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Helicopter Test Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Akima, LLC

Chief Pilot

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

... helicopter. * Minimum 300 hours performing Maintenance Test Flights (MTF) or Functional Check ... Evaluator Pilot. * Instructor Pilot. * Flight Commander. * Director of Operations.

Army National Guard Units

HELICOPTER PILOT

Boone, IA · On-site +1

$110K - $144K/yr

Pilots a variety of on one or more of the following helicopters: Attack Helicopter (AH-64); Cargo ... Makes test flights and checks all systems in connection with maintenance actions and takes ...

US Department of the Army

$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 ...

Textron

External Pilot

Hunt Valley, MD · On-site

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

Textron

External Pilot

Hunt Valley, MD

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

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Helicopter Test Pilot information

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$176K

How much do helicopter test pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 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.

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.

More about Helicopter Test Pilot jobs
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:
What job categories do people searching Helicopter Test Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Helicopter Test Pilot jobs are:
Helicopter Test Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Helicopter Test Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,110 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Chief Pilot

Akima, LLC

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Akima rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

374th of 441 rated engineering

Job description

ATS is looking for a Chief Pilot to work in Albuquerque, NM. The Rotary Wing Chief Pilot is a senior aviation leadership role responsible for overseeing the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of rotary-wing aircraft. The position combines operational oversight, regulatory compliance, crew management, and safety leadership.
The Chief Pilot leads all flight operations conducted under the contract, supervising the pilots and flight engineers who perform Functional Check Flights (FCFs) and ferry flights for the UH-1N and HH-60W aircraft. This position establishes and enforces flight standards, crew qualification and currency programs, mission planning procedures, and risk management practices in accordance with applicable Air Force instructions (e.g., AFMAN 11-2H-60, AFI 11-202V3), FAA regulations, and contract requirements. The Chief Pilot personally performs FCF, MTF, and ferry duties as required, serving as a working supervisor and the technical authority on functional check flight procedures, post-maintenance flight clearance, and aircrew coordination with maintenance. They also serve as the primary flight operations interface with the GFR, customer flight leadership, and the Director of Maintenance to ensure seamless coordination between flight and maintenance activities.
To join our team of outstanding professionals, apply today!
Responsibilities
  • Direct all Maintenance Test Flight operations.
  • Supervise assigned Maintenance Test Pilots.
  • Develop annual standardization training.
  • Conduct pilot evaluations and check rides.
  • Review all Functional Check Flight documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with Air Force Technical Orders.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable flight manuals.
  • Coordinate aircraft acceptance and return-to-service flights.
  • Review aircraft discrepancies requiring test flight validation.
  • Advise Maintenance Operations on aircraft airworthiness.
  • Conduct high-risk and complex Functional Check Flights.
  • Perform acceptance flights following depot-level maintenance or major modifications.
  • Review flight data and maintenance trends.
  • Participate in Mishap Prevention and Operational Risk Management programs.
  • Develop local flight operating procedures.
  • Serve as liaison between Government Flight Operations and contractor maintenance leadership.
  • Participate in Quality Assurance investigations involving aircraft flight characteristics.
  • Mentor and train newly assigned Test Pilots.
  • Maintain pilot currency and qualifications.

Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Flight Experience.
  • Minimum 3,000 total rotary-wing flight hours.
  • Minimum 1,000 Pilot-in-Command (PIC) hours.
  • Minimum 500 hours in UH-1N, UH-60, HH-60, or equivalent military helicopter.
  • Minimum 300 hours performing Maintenance Test Flights (MTF) or Functional Check Flights (FCF).
  • Minimum 200 hours Night Vision Goggle (NVG).
  • Instrument qualified.
  • Aircraft Commander qualified.

Military Qualifications
Must have successfully completed one of the following:
  • USAF Functional Check Flight Certification.
  • Army Maintenance Test Pilot Course.
  • Navy Functional Check Flight Program.
  • Equivalent military Maintenance Test Pilot qualification.
  • Requires graduation from a recognized military Maintenance Test Pilot or Functional Check Flight program for comparable rotary-wing maintenance test pilot positions.

FAA Requirements
  • FAA Commercial Rotorcraft-Helicopter Certificate.
  • Instrument Rating.
  • Current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate (or ability to obtain).
  • Current Flight Physical.

Leadership Experience
Minimum 10 years military rotary-wing aviation experience including experience as one or more of the following:
  • Chief Pilot.
  • Maintenance Test Pilot.
  • Functional Check Pilot.
  • Evaluator Pilot.
  • Instructor Pilot.
  • Flight Commander.
  • Director of Operations.
  • Standardization Pilot.

Minimum 3 years supervisory experience leading military or contractor flight operations.
Extensive knowledge of:
  • Functional Check Flight procedures.
  • Maintenance Test Flight procedures.
  • Aircraft systems troubleshooting.
  • Airworthiness certification.
  • Risk Management (ORM).
  • Crew Resource Management (CRM).
  • Technical Orders.
  • Aircraft Forms documentation.
  • Weight and Balance.
  • Flight planning.
  • Aircraft limitations.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Quality Assurance programs.
  • Maintenance documentation systems.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Aviation, Aeronautics, Engineering, or related field.

Job ID
2026-24207
Work Type
On-Site
Company Description
Work Where it Matters
Akima Technical Solutions (ATS), an Akima company, is not just another federal technical solutions contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.
At ATS, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.
For our shareholders, ATS provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.
For our government customers, ATS delivers a full spectrum of logistics and supply chain services that meet our customers' most stringent mandates and metrics.
As an ATS employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

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About Akima

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Akima is dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for our Iñupiat shareholders. Akima maintains a portfolio of small businesses, 8(a) companies, and operating companies that deliver simplified and accelerated access to the products and services agencies need to ensure mission success.

Industry

Specialty trade contractors

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

1995

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