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Helicopter Test Pilot Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

... test flights, ferry missions, and customer demonstrations. Your working environment: A suburb just ... FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate, Commercial helicopter license, IFR rating, and ...

... test flights, ferry missions, and customer demonstrations. Your working environment: A suburb just ... FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate, Commercial helicopter license, IFR rating, and ...

Tests the standby radio equipment and the radio equipment in the lifeboats on a weekly basis ... with helicopter traffic to and from the vessel. * Advises pilots of landing clearances ...

Tests the standby radio equipment and the radio equipment in the lifeboats on a weekly basis ... with helicopter traffic to and from the vessel. * Advises pilots of landing clearances ...

Flight Engineer Standardization Instructor

Killeen, TX · On-site

$55K - $63K/yr

The Flight Engineer Instructor will also support pilot training, aerial gunnery, and aviation range ... Provide CH-47F Flight Engineer support for maintenance test flight activities. Conduct flight ...

Both use a hybrid-electric architecture that takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a plane ... You will plan and execute missions, run flight tests, troubleshoot in real time, and provide ...

Both use a hybrid-electric architecture that takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a plane ... You will plan and execute missions, run flight tests, troubleshoot in real time, and provide ...

Both use a hybrid-electric architecture that takes off like a helicopter and cruises like a plane ... You will plan and execute missions, run flight tests, troubleshoot in real time, and provide ...

Helicopter Test Pilot information

See Texas salary details

$75.9K

$97.9K

$164K

How much do helicopter test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter test pilot in Texas is $97,926.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,700.00 and $100,200.00 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 Texas?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Helicopter Test Pilot job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,926 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Helicopter Instructor/Production Pilot - Texas

Heli Preflight

Grand Prairie, TX • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Airbus is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as an Equal Opportunity Employer to applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation to complete your application, please contact us at USCareers

  • Notice: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
Job Description:

Are you an experienced rotorcraft pilot with a passion for teaching, flight testing, and shaping the next generation of aviators? Airbus Helicopters, Inc. (AHI) is seeking a skilled Pilot to join our Flight Operations team. In this high-visibility role, you will act as the face of AHI training—delivering top-tier ground school instruction (75%) and advanced flight training (20%) to customer personnel, alongside conducting production test flights, ferry missions, and customer demonstrations.

Your working environment:

A suburb just outside the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area is home to Airbus Helicopters U.S. regional headquarters, where we have more than 1,000 employees. Check out one of the seven professional sports teams that also call Dallas home – you may even see a special, custom Airbus helicopter dedicated to the Dallas Cowboys flying during home games.

How we care for you:
  • Financial Rewards: Competitive base salary, incentive compensation which may include profit sharing schemes, retirement savings plan and the ability to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”)
  • Work/Life Balance: Paid time off including personal time, holidays and a generous paid parental leave program.
  • Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical (traditional and high-deductible health plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (“EAP”) and other supplemental benefit coverages.
  • Individual Development: Upskilling and development opportunities through our global Leadership University, including unlimited access to 10,000+ e-learning courses focusing on ways to develop your employability, certifications, career path as well as the opportunity to participate in accelerated development programmes and both national and international mobility.

Classroom Instruction: 75%

  • Participate in ground and flight instruction/training for customer personnel.
  • Receive and update flight manuals; screen service bulletins and letters to update and maintain related training courseware and curriculum.
  • Set up classrooms and training resource materials.

Aircraft Flight: 20%

  • Perform flight training as an instructor pilot with transition and recurrent students in Airbus helicopters, training and evaluating maneuvers that include normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures.
  • Familiarize self with new or modified systems, instrumentation, or other equipment installed on the aircraft.
  • Prepare monthly flight log and reports.
  • Ensure compliance with FAA and other regulations in all Flight Operations assignments.
  • Prepare required pre-flight and post-flight documentation and reports, details significant occurrences.
  • Coordinate results of flight with appropriate Quality Assurance, Flight Line and Flight Operations personnel.
  • Pilot aircraft for demonstration flights with potential customers to assist in the Marketing Department effort.
  • Support other Flight Operations missions, such as customer deliveries, demonstrations, and ferry flights, as dictated by other AHI operational requirements.

Administrative Duties: 5%

  • Assist customers with flight related maintenance and performance questions; provide other pertinent and related information.
  • Prepare daily risk assessments and flight plans.
  • Participate in global company workshops for setting pilot training standards as the voice of AHI and the North American customer’s training needs.
Your Boarding Pass:
  • Possess High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Have at a minimum five (5) years flight experience.
  • Have at a minimum of 2000 Pilot-In-Command hours in helicopters (at least 500 hours of which must be in turbine powered helicopters).
  • Have 100 or more hours of flight experience in the last 12 calendar months.
  • FAA First or Second Class Medical Certificate, Commercial helicopter license, IFR rating, and Certified Flight Instructor rating-helicopter (CFI).
  • Able to optimally operate company aircraft; and to maintain required FAA certificate and medical requirements.
  • Able to compose written documentation and to read and interpret various types of technical drawings, data and specifications.
  • The ability to conduct flight training at night.
  • Willing to work with translators in the classroom and cockpit.
Preferred Education/Skills:
  • BS/BA degree or higher.
  • Flight time in Airbus helicopters.
  • 1000 hours of multi engine time in helicopters.
  • Experience with night vision goggles.
  • Proficient in Spanish.
  • Certified Instrument Flight Instructor – rotorcraft helicopter (CFII).
Travel Required:
  • 30% Domestic and International
  • Must be a US Person or authorized to work in the US.
Physical Requirements:
  • Onsite in Grand Prairie , Tx 70 % except when on travel
  • Vision: able to see and read computer screens and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents, reports and engineering drawings. Daily
  • Hearing: able to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds on the production floor including safety warnings or alarms. Daily
  • Speaking: able to speak in conversations and meetings, deliver information and participate in communications. Daily
  • Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment and some tools including production tools such as hydraulic lifts. Daily
  • Carrying: able to carry documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs. Weekly
  • Lifting: able to lift documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs. Rarely
  • Pushing / Pulling: able to push and pull small office furniture and some equipment and tools. Daily
  • Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on the computer. Daily
  • Squatting / Kneeling: able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving. Daily
  • Standing: able to stand for discussions in offices or on the production floor. Daily
  • Travel: able to travel independently and at short notice. Often
  • Walking (include routine walking such as to a shared printer to retrieve documents): able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces. Daily
  • Personal Protective Equipment required: Standard PPE will consist of flight suit, gloves, boots, and company issued flight helmet. Deviations are authorized IAW the AHNA Flight Operations Manual for non-flight test operations. Additional required PPE may include, but is not limited to, Safety Shoes, Safety Glasses, Hearing Protection, Respirators/Masks, and/or Protective Gloves as required by site and/or customer site.

A full job description will be provided to candidates who progress to the interview stage or any candidate upon request.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

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