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Helicopter Test Pilot Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

KurzSolutions

Family Physician

Fort Novosel, AL · On-site

Air Force helicopter pilots have also trained here since 1971, as have students from more than 60 ... Order diagnostic tests as applicable as well as request consultation or referral with appropriate ...

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Helicopter Test Pilot information

See Alabama salary details

$73.9K

$95.3K

$159.5K

How much do helicopter test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter test pilot in Alabama is $95,270.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,600.00 and $97,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a helicopter test pilot?

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 helicopter test pilot do?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a helicopter test pilot?

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.

What are popular job titles related to Helicopter Test Pilot jobs in Alabama?

For Helicopter Test Pilot jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Helicopter Test Pilot jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Helicopter Test Pilot jobs in Alabama are:

Helicopter Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Test Pilot job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,270 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

[Mil] MV-75 Experimental Test Pilot - Alabama

Heli Preflight

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$120 - $210/hr

Other

PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

We’re more than aviation experts, we’re pioneers. We challenge what’s possible. From breaking the sound barrier to advanced tiltrotor systems. Today, Bell is shaping the future of aviation through specialized engineering. And we want you.

We are developing the future of Army Aviation with the Bell Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) part of the US Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) modernization effort. We are also developing the Bell 525 Relentless and Bell’s High-Speed Vertical Take-Off and Landing (HSVTOL) program, a next generation stop-fold aircraft.

Execute and report on experimental flight test in tilt rotor aircraft and helicopters, conduct other flight test operations, maintain flight currency, and travel in support of Bell Textron flight operations, all as required by supported programs. Incumbent will participate in and/or lead test planning, flight evaluations, flight test analysis, and flight test reports.

What you’ll be doing as an Experimental Test Pilot
  • Plan, execute and report on engineering and experimental test flights of new aircraft and/or systems.
  • Demonstrate safe, effective, and efficient test planning and execution, applying crew resource management principles with flight crew, telemetry engineers, ATC, chase aircraft, etc.
  • Be a positive and constructive member of the test pilot team and project teams as assigned to maximize unity of effort and ensure successful accomplishment of the test program.
  • Make recommendations as to operational effectiveness of systems, aircraft handling qualities and design improvements.
  • Serve as a consultant to management and as an external spokesman for Bell on major matters and programs.
  • Perform additional tasks and acquire varying responsibilities as appropriate.
Skills you bring to the role
  • Must be a graduate of an approved flight test school.
  • A minimum of an FAA commercial rotorcraft helicopter instrument rating.
  • Minimum of 2000 hours total time in rotary wing aircraft with not less than 1500 hours as pilot in command and possess a current FAA Class I or II medical certificate.
What you need to be successful
  • Minimum of 1000 hours V-22 flight time.
  • Three years experience in vertical lift flight test and systems development.
  • 100 hours of engineering or experimental flight test time.
  • Excellent communications skills with a demonstrated ability to work with flight test and maintenance personnel.
  • Be current or able to meet Naval Aviation Water Survival Physiology training requirements.
  • Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally in support of test programs.
  • Must be able to obtain a secret security clearance.
What we offer you in return
  • You’ll be off every other Friday with our 9/80 work schedule
  • 80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO)
  • 120 hours Vacation time
  • 12-13 paid holidays per year
  • 6 weeks parental leave
  • Access to more than 11 Employee Resource Groups
  • And so much more

It’s time to make your mark on the future of aviation. Join us on this mission, and let’s make history together.

We are on a journey to amplify innovation, cultivate purpose and bridge experiences by fostering a culture that is driven by unique perspectives, voices, and values.

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