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Hillsboro Aviation

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

... contract. Ideal candidates are engaging, energetic, and driven; can work independently within his ... The pilot will cover the fire contract on a 12 on / 12 off or a 12 on / 2 off schedule. * For those ...

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As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contract pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Independent Contract Pilot vs Commercial Pilot?

AspectIndependent Contract PilotCommercial Pilot
CredentialsCommercial Pilot Certificate, possibly additional ratingsCommercial Pilot Certificate, multi-engine or instrument ratings often required
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed, on-demand flights, varied clientsEmployed by airlines, charter companies, or corporations
Employer & IndustryIndependent, freelance work in private or cargo flightsAirlines, charter services, corporate flight departments

While both roles require a Commercial Pilot Certificate, an Independent Contract Pilot operates independently, often on a freelance basis, handling diverse clients and flight types. In contrast, a Commercial Pilot typically works for an employer such as an airline or charter company, with more structured schedules and employment benefits.

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Independent Contract Pilot jobs near you
B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro Aviation

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

About Hillsboro Aviation

Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and airplane services comprised of five divisions: contract & charter, aircraft sales & management, service center, FBO, and parts sales. Serving domestic and international markets in the government, commercial, and private sectors, we have over 75 employees and 10 turbine aircraft. We operate out of our award-winning headquarters at the Portland-Hillsboro Airport (KHIO).

Our Vision

We believe in the power of a personal approach. We passionately purvey the notion of flight, a dream demanding creativity, persistence, resilience, and intent. We strive to foster a legacy of innovative thought, leadership, mentorship, service, and sustainability. We are dedicated to providing opportunity and growth for our team, our customers, and our community by providing extraordinary and memorable experiences in the air and on the ground.

The Position

Hillsboro Aviation’s contract & charter division provides services to the United States Forest Service (USFS), the Department of Interior (DOI), FEMA, large national utility (powerline & infrastructure), and high-tech companies as well as smaller companies and individuals. Our missions include search and rescue, short-haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief, construction support, aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is comprised of Airbus H145D3, Bell 205 A-1++, Bell 407, Bell 407HP, and Airbus AS350B3e.

As a B205A-1++ Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter: R/W team to organize and manage daily requirements of their assigned contract.

Ideal candidates are engaging, energetic, and driven; can work independently within his/her areas of responsibilities under limited supervision; value a strong work ethic and optimistic attitude; maintain a critical eye for detail and organization; and are excited to represent Hillsboro Aviation in front of key customers, including foreign governments, community leaders, and business partners.

Job Responsibilities

  • Hillsboro Aviation is hiring a B205A-1++ Pilot for either an Exclusive Use (EU) or Call-When-Needed (CWN) contract. The contracts start at the beginning of May or June 2026 and run through the end of the fire season.
    • If assigned to a CWN contract, the pilot will receive a guaranteed number of workdays equivalent to an EU contract.
  • The pilot will cover the fire contract on a 12 on / 12 off or a 12 on / 2 off schedule.
    • For those working a 12 on / 2 off schedule, extended breaks to return home may be arranged periodically, depending on operational demands and relief pilot availability.
  • All travel and accommodations are covered by the company. The pilot will receive per diem for meals and incidentals.
  • Additional utility operations may be assigned based on project requirements with schedules adjusted accordingly.
  • The pilot is responsible for representing both the aircraft and the operation in a professional and courteous manner to the customer, the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Strong judgment, sound airmanship, and a commitment to safety are essential to operating the aircraft effectively.
  • Strict adherence to SOPs, contractual obligations, and daily operational reporting procedures is required.

Qualifications/Licenses

  • COM or ATP certificate with Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating
  • Current Medical Class 1 or 2
  • Driver’s License
  • Passport and FCC radio license (for OPS crossing into Canada or relocations to Alaska)
  • Ability to legally work in the US

Required Skills/Experience

  • Helicopter Total Time: 3,500
  • Last 12 Months: 100 PIC in helicopter
  • Bell Medium PIC Time: 50 hours
  • Last 12 Months: 10 hours PIC in Bell Medium
  • Mountainous Terrain: 300 hours PIC in helicopter
  • Bell Medium PIC Mountainous Terrain: 100 hours
  • Vertical Reference Total Time: 300 hours

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Currently or previously Interagency carded in Bell Mediums (preferably B205)
  • Last 12 Months: 25 hours PIC performing vertical reference w/ precision placements
  • Additional experience in B407/AS350/H145
  • Rotorcraft Instrument Rating
  • Clean Driving Record
  • B205 Factory Training

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • 401K

Hillsboro Aviation’s growth and sustainability is rooted in its commitment to attracting a diverse set of talent from around the world. To that end, we encourage qualified individuals from all walks of life to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

This job will remain open until filled. Please do not call regarding the status of your application.