ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Helicopter Instructor Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kern County, CA

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$8.5K - $10K/mo

Salary : $8,511.58 - $10,172.13 Monthly Location : 1350 Norris Road, Bakersfield, CA Job Type ... Desired Helicopter Flight Experience * Certified Flight Instructor with Rotorcraft-Helicopter ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHelicopter Instructor Salary Jobs

Helicopter Instructor Salary information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a helicopter instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Helicopter Instructor, you need an FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating for helicopters, extensive flight hours, and a strong grasp of aeronautical knowledge. Familiarity with flight training devices, simulation software, and aviation safety management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to adapt your teaching style to diverse learners are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, effective instruction and help students become skilled, confident pilots.

What is the average salary of a helicopter instructor?

The average salary for a helicopter instructor in the United States typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Instructors working at major flight schools or with advanced qualifications may earn higher salaries. Benefits, overtime, and opportunities for advancement can also impact total compensation. Entry-level instructors usually start at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with many years of experience or specialized skills may command higher wages.

What is the difference between Helicopter Instructor Salary vs Flight Instructor Salary?

AspectHelicopter Instructor SalaryFlight Instructor Salary
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License with Helicopter Rating, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)Commercial Pilot License, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Work EnvironmentHelicopter flight training schools, private operatorsFixed-wing flight schools, aviation academies
Employer & Industry UsageHelicopter training providers, emergency servicesFixed-wing aircraft training, general aviation

Helicopter Instructor Salary and Flight Instructor Salary share similar certification requirements and work environments, but differ mainly in the aircraft type they specialize in. Helicopter instructors focus on rotorcraft training, often in specialized settings like emergency services, while flight instructors typically teach fixed-wing aircraft. Salary differences depend on industry demand, location, and experience.

What are some common challenges helicopter instructors face in their daily work?

Helicopter instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting lesson plans to suit students with varying skill levels, maintaining high safety standards during flight training, and keeping up with regulatory changes. They also need to balance administrative duties, like record-keeping and scheduling, with hands-on instruction. Effective communication and patience are essential, as instructors regularly collaborate with students, other flight instructors, and maintenance teams to ensure a safe and productive learning environment.

How many hours do you need to be a helicopter instructor?

To become a helicopter instructor, individuals typically need to accumulate at least 200 flight hours, including specific hours as a pilot-in-command and cross-country experience, along with holding a commercial pilot certificate and a certified flight instructor (CFI) rating. Additional training and experience in helicopter operations are also required before qualifying as an instructor.
More about Helicopter Instructor Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Helicopter Instructor Salary jobs? Cities with the most Helicopter Instructor Salary job openings:
What states have the most Helicopter Instructor Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Helicopter Instructor Salary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Helicopter Instructor Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Helicopter Instructor Salary jobs are:
Helicopter Instructor Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Instructor Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Experimental Flight Test Pilot (Torrance)

Robinson Helicopter Co

Torrance, CA • On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Torrance, CA 90505

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $180,000.00 - $240,000.00 Salary/year

Job Shift: Day

Founded in 1973, Robinson Helicopter Company Inc., (RHC), is the preeminent manufacturer of civil rotorcraft located in Torrance, California. Robinson has built its reputation on a 50-year history of commitment to providing affordable and quality aircraft with a wide range of applications. We have a strong engineering team; almost 85% of our manufacturing processes, including production of parts and assembly, are done in our Torrance location. We also offer comprehensive overhaul services while rapidly responding to customers’ needs; to keep their aircraft flying. Our commitment to our vision of keeping our customers flying has earned RHC a variety of recognition from our customers.

Robinson is an engineering focused organization that provides challenging and exciting opportunities to contribute to the future of vertical flight.

As an Experimental Test Pilot at Robinson Helicopter, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development and certification of the most widely used civil helicopters in the world. The Experimental Flight Test Pilot is part of a small and nimble flight test team plans, executes, analyzes, and reports on ground and flight test of experimental rotorcraft and/or systems. You will be challenged with bringing unique and complex aircraft from development through certification.

Responsibilities
  • Serve as PIC for development, research, and certification flight tests of experimental rotorcraft.
  • Conduct varying, complex flight test projects for rotorcraft including writing flight test plans, test cards, flight reports, and test reports
  • Lead and/or participate in ground and flight tests as pilot, test crew member, or Test Conductor
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to develop test strategies, determine test configurations, plan, and execute test programs in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.
  • Comply with department processes and standard operating procedures to ensure flight testing is accomplished with high levels of safety, effectiveness, consistency, and efficiency.
  • Contribute insights and innovations to improve the product and organization.
  • Participate in multi-disciplinary design reviews and assist with resolving cross‑functional technical issues.
  • Participate in the Flight Test Safety Program to ensure safety objectives are accomplished including participation in flight test plan reviews, test flights, pre and post test flight briefings and test readiness reviews.
  • Interface with regulator (FAA, EASA, TCCA, etc) flight test personnel to conduct flight test aspects of aircraft certification.
  • Maintain required records and conduct audits to verify compliance with processes and procedures.
  • Maintain flying currency and proficiency in multiple different aircraft types.
Experimental Test PilotRequired Qualifications
  • Pilot graduate of a SETP recognized test pilot school or possess substantial experience in development and certification flight test programs.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related engineering field or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years' experience as an experimental RW test pilot.
  • FAA Commercial Helicopter Pilot Certificate.
  • FAA Second Class Medical.
  • Minimum 1,000 hrs Helicopter PIC time.
  • Significant experience managing Risk and Safety in the flight test environment.
  • Experience in development and type certification flight test programs for fixed or rotary-wing aircraft.
  • Excellent academic record.
  • Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Team-oriented, possess a positive attitude, and work well with others
  • Able to work irregular hours and workdays, and travel periodically
  • Proven self-starter requiring minimal supervision, with strong project management, organization, and risk management skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office products and engineering software tools
Desired Qualifications
  • Significant experience in multiple makes and models of rotorcraft.
  • DER and/or ODA experience.
  • Master's degree in engineering.
  • Human-to-vehicle interface design, test and evaluation experience.
  • FAA Helicopter Instructor pilot certificate and experience.
  • Previous experience with advanced flight controls.
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply