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Helicopter Instructor Pilot Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

$131K/yr

The qualifications of Airplane/Helicopter Pilots or Airplane/Helicopter Flight Instructors in an ... Must be instructor qualified in unit aircraft. (Note: For position requiring the piloting of ...

$131K/yr

The qualifications of Airplane/Helicopter Pilots or Airplane/Helicopter Flight Instructors in an ... Must be instructor qualified in unit aircraft. (Note: For position requiring the piloting of ...

$131K/yr

The qualifications of Airplane/Helicopter Pilots or Airplane/Helicopter Flight Instructors in an ... Must be instructor qualified in unit aircraft. (Note: For position requiring the piloting of ...

$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 ...

Learjet PIC

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$115K - $206K/yr

We're looking for exceptional pilots to join our mission of safely transporting patients to the ... Part 135 experience or Flight Instructor experience preferred but not required. * Learjet or ...

Helicopter Instructor Pilot information

See Arizona salary details

$66.6K

$93.4K

$115.1K

How much do helicopter instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter instructor pilot in Arizona is $93,421.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,900.00 and $104,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a helicopter instructor pilot do?

A Helicopter Instructor Pilot is responsible for teaching students how to safely and effectively operate helicopters. They provide both ground and flight instruction, covering topics such as helicopter controls, emergency procedures, navigation, and regulations. Instructor pilots assess student progress, ensure adherence to safety standards, and prepare students for practical exams. They may also update training materials and keep up-to-date with aviation regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a helicopter instructor pilot?

To thrive as a Helicopter Instructor Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a commercial helicopter pilot license, and a certified flight instructor (CFI) rating. Familiarity with flight simulators, aviation weather systems, and electronic navigation tools is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and leadership are essential soft skills for effectively teaching and ensuring student safety. These abilities are crucial for maintaining high training standards and ensuring safe, competent future pilots.

What are some common challenges faced by helicopter instructor pilots during training sessions?

Helicopter instructor pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting their teaching style to suit students with varying experience levels, ensuring safety while allowing hands-on learning, and maintaining clear communication during complex maneuvers. Balancing the need to build student confidence with the imperative to enforce rigorous safety protocols is crucial. Additionally, instructor pilots must stay current with evolving regulations and new technology to provide the most effective training.

What is the difference between Helicopter Instructor Pilot vs Helicopter Pilot?

AspectHelicopter Instructor PilotHelicopter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) for helicoptersCommercial Pilot Certificate for helicopters
Work EnvironmentFlight training schools, flight academies, or training departmentsCharter services, corporate, emergency services, or tourism
Primary RoleTrain and evaluate student pilots, ensure safety and complianceOperate helicopters for various commercial purposes

Helicopter Instructor Pilots focus on training and certifying new pilots, requiring specific instructor certifications. Helicopter Pilots operate aircraft in commercial settings. While both roles require similar certifications, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Helicopter Instructor Pilot jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Helicopter Instructor Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Helicopter Instructor Pilot job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,421 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

$131K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 539 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
Air Reserve Technicians are full-time civilian employees who are also members of the Air Force Reserve unit in which they are employed. In addition to their civilian assignments, they are assigned to equivalent positions in the Reserve organization with a Reserve military rank or grade. Appointee's civilian assignments will consist of the following duties.Qualifications:THIS IS AN AIR RESERVE TECHNICIAN OFFICER POSITION.
This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) Officer position located at 943 RESCUE GP with the military rank of LT COL/O-5, AFSC: 011H3E. For questions concerning military eligibility please contact the Air Force Reserve Qualification Center at 1-800-257-1212.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE: No specific length of experience required. The qualifications of Airplane/Helicopter Pilots or Airplane/Helicopter Flight Instructors in an Air Force active duty and Reserve force are directly related to the completion of prerequisite training and number of flying hours rather than years of experience.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Applicants must have served at least 52 weeks at the next lower grade level or higher grade (or equivalent in an alternate pay system) within the Federal Civil Service to be considered for referral. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
GS-13: Must have been awarded or qualify for a USAF Pilot rating and hold a valid aviation service aeronautical order. Minimum of 1,000 Total Military Flight Time in MDS. Must be instructor qualified in unit aircraft. (Note: For position requiring the piloting of fighter jet aircraft (e.g., F-16, A-10, F-15, F-22), each hours as First Pilot and/or Instructor Pilot in a fighter jet aircraft may be counted as two hours of flying time when determining total hours of pilot time or primary and/or instructor pilot time. Training aircraft (T-37/T-38) should be considered when giving double credit but only for those hours in which candidates logged either instructor/evaluator pilot or primary pilot time. Flying hours logged as a student pilot will be credited one-for-one when calculating total time.) NOTE: You must submit an AFTAR 209 or any official flying hour report and any official document that shows date received aviation service aeronautical order. Please upload your documents in the supporting documents section under Other. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGBILE RATING.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge of and skill in the application of rated aviator expertise as a pilot.
  2. Knowledge of and ability to formulate plans and courses pertaining to flying operations and unit flying training activities.
  3. Knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, and techniques for employment of unit-assigned aircraft.
  4. Knowledge of flying operations and the unit mission. Knowledge of the relationship of the various Air Force Reserve entities, other MAJCOMs and Air Force in overall planning and execution of military operations and evaluations.
  5. Ability to resolve complex issues and maintain good working relations.
  6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Other significant facts pertaining to this position are:
  1. This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) officer position. The incumbent is required to meet and maintain Air Force Reserve requirements. Work schedule will be aligned to allow the incumbent to fully participate in unit training assemblies. The incumbent's regular assignments are primarily ART duties; however, the incumbent may also be assigned non-ART duties, generally not to exceed 30 percent of total responsibilities.
  2. This is an AFRC key management position, in which, the incumbent is required to formulate, determine, and/or influence policies. Must be highly knowledgeable of the AFRC mission and responsibilities. As a designated key position, the term "key" as it is used here relates to the ART program that defines the position as critical to mobilization capability (i.e., formulates, determines or influences policies of the unit to which assigned), and has no relationship to the term "key" as defined in AFI 36-507.
  3. This position is designated as a mobility position. Incumbent must be willing to move/transfer to another unit/location on a lateral or promotion basis as directed by HQ AFRC. AFRC command-wide geographic mobility is a condition of employment for all ART Officer positions. The employee must sign a mobility agreement.
  4. The incumbent must possess demonstrated leadership and managerial abilities essential to successful accomplishment of responsibilities inherent in this position.
  5. The incumbent must obtain and retain the appropriate security clearance level designated for the position, Top Secret.
  6. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The employee is subject to random drug testing. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing and participation in random drug testing as a condition of employment. Drug Test requirement was modified with AFI 90-508, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, 28 August 2014; Certified Current 18 December 2015 which supersedes AFI 44-107, 7 April 2010. Positions covered by this SPD must be reviewed for proper "Testing Designated Position (TDP)" coding to comply with the AF Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program (AFI 90-508). Drug testing is a condition of employment.
  7. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
  8. Aircrew and management duties include stress (both mental and physical), exposures to extreme hot and cold temperatures, gravity forces three in non-fighters and seven in fighters, and short notification for accomplishment of immediate action items directed by unit supervisors/higher headquarters that must be completed before the duty day ends.
  9. Periodically, as prescribed by regulations, must take and pass standardization/evaluation examinations which consist both of written tests and actual flight performance to demonstrate flight knowledge and abilities required of the position.
  10. The incumbent of the position must become instructor qualified within two years from the date of appointment to the position. This is a condition of employment.
  11. The incumbent may be required to fly in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments (TDY) away from the normal duty station.
  12. The incumbent may be required to work overtime to meet workload demands.
  13. Performs other duties as assigned.

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.Education:ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
RETIRED MILITARY ARE USUALLY INELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE AIR FORCE RESERVE. RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL WHO HAVE ACTIVE AIR FORCE RESERVE ASSIGNMENTS MAY APPLY PROVIDED THEY SHOW ASSIGNMENT (POSITION AND UNIT) ON THEIR APPLICATION.Employment Type: OTHER

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