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Helicopter Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pafford EMS

Aviation Communication Specialist

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$49.70K - $66K/yr

This includes call intake for inter-facility flights, dispatching the flight team, flight following, and coordinating helicopter operations with landing zone coordinators and security/police officers ...

Arkansas Children's

Helicopter Pilot

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$80.90K - $100.60K/yr

Responsible for the safe operation of a medium lift twin engine helicopter in single pilot day/night/NVG visual and instrument flight condition. Performs flight duty in a 24 hour hospital based ...

STS Technical Services

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Livingston, TX

$67.80K - $84.40K/yr

You will fly day and night missions in a 24-hour operational environment, supporting emergency ... Instrument Helicopter Rating required * First Class Medical Certificate required * Minimum flight ...

STS Technical Services

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Livingston, TX · On-site

$67.80K - $84.40K/yr

You will fly day and night missions in a 24-hour operational environment, supporting emergency ... Instrument Helicopter Rating required * First Class Medical Certificate required * Minimum flight ...

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How much do helicopter operations jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 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 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 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 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 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.

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:
Helicopter Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Operations job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 8% Full Time, and 88% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Aviation Communication Specialist

Aviation Communication Specialist

Pafford EMS

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$49.70K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Pafford EMS rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

758th of 864 rated healthcare providers

Job description

AVIATION COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST
Full Job Description
The Communication Specialist is one of the first points of contact for discharge planners, physicians, facilities, and other Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies. This position is primarily responsible for emergency flight operations for Pafford's air medical teams. This includes call intake for inter-facility flights, dispatching the flight team, flight following, and coordinating helicopter operations with landing zone coordinators and security/police officers at sending and receiving facilities. When not actively working through flight requests, the Communication Specialist is responsible for taking non-emergency ground ambulance transport requests.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
  • Ability to perform oriented tasks efficiently and accurately in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
  • Ability to listen, speak and write articulately clearly and interact with the public, a diverse workgroup, and emergency staff without confusion.
  • Ability to gain an understanding of the current telecommunications organizational structure, policies, procedures, programs, practices, terminology, and services.
  • Ability to work all shifts, including holidays and weekends
  • Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively.
  • Ability to summarize key individual characteristics and enter the information into the database (while using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation) for use by co-workers and pre-hospital care staff.
  • Ability to demonstrate leadership qualities such as adaptability, flexibility, dependability, punctuality and accountability through quick, effective responses to change.

Training to be provided:
    • Call intake for inter-facility flights
    • Dispatching the flight team
    • Flight following
    • Coordinating helicopter operations with landing zone coordinators, security/police officers at sending and receiving facilities.
    • Reading weather reports
    • Taking non-emergency ground ambulance transport requests.
    • Scheduling non-emergency ground ambulance transports

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment at one year:
  • Proficiency in above training
  • CPR
  • Certified Flight Communicator Course (sponsored by the International Association of Medical Transport Communication Specialists).

Education/training
REQUIRED: High school graduate or GED Education/training
PREFERRED: Certified Flight Communicator Course Additional position requirements:
Rotational hours (Weekend, Day, Evening, Night, Holiday)
Hours may vary, and shift holdovers may be necessary to assist the team when call volume is high.
Salary: $38,896-$50,336 based on a 48-hour week one week and a 36-hour week the next.
Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

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