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Helicopter Instructor Pilot Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Helicopter Instructor Pilot information

See Oregon salary details

$75.6K

$106K

$130.6K

How much do helicopter instructor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter instructor pilot in Oregon is $105,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,200.00 and $118,400.00 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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Helicopter Instructor Pilot jobs in Oregon? For Helicopter Instructor Pilot jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Helicopter Instructor Pilot jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Helicopter Instructor Pilot jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Helicopter Instructor Pilot jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Helicopter Instructor Pilot job openings:
Helicopter Instructor Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Instructor Pilot job openings in Oregon 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 $105,992 per year, or $51 per hour.

Aircraft Flight Instructor

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Portland, OR

$138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

U.S. Department Of Energy rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

145th of 844 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in the BPA Aircraft Services (TAA) organization of Transmission Chief of Staff (TA), Transmission Services (T).
We are seeking an expert Lead Flight Instructor for Bell 407 helicopters and drones. You will train and evaluate our pilots and instructors, develop advanced flight manuals and safety procedures, and lead critical missions in challenging environments to support the Northwest's power grid.Qualifications:

In addition to meeting the individual occupational requirements for positions in the 2181 series, you must also meet a selective placement factor (screen-out); both requirements will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
You MUST provide a copy of your current ATP or helicopter commercial certificate with appropriate endorsement, medical certificate and sufficient documentation (e.g., copy of Log Book) to show proof you meet the requirements stated below. Failure to provide supporting documentation by the closing date may result in disqualification; your application will be marked incomplete.
The individual occupational requirements and selective placement factor for this position are as follows:

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Helicopter certificate or Commercial pilot license with rotorcraft helicopter ratings and/or appropriate military rating.
  • FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
  1. 1500 Total Flight Hours (as pilot-in-command or copilot in an aircraft of any weight or category (1,125 for eligible current federal employees)
  2. 250 helicopter flight hours as Pilot-in-Command.
  3. 75 Night Flying (25 hours may be waived for eligible current federal employees)
  4. 100 Flying Time in the Last 12 Months (50 hrs for eligible current federal employees)
  5. 500 Helicopter Instructor Hours
Other requirements for Helicopter:
  • Possess and maintain an FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate
  • Pilot Certificate must state "English Proficient".
  • FAA External-Load Operator Certificate (Class B)
  • FAA External-Load Operator Certificate (Class C)
  • Must complete training for and obtain a FAA Remote Pilot Certificate within six months of appointment.
  • This position is subject to initial and random drug and alcohol testing.

Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:

There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.

Employment Type: OTHER

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