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Helicopter Flight Instructor Jobs in Tempe, AZ (NOW HIRING)

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 Tempe, AZ

Helicopter Flight Instructor information

See Tempe, AZ salary details

$10

$32

$50

How much do helicopter flight instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for helicopter flight instructor in Tempe, AZ is $32.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.06 and $43.20 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.
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Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Flight Instructor job openings in Tempe, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,984 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Learjet PIC

Angel MedFlight

Scottsdale, AZ • On-site

$115K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Plan and execute flight assignments, ensuring proper preparation and briefing regarding weather, operating procedures, and special instructions.

  • Supervise loading and distribution of cargo and passengers, ensuring weight and balance are within prescribed limitations.

  • Communicate effectively with crew, clients, and personnel to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.

Job description

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must possess the following valid documents: a passport, pilot license, FCC Radio Operator Permit, First Class Medical Certificate, and a driver’s license. All required documents must be uploaded with the application.


Join the Medway Air Ambulance Team! 

MedHealth Partners/Medway Air Ambulance is one of the nation’s leading providers of fixed wing air ambulance services for patients in need of vital medical transportation. We're looking for exceptional pilots to join our mission of safely transporting patients to the next level of care on their medical journey. The people you work with are people-centric, patient advocates who enjoy helping others in need. If you are a mission-focused Lear 35/45 pilot who is excited about a career in healthcare, we are the place for you!

HOME BASED 8/6 Schedule 

* No commuting on hard days off*

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 2000 hours of total pilot time in fixed wing aircraft.
  • 1000 hours Turbine PIC or multi-engine aircraft preferred.
  • Air carrier flight experience in turbojet aircraft or two-person crew.
  • 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 regarding purpose of the flight, weather, operating procedures, and special instructions.
  • Ability to supervise crewmembers to ensure proper planning and flight preparation.
  • Possess the ability to supervise loading and distribution of cargo and passengers and determines that weight and balance is within prescribed limitations per appropriate sample loading schedules, load computer or applicable information and graphs contained in the aircraft flight manual.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to provide clear, effective, and timely communications.
  • Interact respectfully and professionally with coworkers, clients, vendors, and all other personnel.
  • Must be highly knowledgeable of the Operations Manual, FAA Regulations, Operations specifications, flight manuals, etc.,
  • Ability to maintain a professional appearance.

Requirements

  • Must have a valid State driver's license
  • Current First-Class FAA Medical Certificate required.
  • Must have a valid passport and be able to travel internationally without restrictions.
  • Authorization to work in the U.S. and travel in and out of the country without restriction.
  • Commercial, Instrument, MEL, and ATP ratings. 
  • Must be able to pass Transportation Security Administration required background screening and obtain appropriate airport authority and/or US Customs security badges.

Compensation 

  • $50,000 Retention Bonus 
  • $10,000 signing bonus for PIC qualified pilots. 
  • $15,000 Current Type Rating bonus per type for pilots with a 36- Month SIM current type rating in LR-45 or LR-JET series. 
  • Flight hour pay for every hour flown.  
  • Per Diem Meal Allowances
  • Cell Phone Reimbursement Allowance
  • Company Paid PIC type rating at FSI or CAE
  • 12-month initial training contract
  • Paid off day training & FAA Medical Reimbursement

Benefits 

  • Company paid Known Crew Member Badge
  • Group healthcare insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life)
  • Matching 401(k)
  • Paid vacation days and sick days
  • Holiday pay for flying on any of the 7 major U.S holidays
  • Day Off bonus for flying on hard days off

8 ON - 6 OFF