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Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot

Washington, DC · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

This Helicopter Pilot position is covered under the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) bargaining unit and you may be required to pay an agency fee through direct payroll deductions.

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

This is NOT a UAS / UAV / RPV / DRONE pilot position. We are looking for Full-time, Remote Pilot Operator (RPO) candidates to join the SAIC Controller Training Solutions (CTS) team at the Washington ...

Your eligibility begins once you complete your Private Pilot Certificate. * Successfully complete an interview with PSA to become a Cadet in the program. * Cadets are offered numerous opportunities ...

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Helicopter Pilot information

See Reston, VA salary details

$74.4K

$104.3K

$128.5K

How much do helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter pilot in Reston, VA is $104,295.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,600.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Helicopter Pilot, you need strong flight skills, spatial awareness, and comprehensive knowledge of aviation regulations, typically supported by a commercial pilot license and relevant flight hours. Proficiency with navigation systems, radios, and flight planning software is essential, and additional certifications like instrument or type ratings may be required. Exceptional decision-making, communication, and situational awareness are vital soft skills for adapting to changing conditions and ensuring safety. These abilities are crucial for safely operating helicopters in dynamic environments and responding effectively to emergencies.

What does a helicopter pilot do?

A helicopter pilot is responsible for safely operating helicopters for various purposes, such as transportation, search and rescue, law enforcement, or medical evacuation. They conduct pre-flight inspections, navigate according to flight plans, communicate with air traffic control, and ensure passenger and crew safety. Helicopter pilots must be skilled in handling the unique flight dynamics of helicopters and often work in diverse and challenging environments.

What are some common challenges helicopter pilots face during routine operations, and how do they address them?

Helicopter pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, difficult terrain, and the need for precise navigation in confined spaces. Managing these situations requires strong situational awareness, ongoing communication with air traffic control, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Pilots regularly review weather forecasts, conduct thorough pre-flight inspections, and rely on teamwork with ground crew and other pilots to ensure safe and efficient operations.

What Do Helicopter Pilots Do?

As a helicopter pilot, you fly a helicopter aircraft to transport passengers or cargo or gather information on the ground from a bird’s-eye view, like traffic data. Your job duties as a helicopter pilot include conducting pre-flight checks such as ensuring aircraft controls and instruments are working properly and checking weather forecasts for the flight path and then creating a flight plan. Your responsibilities are to communicate with dispatchers and air traffic controllers and to operate the helicopter properly, ensuring a safe flight.

What is the difference between Helicopter Pilot vs Fixed-Wing Pilot?

AspectHelicopter PilotFixed-Wing Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL) with rotorcraft categoryCommercial Pilot License (CPL) with airplane category
Work EnvironmentHelicopter operations in urban, rescue, or offshore settingsAirline, cargo, or private flights in fixed-wing aircraft
Industry UsageEmergency services, construction, tourism, offshorePassenger airlines, freight, corporate flights

Helicopter pilots and fixed-wing pilots share similar certification requirements but operate in different environments. Helicopter pilots often work in rescue, construction, or offshore roles, while fixed-wing pilots typically fly commercial or cargo aircraft. Both roles require specialized licenses and skills suited to their aircraft types and work settings.

What are popular job titles related to Helicopter Pilot jobs in Reston, VA? For Helicopter Pilot jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Helicopter Pilot jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Helicopter Pilot job openings:

Helicopter Pilot

DC Government Careers

Washington, DC • On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) offers an attractive benefits package. The benefits package includes competitive compensation, health insurance, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, short and long term disability and life insurance, as well a strong retirement benefit and savings options. Employees are also eligible for our employer contributed 401a plan after one year of employment. Additional perks such as discounts on wireless carriers, gym memberships, amusement park tickets and much more! Additional information can be found at: DCHR Benefits
This position is located in the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Special Operations Division, Homeland Security Bureau (HSB). The purpose of this position is to operate a helicopter in the performance and support of aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, traffic monitoring and reporting as well as the timely dissemination of information to involved law enforcement units.
The incumbent pilots an Airbus AS350B3 helicopter in support of law enforcement duties, including the protection of life and property, prevention and apprehension of law violators.
This Helicopter Pilot position is covered under the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) bargaining unit and you may be required to pay an agency fee through direct payroll deductions.
The incumbent will be responsible for the following:
  • The incumbent in command of the aircraft is the final authority to the safe operation of the aircraft, interpreting weather reports from the National Weather Service and other weather reporting services to determine altitude, deviation from the planned route and determining a flight route to ensure safety.
  • Assists ground units and provides airborne support for missions including patrol, aerial search and rescue missions, surveillance and information gathering.
  • Operates as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) for high-risk and dynamic aviation missions, providing critical air support for real-time tactical surveillance, fleeing suspect tracking, executive protection, major event overwatch (such as inaugurations and marches), search and rescue operations in both urban and wooded environments, and aerial assistance for perimeter security and crowd control during large-scale public events.
  • Executes flights in complex Class B, Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) airspace with enhanced security protocols, FAA coordination, and interagency communication.
  • Conducts flight missions during day and night-time conditions to search for subjects; identifies police locations; and searches for suspects and critical missing persons. Utilizes Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera systems to conduct operations in total darkness and/or limited visibility environments.
  • Transports personnel and equipment as required for specialized missions, including Emergency Response Team (ERT), K-9, Dive Team, Crime Scene Search, or other departmental personnel as needed.
  • Provides live video downlink to the Joint Operations Command Center (JOCC) or other command centers as well as small size mobile receivers.
  • Maintains written and computerized flight logs and pilot records in compliance with applicable regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), unit standard operating procedures, and other agencies as necessary.
  • Reads and keeps abreast of publications and airworthiness directives from the FAA. Makes necessary adjustments to helicopter operations based on information and directives. Provides direct support to vehicle pursuits from the aircraft, which allows supervisors to manage the pursuit under departmental guidelines. Conducts aerial searches of the Washington, DC area to locate suspects that have gone in hiding in a particular area.
  • Periodically conducts river and traffic observations of major thoroughfares to include, snow emergencies, highway accidents, utility road work, waterways, etc. Observes and reports roadway conditions that are severely impeding traffic. When app ropriate contacts the Department of Public Works and other local agencies or jurisdictions to advise of traffic impediments.
  • Works with law enforcement officials from other District and Federal government agencies, state and local jurisdictions. Serves as a liaison with air traffic control facilities and the Transportation Security Administration as necessary.
  • Subject to testify in a court of law.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
Licensures, Certifications and other Requirements
Must possess and maintain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Rotor Craft Pilot license with an Instrument Rating. (Must provide proof of license).
Must possess and maintain a current FAA 2nd Class or higher Medical Certification. (Must provide proof of certification).
Must undergo all required FAA and aircraft manufacture training as required at department expense.
Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle driver's license.
Work Experience
Must possess 1000 hours in Rotor Wing Aircraft as Pilot in Command (PIC), of which 120 hours in the last 12 months, 200 hours as PIC during night conditions. Must provide the Pilot logbook as proof of hourly PIC.
Must possess and maintain a current FAA Flight Review in Rotor Wing Aircraft.
Experience Operating in Class B or restricted airspace.
Previous public safety/military or law enforcement aviation experience (Preferred)
Work Environment
The operation of the helicopter is subject to hazards and requires the incumbent to monitor aircraft systems during flights constantly. Situational awareness must be observed during flight operations. Special attention should be constantly given to environmental factors, such as terrain, wires, cranes, towers, changing weather conditions and other similar issues of concern.
Other Significant Factors
Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential.
This position operates within the confines of a 24/7 operation. This position is considered "Essential". Incumbent of this position is required to provide after-hours on call technical support including weekends and holidays. Incumbent may also be subjected to rotating shifts, weekend work and changes in days off.
This position is deemed as "Safety Sensitive" pursuant to Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations, in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying security sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests:
  1. Criminal background check;
  2. Traffic record check (as applicable);
  3. Consumer credit check (as applicable);
  4. Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test; and
  5. Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.

A background investigation is required for positions with the Metropolitan Police Department.
The incumbent is required to possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's permit.
The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.
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