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Helicopter Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$131K/yr

This position is located at the AASF in San Antonio, TX. This position is for an AH64E Maintenance Test Pilot. This position requires performance of general or limited maintenance test flights ...

Manage frequency deconfliction, airspace reservations, and test site preparation, including ... helicopter pilot. * FAA licenses or certificates such as Part 107 is desirable. * Experience with ...

Manage frequency deconfliction, airspace reservations, and test site preparation, including ... helicopter pilot. * FAA licenses or certificates such as Part 107 is desirable. * Experience with ...

Helicopter Maintenance Support Pilot

Kissimmee, FL ยท On-site

$79K - $99K/yr

Helicopter Maintenance Support Pilot (VFR) Kissimmee, FL Facility $10,000 Sign-On Bonus Must live ... Perform Aircraft post maintenance test flights for RTS (Return To Service) per OEM and regulatory ...

Helicopter Maintenance Support Pilot

Kissimmee, FL ยท On-site

$79K - $99K/yr

Helicopter Maintenance Support Pilot (VFR) Kissimmee, FL Facility $10,000 Sign-On Bonus Must live ... Perform Aircraft post maintenance test flights for RTS (Return To Service) per OEM and regulatory ...

Helicopter Maintenance Support Pilot

Kissimmee, FL ยท On-site

$79K - $99K/yr

Overview Helicopter Maintenance Support Pilot (VFR) Kissimmee, FL Facility $10,000 Sign-On Bonus ... Perform Aircraft post maintenance test flights for RTS (Return To Service) per OEM and regulatory ...

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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
What cities are hiring for Helicopter Test Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Helicopter Test Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Test Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Helicopter Test Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Helicopter Test Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Helicopter Test Pilot jobs include:
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.
Maintenance Test Pilot (LUH-72) CBA - Barstow, CA

Maintenance Test Pilot (LUH-72) CBA - Barstow, CA

Pae

Daggett, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

TheMaintenance Test Pilot(UH-72 A/B)utilizes flight test techniques to perform test flights of aircraft to measure performance and handling to determine airworthiness following maintenance or modifications.

  • Perform test flights and demonstrate aircraft proficiency upon completion of aircraft maintenance or modifications on aircraft.
  • Determine in accordance with publications and procedures the airworthiness of aircraft prior to release for flight.
  • Perform recovery flights and ferries aircraft to additional sites, such as depots.
  • Perform troubleshooting procedures of aircraft on the ground and during flight and make appropriate write-ups or give verbal instructions to correct deficiencies.
  • Verify forms and records used in the performance of maintenance to ensure they comply with work performed prior to ground or flight checks.
  • Run-up aircraft for alert status to perform test on modifications.
  • Deploy when required to support contract requirements when maintenance test flights are anticipated.
  • Interpret meteorological data as it pertains to filing a flight plan for the navigational course of flight needed for a sortie and files a flight plan for all flights using authorized processes.
  • Ensure proper documentation is chronicled.
  • File flight plans for all flights using authorized navigational processes.
  • Compute weight and balance logs for the aircraft being flown.
  • Initiate and complete all military flight or maintenance forms to document maintenance test flight completion and discrepancies.
  • Communicate, troubleshoot, advise, and work side by side with military pilots and technicians.
  • Ferry flights as assigned.
  • If qualified, may perform as site safety specialist and/or additional duties safety officer functions.
  • May be designated as a Foreign Object Elimination/Foreign Object Debris (FOE/FOD) Program Administrator.
  • May support AS9100-AS9110 internal audits, corrective action requests, assist section, department, and/or program in developing plans to correct identified shortfalls.
  • May assist with continual improvement initiatives.
  • Must be capable of Aircraft Technical Inspection (TI) as additional duty.
    • Plan and conduct aircraft technical inspections.
    • Inspect power plant hot section, cold section, and accessory modules.
    • Operate and inspect pneudraulic systems including landing gear.
    • Understand the fundamentals and inspection techniques of helicopter structural repairs.
    • Perform troubleshooting and analyze electrical/electronic systems.
    • Lectures, demonstrates, and conducts practical exercises in inspection techniques, procedures, performance evaluation, and operational checks on the power plant, structure, and systems of helicopters powertrains.
    • Provides technical guidance to repairs performing aircraft and subsystem maintenance techniques and safety procedures.
    • Maintains technical library, inspect systems, subsystems, and components according to applicable technical publications and checklists before, during and after airplane maintenance and modifications.
    • Check and troubleshoot systems.
    • Annotate records of required maintenance.
    • Evaluate operational readiness of aircraft and recommend corrective action.
    • Inspect crash-damaged aircraft and estimates time, parts, and costs to repair.
    • Ensure compliance with aircraft configuration control, Army oil analysis program and test measuring and diagnostic calibration.
    • Evaluate maintenance operations and facilities for compliance with directives, technical manuals, work standards, safety procedures, and operational policies.
    • Performs maintenance trend analysis and applies production control, quality control and other maintenance management principles and procedures to aircraft maintenance operations.
  • Maintains the supplies and perform preventive maintenance.
  • Perform other qualified duties as requested.
  • Adheres to company policies and safety programs (Safety-first mentality)

Minimum Requirements:

  • Completed military flight and applicable training courses as required IAW 95-20
  • Must meet the qualification requirements of AR 95-20.
  • Minimum of Ten (10) years of aviation maintenance experience required.
  • Prefer a minimum of 1000 Hours of Pilot in Command time.
  • Be proficient in flying operations of the aircraft they are assigned (UH-72).
  • Satisfactorily completed a proficiency check within the previous 12 months.
  • Successfully complete initially and annually thereafter an FAA Class II flight physical.
  • Possess an instrument rating on their FAA Commercial Certificates.
  • Possess a current valid FAA Class II Medical Certificate.
  • Successfully completed Army Maintenance Test Pilots Course (MTPC) or complete an equivalency evaluation IAW AR 95-1 and 95-20.
  • Successfully completed the US Army Aircraft Maintenance Officers Course (AMOC) Phase II or complete an equivalency evaluation IAW AR 95-1 and 95-20.
  • Must meet the experience requirements of AFR55-22, NOTAMS, AR95-10, AR95-20 and DCMA-8210 pertaining to each aircraft prior to acting in the capacity of pilot-in-command on maintenance test flights.
  • 1,000 or more hours of total flight time and have at least 300 hours in the same aircraft type and design and 100 hours in the assigned aircraft.
  • Must be able to work, day shift, swing shift, night shift, and/or weekend shift (if applicable) - As required for CBA.
  • Must be eligible to obtain a Passport and be able to travel internationally (applicable to OCONUS work sites).

Clearance Requirements:

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a (Secret Clearance) US Government Clearance. US Citizenship is required to obtain Secret Clearance. Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization. US Citizenship is required for facility credentials/authorization at this work location.

Knowledge & Skills

  • Demonstrated proven and verifiable aviation experience including ethics, ability and professionalism of the highest standards are required for this position.
  • Must have demonstrated communication skills, both oral and written. Must be fluent in the English language.
  • Working knowledge for operating navigational and communication equipment installed on the aircraft.
  • Capable of computing and annotating weight and balance logs for the aircraft.

Physical Requirements/Working Environment

  • May be exposed to extreme noise from turbine and jet engine aircraft.
  • May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles; may be exposed to electrical shock hazards or work near moving mechanical parts and vehicles.
  • May be exposed to a wide variety of operational circumstances, including extreme weather conditions and rudimentary infrastructure.
  • Must be able to distinguish color and judge three-dimensional depth.
  • Must be able to see aircraft in flight, read dials/gauges, identify small objects and hand tools.
  • Must be physically capable of climbing vertical ladders or built-in aircraft steps to heights of 10-12 feet.
  • May be exposed to chemical mist, gas, vapors, ultra-violet and infrared radiation.
  • May be required to lift to 50 pounds to a height of four (4) feet and be required to lift to 20 pounds to a height of seven (7) feet.
  • May be exposed to certain obstructions on the surface as well as ladders, stairs, etc.
  • May be exposed to rapid or extreme temperature changes.
  • May be required to travel domestically and internationally on short notice, to austere environments, under harsh living conditions.

California: Compensation & Benefits:

HIRING HOURLY RANGE: $63.43-65.33 (Hourly rate set by CBA)

This position includes a competitive benefits package.

Bi-weekly accrual of 3.39 hours (0 to less than 48 months)

Bi-weekly accrual of 4.93 hours (48 months but less than 108 months)

Bi-weekly accrual of 6.47 hours (108 months or more)

11 paid Holidays (outlined in CBA)

Sick Leave - Newly hired or transferred employees into the bargaining until shall receive up front/front-loaded prorate sick leave hours based on the remaining weeks in the calendar year including the week of hire at the rate of 1.33 hour per week up to 56 hours

401K

Short Term / Long Term Disability

Flex Spending Programs- FSA/HSA

Employee Stock Option Purchasing Program

Medical /Dental/Eye Insurance

Life Insurance and AD&D

Well-being programs

Employee assistance programs

Tuition assistance

Voluntary Benefits-identity protection, Pet insurance, legal services, commuter benefits (where applicable), student loan programs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, United States military veteran's status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, family structure, medical condition including genetic characteristics or information, veteran status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language at EEO including Disability/Protected Veterans and Labor Laws Posters.

Compensation Details:

Job Description Summary $63.44 CBA Hourly Pay Rate $7.55 H&W

Original Posting:

03/23/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.