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Junior 500 Hour Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Helicopter Pilot Aero Med

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Helicopter Pilots: 2,500 hours helicopter flight experience, 1,500 hours pilot in command hours, 150 hours pilot in command unaided night hours. * Experience in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and ...

Helicopter Pilot Aero Med

Grand Rapids, MI

$86K - $107K/yr

Helicopter Pilots: 2,500 hours helicopter flight experience, 1,500 hours pilot in command hours, 150 hours pilot in command unaided night hours. * Experience in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and ...

... 500 hours Pilot In Command 500 hours in Jet or Turboprop 200 hours in type - preferred Education: High School diploma required, two years college or technical training preferred Preferred ...

First Class FAA Medical Flight Experience Requirements * 2,000 Total Flight Hours * 1,500 Helicopter Flight Hours * 1,000 Hours Pilot in Command Helicopters * 500 Hours Turbine Helicopter Time * 100 ...

Previously qualified F-16 Instructor Pilot, current within the past 5 Years. * 1,500 hours Pilot-In-Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DoD (or Allied) fighter aircraft. * Must be able to work under ...

... 1,500 hours Pilot In Command • 500 hours in Jet or Turboprop • 200 hours in type - preferred Education: • High School diploma required, two years college or technical training preferred ...

First Class FAA Medical Flight Experience Requirements * 2,000 Total Flight Hours * 1,500 Helicopter Flight Hours * 1,000 Hours Pilot in Command Helicopters * 500 Hours Turbine Helicopter Time * 100 ...

VFR Helicopter Pilot

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

First Class FAA Medical Flight Experience Requirements * 2,000 Total Flight Hours * 1,500 Helicopter Flight Hours * 1,000 Hours Pilot in Command Helicopters * 500 Hours Turbine Helicopter Time * 100 ...

Previously qualified F-16 Instructor Pilot, current within the past 5 Years. * 1,500 hours Pilot-In-Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DoD (or Allied) fighter aircraft. * Must be able to work under ...

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Junior 500 Hour Pilot information

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$52.5K

$88K

How much do junior 500 hour pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior 500 hour pilot in the United States is $52,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges faced by a junior 500 hour pilot starting their career?

As a Junior 500 Hour Pilot, your primary responsibilities often include operating flights under the supervision of more experienced captains, conducting thorough pre-flight inspections, and ensuring all safety protocols are met. You may be tasked with supporting flight planning, communicating with air traffic control, and maintaining accurate flight logs. Common challenges include adapting to irregular schedules, building confidence in handling unexpected situations, and honing decision-making skills under pressure. Collaboration with co-pilots, ground crew, and dispatchers is essential for smooth operations and professional growth.

What is a junior 500 hour pilot?

Junior 500 Hour Pilots are entry-level commercial pilots who have logged at least 500 hours of flight time. These pilots are typically at the beginning stages of their professional aviation careers and may work as first officers or co-pilots, often in regional airlines or charter operations. They are responsible for assisting in operating aircraft safely and efficiently, following regulations, and continuing to gain experience towards more advanced roles. Gaining additional hours and experience is essential for advancing to captain positions or larger commercial airlines.

What is the difference between Junior 500 Hour Pilot vs Private Pilot?

AspectJunior 500 Hour PilotPrivate Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot Certificate, 500 flight hoursPrivate Pilot Certificate, minimum 40 flight hours
Work EnvironmentPart-time flying jobs, flight schools, charter servicesPersonal flying, recreational activities
Industry UsageEntry-level professional pilot rolesPersonal aviation and hobby flying

The Junior 500 Hour Pilot typically holds a commercial pilot certificate with at least 500 flight hours, enabling them to work professionally in various flying roles. In contrast, a Private Pilot is primarily licensed for personal and recreational flying with fewer hours and less certification requirements. The Junior 500 Hour Pilot is more industry-focused, while the Private Pilot is often a stepping stone toward a professional pilot career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior 500 hour pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior 500 Hour Pilot, you need a commercial pilot license, strong aeronautical knowledge, and at least 500 hours of flight experience. Familiarity with flight management systems (FMS), GPS navigation, and communication radios is typically required, along with possible endorsements like multi-engine or instrument ratings. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and teamwork are vital soft skills for ensuring safe and efficient flight operations. These competencies are crucial for handling diverse flying conditions, maintaining regulatory compliance, and building a successful aviation career.
What cities are hiring for Junior 500 Hour Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Junior 500 Hour Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 500 Hour Pilot jobs? The most popular types of 500 Hour Pilot jobs are:
What states have the most Junior 500 Hour Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior 500 Hour Pilot jobs include:

Helicopter Pilot Aero Med

Corewell Health

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Corewell Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 774 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Corewell Health is offering up to a $20,000 sign-on bonus for this position!
About the Team:
At Corewell Health Aero Med and North Flight Aero Med, our pilots don't just fly aircraft - they are trusted professionals, safety leaders, and essential members of a highly skilled medical transport team. As part of a hospital-based air medical program, you'll support critical care transport across Michigan, serving rural and urban communities when they need us most. Our pilots operate in a collaborative, just-culture environment where safety is never compromised and professional judgment is respected. You'll fly modern, well-maintained aircraft, work alongside experienced maintenance, medical and dispatch teams, and be supported by an aviation leadership team that understands what it takes to operate safely in our community.
Essential Functions
  • Operates a Corewell Health Hospitals aircraft.
  • Maintains required documentation per FAA / company standards.
  • Communicates, collaborates and acts as a resource to team members and others in order to facilitate continuity and coordination of services. Acts as a resource to members of the community in outreach initiatives.
  • Maintain accountability for the safety of aircraft operations.
  • Provides input into the development / revision of policies / procedures related to area of accountability. Participates in process improvement activities to improve outcomes.
  • Demonstrates commitment to patient and team member safety. Considers safety as the primary factor in all decisions.

Qualifications
Required
  • Helicopter Pilots: 2,500 hours helicopter flight experience, 1,500 hours pilot in command hours, 150 hours pilot in command unaided night hours.
  • Experience in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and night operation
  • CRT-Air Transport Pilot - Needs by 2 years
  • CRT-FAA Flight Physical - DOT Department of Transportation Upon Hire
  • LIC-Commercial Pilot License - FAA upon hire

Preferred
  • Fixed Wing Pilots: 3,500 hours total flight experience, 2,000 hours pilot in command of multi-engine aircraft, and 1,500 hours of pilot in command of a turbine powered aircraft
  • EMS flight experience
  • FAA part 135 experience
  • Winter Operations

Why Pilots Choose Aero Med & North Flight Aero Med
  • Hospital-Based, Mission-Driven Program
    Fly for a not-for-profit, hospital-based operation with its own FAA Part 135 certificate where safety and patient care drive every decision.
  • Safety Is the Standard, Not a Slogan
    A mature Safety Management System, just culture, and leadership that fully supports conservative go/no-go decisions.
  • Modern Aircraft and Strong In-House Maintenance Support
    Well-maintained aircraft (Sikorsky S-76 C++ and King Air 200/250) supported by dedicated aviation maintenance teams focused on reliability and safety.
  • Respect for Pilot Authority and Judgment
    Our pilots are trusted professionals with clear operational authority over safety, weather, and aircraft decisions.
  • Collaborative, Professional Crew Environment
    Work alongside experienced nurses, paramedics, mechanics, and dispatchers who value Crew Resource Management, communication, and mutual respect.
  • Challenging, Meaningful Flying
    IFR, night, winter, and rural operations across Michigan - flights that demand skill, judgment, and professionalism.
  • Investment in Training and Professional Growth
    Ongoing initial and recurrent training (no contract), in full flight simulators (twice annually), and opportunities to contribute to safety, policy, and operational improvements.
  • Stable Schedules and Sustainable Careers
    Three 12-hour shifts with predictable rotations designed to support work-life balance and long-term pilot retention - no need to live out of your suitcase.

If you're looking for a program where professionalism is expected, safety is protected, and every flight has purpose, Aero Med and North Flight Aero Med may be the place for you.
Work Perks:
  • Comprehensive full-time benefit package offered by Corewell Health
  • Additional provided life insurance coverage for pilots
  • Company provided flight suit, coat and helmet
  • Private pilot's quarters with bed, desk and computer
  • Well maintained base facility with modern fitness room, full kitchen
  • Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) accredited
  • Part 135 certificate managed by Spectrum Health Hospitals d/b/a Aero Med BTEA482C

How Corewell Health cares for you
  • Comprehensive benefits package to meet your financial, health, and work/life balance goals. Learn more here.
  • On-demand pay program powered by Payactiv
  • Discounts directory with deals on the things that matter to you, like restaurants, phone plans, spas, and more!
  • Optional identity theft protection, home and auto insurance
  • Traditional and Roth retirement options with service contribution and match savings
  • Eligibility for benefits is determined by employment type and status

Primary Location
SITE - Aero Med Base - 4494 Corporate Dr - Grand Rapids
Department Name
Aero Med - Grand Rapids Hosp
Employment Type
Full time
Shift
Rotating (United States of America)
Weekly Scheduled Hours
36
Hours of Work
Variable
Days Worked
Variable
Weekend Frequency
Every other weekend
CURRENT COREWELL HEALTH TEAM MEMBERS - Please apply through Find Jobs from your Workday team member account. This career site is for Non-Corewell Health team members only.
Corewell Health is committed to providing a safe environment for our team members, patients, visitors, and community. We require a drug-free workplace and require team members to comply with the MMR, Varicella, Tdap, and Influenza vaccine requirement if in an on-site or hybrid workplace category. We are committed to supporting prospective team members who require reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment due to a disability, pregnancy, or sincerely held religious belief.
Corewell Health grants equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected category.
An interconnected, collaborative culture where all are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, is vital to the health of our organization. As a health system, we advocate for equity as we care for our patients, our communities, and each other. From workshops that develop cultural intelligence, to our inclusion resource groups for people to find community and empowerment at work, we are dedicated to ongoing resources that advance our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. We invite those that share in our commitment to join our team.
You may request assistance in completing the application process by calling 616.486.7447.

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