ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Helicopter Flight Instructor Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Angel MedFlight

Learjet PIC

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$115K - $206K/yr

Part 135 experience or Flight Instructor experience preferred but not required. * Learjet or similar aircraft experience. * Ability to plan flight assignments and obtain briefing information ...

All JobsHelicopter Flight Instructor JobsHelicopter Flight Instructor Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Helicopter Flight Instructor information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$10

$33

$51

How much do helicopter flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for helicopter flight instructor in Phoenix, AZ is $33.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.44 and $43.94 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 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 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 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.

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.
More about Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

The most popular types of Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What are popular job titles related to Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

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

What job categories do people searching Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs?

Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Helicopter Flight Instructor job openings:

Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Flight Instructor job openings in Phoenix, AZ 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 $69,144 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Luke Air Force Base, AZ • On-site

$76K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

Your application will remain active through the open period of this Public Notice. Once this Public Notice closes, you must reapply.
Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.
Positions may be filled as permanent or term with a full-time work schedule. Pay will vary by geographic location, please click here to review pay tables.Qualifications:QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
GS-2181-12 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot):
Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 750 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-13 (Airplane Pilot/Helicopter Pilot):
Applicant must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,000 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-13 (Flight Instructor):
Applicant must possess two years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the U.S. military establishment in assignments that normally would qualify for progression into the position of Wing Operations and Training Officer or its equivalent.
AND
Must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,200 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
GS-2181-14 (Flight Instructor):
Applicant must possess three years of progressively responsible experience in a flying component of the U.S. military establishment in assignments that normally would qualify for progression into the position of Wing Operations and Training Officer or its equivalent.
AND
Must possess a USAF Pilot rating, hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order and have a minimum of 1,500 total military flight time in the organization's mission design series.
NOTE: Pilot hours as described above may include (Primary, Secondary, Instructor, Evaluator, Stimulator, Student and other US Military and Foreign Military Time) in mission design series of organization of position being filled. You must submit an ATAFR-209 Form, Flying History Report or any official document what shows your most recent flight (last date actively flown), total flight hours and type of aircraft flown. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.
These are Air Reserve Technician (ART) positions. ARTs are eligible for 15 days active duty tour each year for which military leave is granted with full civilian pay. Air Reserve units and members; are subject to immediate call to active duty in mobilization to meet a national emergency. For additional information regarding ART positions and/or military qualifications, please call 1-800-257-1212. Retired military are usually ineligible for membership in the AF Reserve. Retired military that have active AF Reserve assignments may apply provided they show assignment (position) on the application.
A military service member's statement of service/certification will be accepted IF a terminal leave form or DD214 cannot be provided. The statement/certification should indicate member's separation from active duty is within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin, your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave.
Individuals selected for ART positions must meet both civilian qualifications and uniformed military requirements. In addition to meeting civilian qualifications, applicants must obtain military membership in the Air Force Reserve, wear the uniform, maintain job-specific military specialty requirements, and meet other military qualifications such as age, height, weight, and physical fitness standards. For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
AFR Pilot Concierge Cell (PCC):
Email: hqafrc.a3rb.pilotconciergecell@us.af.mil
Global: A3/ReservePCC
Teams Page: Reserve PCC
Teams Chat: @ReservePCC
Sharepoint: https://www.milrecruiter.com/afrc-pcc/
Phone: (478) 327-1546
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Defense employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply