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Helicopter Test Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Test Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$80.8K

$104.2K

$174.5K

How much do helicopter test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for helicopter test pilot in Virginia is $104,208.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,800.00 and $106,600.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Helicopter Test Pilot job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,208 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Aircraft Pilot (FW/H60M Maintenance Test Pilot) with Security Clearance

Yulista Holding, LLC.

Hampton, VA • On-site

$185K/yr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Yulista Support Services LLC Regular This position serves as a H-60M Maintenance Test/Project Pilot and fixed-wing (FW) multi-engine Project Pilot. Duties include project flight tests, maintenance test flights, and other assigned aviation duties in support of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) missions. The incumbent operates rotary-wing (RW) and FW aircraft in support of Army aviation system integration, experimentation, and operational testing. Salary Range: $ 142752 - $185580 annually. Compensation is based on relevant experience, education, skills, and internal equity. Essential Duties • Serve as a H-60 Maintenance Test and Project Pilot on our H-60 L/M aircraft.
• Serve as a FW, multi-engine Project pilot.
• Conduct developmental, operational, and project evaluation flight missions.
• Perform mission planning, including weather analysis, flight routing, and airspace coordination.
• Support aviation test planning and execution in coordination with engineers and test personnel.
• Prepare flight reports, evaluations, and technical documentation.
• Perform additional aviation-related duties such as assigned. • This position requires one or more additional duties (Operations officer, Safety officer), as assigned by the Lead Pilot. Supervisory Responsibilities None Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Desired Flight Hour Experience:
• Previous flight test or RDT&E experience highly desired. • Total flight time: 1,500 hours total time
(RW) Pilot-in-Command (PIC): 250 hours • Night flight/NVG: 75 hours • Instrument flight: 75 hours (minimum 10 hours actual IMC) Recent flight experience: 100 hours within the last 12 months. Position requires operation of heavy multi-engine helicopters (i.e., gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds). (FW) Pilot-in-Command (PIC) 250 hours • Night flight: 75 hours • Instrument flight: 75 hours (minimum 10 hours actual IMC) Recent flight experience: 100 hours within the last 12 months. Position requires operation of heavy multi-engine airplanes (i.e., gross takeoff weight in excess of 12,500 pounds). Required Qualifications • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or higher with appropriate ratings (multi-engine, instrument, helicopter)
• Applicants must be H-60M Maintenance Test Pilot qualified.
• Applicant must be U.S. Department of War FW multi-engine qualified.
• Applicant must be able to complete physiological training (Hypobaric Chamber). Medical:
• Current FAA First- or Second-Class Medical Certificate. • Maintain required medical certification and flight currency. Additional Requirements:
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
• Subject to random drug testing.
• Temporary Duty (TDY) travel varies, approximately 30%.
• This position requires rotating shift work.
• This position requires unscheduled overtime work. Required Documents: Resume' detailing flight experience and qualifications. Pilot certificates and ratings • Medical certification documentation • Flight-hour documentation/logbooks • Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms (DA form 759), or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate.
• Active Secret Security Clearance is required.
The H60M Maintenance Test/Project Pilot and FW Project Pilot will work in an RDT&E Environment and will be evaluated on the following competencies consistent with the GS-2181 Aircraft Pilot series:
• Technical Competence
• Attention to Detail
• Oral Communication
• Planning and Evaluating PREFERENCE STATEMENT Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g). EEO STATEMENT Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities. The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.