation techniques 

• Reconcile billable hours reports to complete bi-weekly payroll  

• Communicate with potential students about flight training  

• Other duties as assigned ie assistance fueling aircraft, driving company vehicles, etc.  

Specific Job Skills: 

• Aircraft piloting skills, including familiarity with and ability to perform required flight maneuvers and procedures using FAA Practical Test Standards 

• Knowledge of and ability to apply effective instructional techniques in the classroom and in flight 

• Knowledge of appropriate Federal Aviation Regulations  

• Ability to work well with others, in a fast-paced environment and provide superior customer service 

• Demonstrate and exercise sound judgment 

• Strong communication and teaching skills  

Supervisory Responsibility: 

Supervise students and student progress. 

Interpersonal Contact: 

Flight instructors must demonstrate exceptional customer service to current and potential students. Instructors will work closely with other flight instructors, maintenance technicians, safety personnel, dispatch personnel, line service, etc.  

Education and/or Experience: 

• FAA Certified Flight Instructor rating, Flight Instructor-Instrument required

• Must hold or be able to obtain a second class medical certificate  

• Successful completion of FAA Part 141 Proficiency Check  

• Completion of Special Federal Aviation Regulation 73 (b)(5) training with endorsement  

• Have completed the Robinson Helicopter Safety Course or demonstrate ability to have course completed prior to employment  

• Aircraft piloting skills, including familiarity with and ability to perform required flight maneuvers and procedures using FAA Practical Test Standards  

• Knowledge of and ability to apply effective instructional techniques in the classroom and in flight  

• Knowledge of appropriate Federal Aviation Regulations  

• Ability to work well with others, in a fast-paced environment and provide superior customer service  

• Demonstrate and exercise sound judgment  


This position will remain open until filled. Please do not contact Hillsboro Aero Academy regarding the status of your application.

 Hillsboro Aero Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

  *** PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOU SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION SUCCESSFULLY ON OUR CAREER WEBSITE, YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION E-MAIL IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ONE, PLEASE SEND YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO HR@flyhaa.com***  

Apply