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Helicopter Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot

Detroit, MI · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

... operations manual Providing excellent customer service Complying with schedules and other ... Helicopter pilot training * Commercial helicopter training * Individual aircraft training ...

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Helicopter Operations information

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$9

$24

$49

How much do helicopter operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for helicopter operations in the United States is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are helicopter operations?

Helicopter Operations refer to the various activities and procedures involving the use of helicopters for transportation, search and rescue, aerial surveys, firefighting, law enforcement, and other specialized missions. These operations require careful planning, skilled pilots, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Helicopter operations are commonly used in areas where access is difficult or where rapid response is needed, such as in emergencies or remote locations. The scope of helicopter operations can vary widely, from civilian to military and commercial applications.

What are some common challenges faced in helicopter operations, and how can new team members prepare for them?

One of the primary challenges in Helicopter Operations is adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions and ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed, regardless of external pressures. New team members often need to quickly learn how to communicate efficiently with both ground crews and flight teams, sometimes in high-stress or emergency situations. Familiarity with aviation regulations, strong situational awareness, and a commitment to ongoing training are essential for handling these challenges. Building confidence through simulation exercises and mentorship from experienced colleagues can help new hires integrate smoothly and perform effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in helicopter operations, and why are they important?

Success in Helicopter Operations requires a solid understanding of aviation principles, flight safety, navigation, and typically a commercial helicopter pilot license. Familiarity with flight planning software, GPS navigation systems, and FAA regulations is crucial. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and effective communication help operators manage complex scenarios and coordinate with ground crews. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant helicopter missions under variable and challenging conditions.

What is the difference between Helicopter Operations vs Helicopter Piloting?

AspectHelicopter OperationsHelicopter Piloting
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), rotorcraft ratingsPrivate or Commercial Pilot License (PPL or CPL), rotorcraft ratings
Work EnvironmentCoordination, planning, ground support, flight supervisionActual flying, navigation, aircraft control
Employer & Industry UsageAir ambulance, tourism, corporate services, governmentAirlines, charter services, private owners

Helicopter Operations involve managing flight planning, safety protocols, and ground coordination, while Helicopter Piloting focuses on the actual flying and navigation of the aircraft. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in daily responsibilities and work environment.

More about Helicopter Operations jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Operations jobs?

The most popular types of Helicopter Operations jobs are:

What states have the most Helicopter Operations jobs?

States with the most job openings for Helicopter Operations jobs include:

Infographic showing various Helicopter Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft-Helicopter)

Spokane Valley, WA • On-site

Department of Transportation
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

$126K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Monitor and ensure that assigned air organizations meet Federal Aviation Regulations related to helicopter operations programs.

  • Issue certificates and perform surveillance, certification, investigation, and enforcement activities for FAR Part 135 air carriers/air operators.

  • Assist in conducting technical functions related to helicopter certification and compliance activities.


California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Aviation Safety Inspector (Rotorcraft-Helicopter), Principal Operations Inspector (POI), functions as the primary interface between assigned air operators/agencies/airmen/designees and the Federal Aviation Administration. The inspector will have program responsibility to assure that assigned organizations meet Federal Aviation Regulations with respect to primarily helicopter operations programs.Qualifications:

FAA Specific Qualifications Guidance for 1825 Aviation Safety Inspectors - Rotorcraft-Helicopter

General Requirements for All Positions:

  1. Not more than two separate incidents involving Federal aviation regulations violations in the last 5 years;
  2. Valid State driver's license;
  3. Fluency in the English language;
  4. No chemical dependencies or drug abuse that could interfere with job performance; and
  5. High school diploma or equivalent

Medical Requirements for Rotorcraft-Helicopter: Applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the Aviation Safety Inspector position in a safe and efficient manner, with or without a reasonable accommodation. The minimum medical requirements include the following requirements:

  1. Have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read, without strain, printed materials the size of typewritten characters (glasses and contact lenses permitted);
  2. Have the ability to hear the conversational voice (hearing aid permitted);
  3. Not have any physical condition that would cause them to be a hazard to themselves or others that would interfere with their ability to fly as passengers in a variety of aircraft.

In addition, applicants for positions that require participation in the operation of aircraft must:

  1. Possess a valid second-class medical certificate in accordance with Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) regulations; and
  2. Pass recurrent medical examinations as prescribed by the FAA.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, applicants must meet the specialized experience requirements as outlined below:

1. Must hold an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with a Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating or a Commercial Pilot Certificate with a Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating and Instrument-Helicopter rating.

2. Must hold a valid, unexpired Flight Instructor Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter rating and Instrument Helicopter rating.

3. Minimum 1,500 total flight hours in an aircraft as pilot-in-command or second-in-command, 1,000 hours of which must be in helicopters.

4. Must have given a minimum of 200 hours of flight instruction in a helicopter.

5. Minimum 100 flight hours in helicopters as pilot-in-command or second-in-command or 100 hours as pilot in a Level D Simulator that replicates a helicopter, or any combination thereof, during the last five (5) years.

6. Not more than two (2) flying accidents in the last five (5) years in which the applicant's pilot error was involved.

Specialized experience is: Work involves monitoring and issuing certificates to a large complex aviation organization or a number of smaller organizations that, in total, are comparable in complexity to one large aviation organization. Work at this grade level/pay band is generally reviewed from an overall standpoint for accuracy, consistency, and effectiveness in meeting requirements

Additional Specialized Experience Requirement: You must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-H, FG/ GS-12 level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes: Assisting, conducting, or performing various technical functions related to certification, surveillance, investigation, and enforcement activities of FAR Part 135 air carriers/air operators.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA); listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical and referred to the selecting official for consideration.

For Lateral Movements Between 1825 Specialties:

To assist in determining qualification requirements, applicants transferring between specialties at the same grade level are strongly encouraged to complete the appropriate Qualifications Assessment Tool (QAT) check sheet and upload it along with their resume. Check sheets are contained in Order 3410.26, Flight Standards Service Air Carrier and General Aviation Qualifications Assessment Tool for AFS Aviation Safety Inspectors. In addition, applicants for Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) positions will be required to demonstrate proficiency in an airplane or simulator.

The recency of specialized experience is waived for current FAA employees in the 1825 series.

Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered for the job.

Education:

Education may not be substituted for experience.

Employment Type: OTHER

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