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Helicopter Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Garmin International, Inc.

Flight Test Pilot

Salem, OR · On-site

Overview We are seeking a full-time Flight Test Pilot at Garmin's Salem, OR location. In this role ... Helicopter pilot qualifications Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified ...

Army National Guard Units

$131K - $171K/yr

As a HELICOPTER FLIGHT MAINTENANCE TEST PILOT (MTP) (Title 32) with the Texas Army National Guard, your duties will include, but will not be limited to: * Performs preflight weather analysis, route ...

Army National Guard Units

$131K - $171K/yr

As a HELICOPTER PILOT (Title 32) with the Texas Army National Guard, your duties will include, but ... Such flights, maintenance test flights, and low-level flights are such that a safe emergency ...

Army National Guard Units

$131K - $171K/yr

Serves are Maintenance Test Pilot Examiner (ME)/Functional Check Pilot (FCP) Evaluator: Serves as ... This announcement is for an AH64E HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/EVALUATOR (Title 32). Applicants ...

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Helicopter Test Pilot information

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$81.5K

$105.1K

$176K

How much do helicopter test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter test pilot in the United States is $105,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How difficult is it to get a helicopter pilot license?

Obtaining a helicopter pilot license requires completing a minimum of 40 flight hours, passing written and practical exams, and demonstrating proficiency in helicopter operation. The process demands significant training, skill development, and adherence to regulatory standards set by aviation authorities.

How much does a test pilot get paid?

Helicopter test pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employer. Senior pilots with specialized skills or military backgrounds can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $200,000 with additional allowances and bonuses.

What is a Helicopter Test Pilot job?

A Helicopter Test Pilot is responsible for evaluating the performance, safety, and capabilities of helicopters by conducting test flights under various conditions. They assess new aircraft designs, modifications, and system upgrades to ensure they meet regulatory and operational standards. Test pilots work closely with engineers, providing crucial feedback to improve aircraft performance and safety. Their role requires advanced piloting skills, extensive flight experience, and often a background in aerospace engineering or military aviation.

What does a typical workday look like for a Helicopter Test Pilot and how do they collaborate with engineering teams?

A typical day for a Helicopter Test Pilot includes preparing detailed flight plans, conducting ground checks, executing flight tests to evaluate new systems or modifications, and meticulously recording flight data. After flights, test pilots work closely with aerospace engineers and technicians to analyze results, discuss any anomalies, and recommend improvements based on their firsthand observations. Collaboration is a key part of the role, as pilots and engineers regularly meet to review objectives, share safety concerns, and ensure that each test meets regulatory and performance standards. This teamwork ensures that all helicopter systems are thoroughly evaluated and refined for optimal safety and efficiency before reaching customers or entering broader operational use.

Is 40 too old to become a helicopter pilot?

Helicopter test pilots and commercial helicopter pilots can typically start their careers at age 40, provided they meet the necessary certifications, flight hours, and physical requirements. Age is less restrictive than health and skill levels, and many pilots successfully begin or transition into helicopter flying later in life. Ongoing training and physical fitness are important for maintaining pilot qualifications regardless of age.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Helicopter Test Pilot position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Helicopter Test Pilot, you need advanced piloting expertise, a deep understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft systems, and typically a commercial or military pilot license with significant rotary-wing flight hours. Familiarity with flight data recording equipment, simulation tools, and aviation safety management systems is critical, as well as certifications for specialized test pilot training. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure safe and precise evaluation of aircraft performance, support efficient teamwork, and uphold rigorous safety standards during test flights.

Is there a high demand for helicopter pilots?

The demand for helicopter pilots is generally steady, especially in sectors such as emergency medical services, offshore oil support, and aerial firefighting. Job growth may vary by region and industry, and pilots with specialized certifications and experience tend to have better employment prospects.
More about Helicopter Test Pilot jobs
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Helicopter Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.
Flight Test Pilot

Flight Test Pilot

Garmin International, Inc.

Salem, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Garmin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Overview
We are seeking a full-time Flight Test Pilot at Garmin's Salem, OR location. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership in performance of flight test pilot activities including developing ground and flight test plans for complex projects, acting as Pilot in Command during execution of flight tests, authoring certification plans or project level documentation for flight manuals, effectively representing the end user, and working with certification authorities to resolve certification issues.
Essential Functions
  • Acts as Pilot in Command for experimental aircraft with moderately significant changes to certified design and conducts complex, moderate-risk tests
  • May act as Flight Test Project Lead for moderately complex projects
  • Drafts ground/flight test plans for complex test programs including programs with tests not previously conducted
  • Defines operational characteristics for the system under development/test and effectively represents end user of individual products
  • Understands and is able to maintain moderately complex test aircraft configurations and coordinates with engineering teams
  • Analyzes data to assist with development of systems, determines compliance with requirements, and provides certification data
  • Addresses issues with test aircraft and installations including advanced troubleshooting and provides support to aircraft maintenance
  • Identifies/tracks issues during flight test, offers quality solutions, and verifies resolution for moderately complex projects
  • Leverages thorough understanding of aircraft certification process and associated regulations to author certification plans or content for complex projects, including new content
  • Creates project level documentation structure for flight manuals and technical publications intended for use by pilots
  • Serves as an expert in flight operations aspects of systems sufficient to communicate functional hazards and failure effects to safety analysis team
  • Works with certification authorities to resolve certification issues
  • Revises or authors new procedures and makes significant safety contributions to the flight test organization
  • Provides reliable solutions to a wide range of difficult problems using sound problem solving techniques
  • Serves as a mentor to less experienced flight test pilots

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering AND a minimum of 5 years relevant experience
  • Excellent academics (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 as a general rule)
  • Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate
  • Minimum 1,500 hours total flight time
  • Minimum 200 Flight Test Hours
  • Previous flight test experience
  • Demonstrates proficient use of advanced engineering and flight test tools including performing advanced troubleshooting on complex avionics system installations
  • Demonstrates solid and proficient understanding of certification process and associated regulations
  • Demonstrates strong and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

Desired Qualifications
  • Previous experience in systems engineering or software development
  • Flight Test Pilot DER or ODA Unit Member Qualification
  • Commercial aviation experience is a plus
  • Helicopter pilot qualifications

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits

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