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Helicopter Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$8.5K - $10K/mo

Desired Helicopter Flight Experience * Certified Flight Instructor with Rotorcraft-Helicopter endorsement * Night Vision Goggle Instructor endorsement * Vertical reference and external load ...

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$93K - $115K/yr

Desired Helicopter Flight Experience Certified Flight Instructor with Rotorcraft-Helicopter endorsement Night Vision Goggle Instructor endorsement Vertical reference and external load operations ...

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Helicopter Instructor information

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$9

$25

$51

How much do helicopter instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for helicopter instructor in the United States is $25.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges helicopter instructors face when training new pilots, and how can they be addressed?

Helicopter Instructors often encounter challenges such as students struggling with the complex coordination required for helicopter controls and adapting to rapidly changing flight conditions. Effective instructors address these issues by using step-by-step teaching methods, providing frequent hands-on practice, and fostering a supportive learning environment. Additionally, clear communication and regular feedback help students build confidence and refine their skills. Collaborating closely with other instructors and participating in ongoing professional development also ensures best practices are shared and instructional techniques remain up-to-date.

What is the difference between Helicopter Instructor vs Flight Instructor?

AspectHelicopter InstructorFlight Instructor
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL) with helicopter rating, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) for helicoptersCommercial Pilot License (CPL) with airplane rating, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) for airplanes
Work EnvironmentHelicopter training schools, aerial tour companies, emergency servicesFixed-wing flight schools, aviation academies, flight training centers
Industry UsageHelicopter operations, emergency medical services, aerial photographyGeneral aviation, commercial airline training, private pilot training

Helicopter Instructors specialize in training pilots to operate helicopters, requiring specific helicopter flight certifications. Flight Instructors typically train pilots in fixed-wing aircraft. While both roles involve flight instruction and similar certifications, they focus on different aircraft types and work environments, making each role unique within the aviation industry.

What is a helicopter instructor?

Helicopter Instructors are licensed pilots who are specially trained and certified to teach others how to fly helicopters. Their responsibilities include providing ground and flight training, ensuring students understand aviation regulations, safety protocols, and helicopter operations. They evaluate students’ progress, prepare them for certification exams, and help develop both technical and decision-making skills needed for safe helicopter flight.

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 substantial flight experience, an instructor pilot certification, and a thorough understanding of aerodynamics and aviation regulations. Familiarity with flight simulators, GPS navigation systems, and aviation safety management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to give clear, constructive feedback are vital soft skills for effective teaching. These skills ensure safe, effective instruction and help students develop the proficiency and confidence needed for independent flight.
More about Helicopter Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Helicopter Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Helicopter Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Helicopter Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Helicopter Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Helicopter Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,022 per year, or $26 per hour.

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Kern County, CA

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$8.5K - $10K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Salary : $8,511.58 - $10,172.13 Monthly
Location : 1350 Norris Road, Bakersfield, CA
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 8975
Department: SHERIFF
Opening Date: 05/11/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Information
Amended: 5/18/23, 5/24/23, 7/30/24
This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time without notice.
Examination:
Appraisal (Weight 100%): of training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the work based on any combination of the following: Investigation, oral exam and rating of application.
Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.
Minimum Qualifications/ Employment Standards:
  • High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent AND the following certifications/licenses:
  • Valid and current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate issued by an authorized medical examiner (AME).
  • Valid California Motor Vehicle Driver's License.

AND
Option I:
Required helicopter flight experience:
  1. FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating.
  2. Minimum 2000 hours PIC Helicopter flight time
  3. Minimum 500 hours in medium (Type 2) turbine powered helicopters.
  4. Minimum 500 hours PIC in mountainous terrain, routinely making takeoffs and landings to unimproved landing areas at density altitudes exceeding 4500' MSL.
  5. Night Vision Goggle endorsement with a minimum of 200 hours PIC flight time utilizing Night Vision Goggle devices.
  6. Minimum 500 hours PIC performing low-level missions in law-enforcement patrol, search and rescue, vertical reference operations over mountainous or forested areas, or comparable fire service or military operations.

Desired Helicopter Flight Experience
  • Certified Flight Instructor with Rotorcraft-Helicopter endorsement
  • Night Vision Goggle Instructor endorsement
  • Vertical reference and external load operations experience
  • UH-1H or other similar Bell Helicopter

OR
Option II:
Required Fixed-Wing experience:
  1. FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with Airplane-Multi Engine Land (AMEL) rating.
  2. Airplane Instrument Rating.
  3. Minimum 1500 hours PIC Airplane.
  4. Minimum 200 hours in PIC Category and Class (ASEL or AMEL).
  5. Minimum 100 hours of PIC night flight time.
  6. Minimum 75 hours of PIC flight time solely by reference to instruments (actual/simulated).

Desired Fixed-Wing Experience:
  1. Certified Flight Instructor Airplane
  2. Instrument Flight Instructor Airplane (CFII)
  3. Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)

PHYSICAL STANDARDS:
Physical Examination: In addition to requiring a Class II Medical Certificate, a rigid medical examination by the County Physician is required. The examination includes spine and chest x-rays, blood chemistry and electro-cardiograph tests. Weight must be proportionate to height and age.
Vision: 20-100 uncorrected in each eye, corrected to 20-20, no color deficiency. No permanent or progressive eye abnormalities.
Hearing: No hearing deficiency.
Character: Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony law violations will be disqualifying, and, except for a limited number of traffic offenses, misdemeanor offenses may be disqualifying.
Please ensure all applicable certificates are attached with your application. If you are unable to attach application materials to your application or have any questions regarding this recruitment, you may contact Cassandra Ramirez at ramirezc@kerncounty.com or call at 661-868-3913.
Full Job Description for:
About Kern County
Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.
To learn more about Kern County, click or follow us:
Growth Mindset
We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.
Additional Information
Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.
A background check may be conducted for this classification.
Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.
This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made at Kern County Sheriff's Office. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.
For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our
This position works within the Kern County Sheriff's Office. For more information about the department, please view their websitehere
Kern County Sheriff's Office will seek and retain qualified individuals who maintain a high moral character, are ethical in all facets of life, and are trustworthy and professional when serving our community. To learn more about the 7 pillars of the ideal candidate please click here.
Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Kern County Employee Benefits
*As a regular or provisional employee of Kern County, working twenty (20) hours or more per week, you are presently eligible for the following benefits as described below:
: (Medical/Dental/Vision): Kern County offers five affordable medical options. Kern Legacy Health Plans are medical and prescription health plan options administered directly by the County of Kern. Kaiser Permanente is also an option. Employees may also choose from two dental plans; Liberty Dental PPO or HMO. The vision coverage is provided through Vision Service Plan (VSP).
: Kern County Employees' Retirement Association (KCERA). This Section 401 (a) defined benefit retirement plan requires employer and employee contribution and pays retired employees a pension based on salary, years of service, and age upon retirement.
: This section 457 plan allows employees to contribute on a pre-tax basis to a supplemental retirement account which is then paid out to them when they retire.
Note: Both Kern County and the employee contribute to Social Security and Medicare as follows:
  • The County of Kern withholds 6.2% for Social Security (FICA1) and 1.45% for Medicare (FICA2) from employee's payroll warrants
  • The County matches the employee's 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare
: EAP is available to help you take control of your life!
: Chimienti & Associates (Administrator) offers the following voluntary benefits and can be deducted on a pre-tax bases: Short Term Disability Coverage, Accident Plan, Cancer Plan and a Flexible Spending Account.
Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days (per calendar year)
01
I certify I possess experience in the following:
1. FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating.
2. Minimum 2000 hours PIC Helicopter flight time
3.Minimum 500 hours in medium (Type 2) turbine powered helicopters.
4.Minimum 500 hours PIC in mountainous terrain, routinely making takeoffs and landings to unimproved landing areas at density altitudes exceeding 4500' MSL.
5.Night Vision Goggle endorsement with a minimum of 200 hours PIC flight time utilizing Night Vision Goggle devices.
6.Minimum 500 hours PIC performing low-level missions in law-enforcement patrol, search and rescue, vertical reference operations over mountainous or forested areas, or comparable fire service or military operations.
  • Yes
  • No

02
I certify I possess experience in the following:
1. FAA Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot with Airplane-Multi Engine Land (AMEL) rating.
2. Airplane Instrument Rating.
3.Minimum 1500 hours PIC Airplane.
4.Minimum 200 hours in PIC Category and Class (ASEL or AMEL).
5.Minimum 100 hours of PIC night flight time.
6.Minimum 75 hours of PIC flight time solely by reference to instruments (actual/simulated).
  • Yes
  • No

03
Have you ever been convicted of any offense other than a minor traffic violation?
Please Note: You are not required to disclose convictions of Marijuana-related offenses per Labor Code 432.8; if those convictions are more than two years old. If you are not required to disclose a conviction, you may answer "NO" to the question above.
The fact that a conviction has been relieved or expunged does not necessarily relieve you of the obligation to disclose that conviction. (For instance, you are legally required to list all convictions relieved under Penal Code Section 1203.4.) Failure to list any conviction which you are legally obligated to disclose is an omission of a material fact which will cause forfeiture of all rights of employment with the County of Kern.
  • Yes
  • No

04
If you answered "YES" to the above question, complete the Conviction Summary below. If you answered "NO" to the above question, enter "NA" below.
Starting with your most recent conviction, please list all convictions (not arrests) you have received, with accurate dates and in full detail. As per Civil Rule 307.10.01, a "conviction," shall include a plea of guilty or a conviction following a plea of nolo contendere.
The Human Resources Division will review your application and this supplement to determine whether or not your conviction record affects your eligibility for examination or certification. The Civil Service Commission may refuse to examine or, after examination, to certify as eligible or may remove an eligible from the eligible list for good cause.
Conviction Summary--For EACH conviction you must provide all of the following information:
1. Convicted of (Code # & Offense)
2. Date
3. Location
4. Disposition (fine, sentence, etc.)
5. Explanation of circumstances of case (add additional information as an attachment if needed)
6. Current Status (Probation, Parole, etc.)
Required Question