1

Life Flight Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC

Newport News, VA · On-site

$81K - $101K/yr

ATAC provides tactical flight training and adversary aggressor services for U.S. Navy, Marine and ... life and disability insurance programs, and programs that provide employees time away from work.

... from civilian life. Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

... from civilian life. Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

... from civilian life. Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

... from civilian life. Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

... from civilian life. Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or ... Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Strong academic performance, especially in technical or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Life Flight Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$47.6K

$86.4K

$131.9K

How much do life flight pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for life flight pilot in Virginia is $86,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,400.00 and $101,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to become a life flight pilot?

Becoming a life flight pilot requires extensive training, including obtaining a commercial pilot license, gaining experience as a pilot, and often earning additional certifications such as instrument and multi-engine ratings. Many pilots also have backgrounds in emergency services or medical transport, and the job involves working in high-pressure environments with irregular hours. The pathway is challenging but achievable with dedication and the necessary qualifications.

What is the difference between Life Flight Pilot vs Helicopter Pilot?

AspectLife Flight PilotHelicopter Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, Medical Certificate, sometimes additional rotorcraft ratingsCommercial Pilot License, Medical Certificate, rotorcraft ratings
Work EnvironmentEmergency medical flights, hospitals, accident scenesVaried, including transportation, construction, tourism, and emergency services
Employer & IndustryAir ambulance services, hospitals, emergency response agenciesAirlines, private companies, government agencies, emergency services

While both roles require similar certifications and involve flying helicopters, Life Flight Pilots specifically operate in emergency medical and rescue settings, often under urgent conditions. Helicopter Pilots have a broader range of industries and environments, including commercial and private operations. The key difference lies in the specialized medical emergency focus of Life Flight Pilots versus the diverse applications of Helicopter Pilots.

What is a life flight pilot?

Life Flight Pilots are specially trained helicopter or airplane pilots who transport critically ill or injured patients to medical facilities as quickly and safely as possible. They work as part of an air medical team and must have advanced flying skills, as well as the ability to operate under pressure in emergency situations. Life Flight Pilots often collaborate closely with paramedics, nurses, and doctors during patient transport. Their role is vital in saving lives, especially in cases where ground transportation would take too long or is inaccessible.

What are some common challenges life flight pilots face during emergency medical missions?

Life Flight Pilots often encounter challenging flight conditions, such as bad weather, night-time operations, and landing in unfamiliar or restricted areas. They must remain calm under pressure while coordinating closely with medical crews and air traffic control to ensure patient and crew safety. Additionally, responding to urgent calls requires adaptability and quick decision-making, as every mission can differ greatly in terms of location, patient needs, and logistical constraints.

Is Life Flight a good company to work for?

Life Flight pilots typically work in high-pressure environments requiring advanced training, strong communication skills, and adherence to safety protocols. The work often involves irregular hours and the need for certifications such as commercial pilot licenses and medical clearances. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those committed to emergency medical services and aviation safety.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a life flight pilot?

To thrive as a Life Flight Pilot, you need an FAA commercial or ATP pilot license, extensive flight hours (often 2,000+), and specialized training in helicopter or fixed-wing aeromedical operations. Familiarity with advanced avionics, GPS navigation systems, and night vision equipment is typically required, along with certifications such as Instrument Rating and potentially NVG (Night Vision Goggle) endorsement. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and strong communication skills are crucial for effectively handling emergencies and coordinating with medical teams. These competencies ensure the safe, timely, and efficient transportation of critically ill or injured patients in high-stakes situations.

How much does a life flight pilot make?

A life flight pilot's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, certification, and the employer. Many pilots in this role also receive additional compensation for night shifts, emergency responses, and specialized training.
What job categories do people searching Life Flight Pilot jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Life Flight Pilot jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Life Flight Pilot job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,397 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC

Textron

Newport News, VA • On-site

$81K - $101K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Textron rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Fighter Pilot- Pt. Mugu - ATAC

Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems. This role is in Textron System's Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) business area.

ATAC provides tactical flight training and adversary aggressor services for U.S. Navy, Marine and Air Force pilots. ATAC operates simultaneously across eight sites and two continents and comprises the world's largest outsourced civilian, tactical airborne training organization and proudly provides the highest quality live training to Squadrons, Air Wings, and Battle Groups.

Scope: Fly the IAI F-21 Kfir, the MK-58 Hawker Hunter, F-1 Mirage, or the AERO Vodochody L-39 Albatros, in regular support of US Navy, Marine Corps, and US Air Force training and readiness missions. Fly in support of 4th and 5th Generation Fighter operational and conversion syllabus and continuation training missions. Support surface fleet pre-deployment training and large force employment missions.

Responsibilities: Employ the ATAC fighter aircraft throughout their flight envelope as a surrogate Adversary, Red Air, Aggressor or Close Air Support pilot for US Navy, Marine Corps and USAF aircrew, JTAC, surface fleet, large force employment exercise, or intercept controller training. Maintain FAA instrument currency, Second Class medical certification, adversary mission qualifications and associated mission currencies, to include low level, dynamic mission, and unlimited air combat tactics maneuvering in the high-G environment. Attend mass briefings, adversary coordination briefings and other pre-flight briefings. Plan and fly adversary missions. Accomplish flight debriefings and attend mass debriefings. Adhere to all training rules and pre-briefed maneuvering restrictions. Collect and disseminate lessons learned. Accomplish necessary ground training prior to flights. Deploy as required to support mission requirements. Act as, or support the individual responsible for, pilot Scheduling, Training, NATOPS/Standards & Evaluation, Safety, or other Program Management duties as required.

Travel Requirements: 20%

Experience Required: Previously DoD Tactically Trained Fighter Pilot Previously qualified 4-Ship/Division Flight Lead 700 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft 100 hours PIC at night Logged 100 hours PIC time in the past 12 months Current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate FAA Commercial, Airplane Single Engine Land Privileges Secret Security Clearance, US Citizen Specific Navy Contract Qualifications 1000 hours PIC of a military tactical aircraft 500 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) of any fixed wing DOD-owned/operated fighter aircraft

Desired Qualifications: USAF WIC graduate, USAF adversary qualification USNFWS/NAWDC/TOPGUN graduate TPS graduate DoD military Instructor Pilot qualification Mission Commander qualification Military or Civilian Flight Examiner qualification Functional Check Flight Pilot qualification NVG Instructor, CRM Instructor FAA CFI(I) Certificate Familiarization with DoD Commercial Air Services industry FAA Authorized Experimental Aircraft (AEA) privileges (list types) DoD Safety School or Board President Course graduate Squadron Command experience Active fighter flying (for each fighter type, provide total hours, date of last sortie) Actively flying (provide 1-year look-back per active aircraft type)

How We Care At Textron Systems, our talented people make us successful. We promote an inclusive environment where we value individuality, differences, and unique perspectives. Our Company is committed to offering employees opportunities to grow and develop. Our benefits and compensation packages are designed to help our talented employees excel and achieve their goals, so they can make a difference every day in and outside of the workplace. Below are just a few examples! Flexible Work Schedules Education Assistance Career Development & Training Opportunities Wellness Program (including Fitness Reimbursement) Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(K) with Company Funding Paid Parental Leave

Textron's compensation package includes competitive base pay and provides eligible employees with benefit programs. Benefits may include health insurance and prescription plan coverage, dental insurance, family building benefits, vision insurance, mental health resources, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and programs that provide employees time away from work. The pay range should be used as a general guide only. Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. In compliance with the local pay transparency law, the pay range for this position is $217,401.60-$217,401.6 per year.

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements, including US Citizenship, for access to classified information. Preference given to Veterans of the U. S. Armed Forces.


What Textron employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Textron logo

About Textron

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry company employing 35,000 talented makers, thinkers, creators and doers worldwide. We make things that fly, hover, zoom and launch. Things that move people. Protect soldiers. Power industries. We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care and fuel systems.

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Providence, RI, US

Year founded

1923