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Patrol Pilot Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you're on patrol as the command control center in the ...

FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you're on patrol as the command control center in the ...

FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you're on patrol as the command control center in the ...

FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you're on patrol as the command control center in the ...

FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you're on patrol as the command control center in the ...

FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you're on patrol as the command control center in the ...

FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you're on patrol as the command control center in the ...

FIXED WING PILOT - In the C-2 Greyhound, you transport parts, personnel, and mail to the 5,000 people aboard. In the cockpit of the E-2C Hawkeye, you're on patrol as the command control center in the ...

Patrol Pilot information

See Ohio salary details

$47.1K

$124.5K

$191.1K

How much do patrol pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for patrol pilot in Ohio is $124,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,100.00 and $147,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patrol pilot?

Patrol Pilots are specialized aviators responsible for flying aircraft to monitor and survey specific areas, such as coastlines, borders, forests, or pipelines. Their main duties include observing and reporting suspicious activity, conducting search and rescue missions, and supporting law enforcement or environmental protection operations. Patrol Pilots often work for government agencies, private companies, or organizations focused on security, conservation, or resource management. They must be skilled in navigation, communication, and emergency procedures to perform their roles effectively.

What does a patrol pilot do?

As a patrol pilot, your job is to fly a small aircraft on behalf of a government agency or private company and keep watch for a specific type of problem during their daily operations. For example, some states hire fire patrol pilots to fly through the air and look for signs of wildfires and provide initial fire suppression, while businesses may hire aerial patrol pilots to supervise the area and help deter any third-party activities that might impact pipelines or remote facilities. Patrol pilots also support other law enforcement and security efforts, such as by monitoring the national border or helping the highway patrol pursue a fleeing vehicle. Most patrol pilots fly small aircraft, but in recent years, this job has expanded to include piloting drones and looking at live video feeds.

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

To thrive as a Patrol Pilot, you need a valid commercial pilot’s license, strong flight proficiency, and knowledge of aviation regulations and navigation. Familiarity with aircraft-specific systems, GPS navigation tools, and sometimes certifications like instrument or multi-engine ratings are typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for high-pressure situations. These qualifications ensure safe, efficient surveillance and response during patrol missions, often in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges faced by patrol pilots during routine patrol missions?

Patrol Pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, navigating difficult or remote terrain, and maintaining constant vigilance for potential hazards or suspicious activities. Additionally, they must effectively communicate with ground teams and coordinate with other air or maritime units, which requires strong situational awareness and teamwork. Adhering to strict safety protocols while managing long hours and variable schedules can also be demanding but is essential for mission success.

What is the difference between Patrol Pilot vs Security Pilot?

AspectPatrol PilotSecurity Pilot
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), specific flight hoursPrivate Pilot License (PPL) or CPL, depending on role
Work EnvironmentAirborne patrols, surveillance flights, remote areasSecurity patrols, surveillance, monitoring facilities
Employer & IndustryPrivate security firms, government agencies, private clientsSecurity companies, private security firms

Patrol Pilots and Security Pilots both operate aircraft for surveillance and patrol purposes, often requiring similar pilot certifications. However, Patrol Pilots typically work in remote or expansive areas conducting surveillance, while Security Pilots focus on monitoring security sites. Both roles are essential in security and surveillance industries, with overlapping skills and certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Patrol Pilot jobs in Ohio?

For Patrol Pilot jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Patrol Pilot jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Patrol Pilot jobs in Ohio are:

Infographic showing various Patrol Pilot job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,462 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Helicopter Utility Pilot - Pennsylvania

Heli Preflight

Canton, OH • On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Ensure all flights are operated in accordance with FirstEnergy goals and safety standards.

  • Participate in developing aircraft checklists, standard operating procedures, and required training programs.

  • Perform pre-flight inspections, assess weather and NOTAMs, and ensure aircraft readiness and compliance before each flight.


Job description

Captain Helicopter – Flight Operations – North Canton Airport

Company: FirstEnergy
Location: North Canton, OH

Reposted 20 hours ago

Description

Job Description

FirstEnergy

About The Opportunity

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence.

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.

This position will be based out of the North Canton Airport

Responsibilities Include

  • Ensuring that all flights to which they are assigned are operated in a manner consistent with FirstEnergy goals.
  • Assisting in developing aircraft checklists and standard operating procedures
  • Participating in all required approved training programs for the operator’s flight crews Follow directives and notices issued to the flight crews as required
  • Ensuring that all aerodromes and routes assigned to them are operationally suitable and meet company requirements
  • Participating in the FirstEnergy SMS System
  • Maintaining a working knowledge of FirstEnergy Operating Procedures Ensuring that the flight will not be continued beyond the nearest suitable aerodrome or heliport, when a flight crewmember’s capacity to perform functions is significantly reduced by impairment of faculties from causes such as fatigue, sickness or lack of oxygen
  • Responsibility for operational control
  • Responsibility for the security of the aircraft during its operation
  • Checking and assessing weather and all applicable NOTAMs where available
  • Determining fuel, oil and oxygen requirements
  • Determining the aircraft weight/mass and balance limits
  • Ensuring that all flight planning requirements have been met
  • Ensuring that the aircraft is airworthy, duly registered and that the documentation and operational information specified are onboard the aircraft
  • Completing an aircraft pre-flight inspection as per the aircraft flight manual, before each departure Briefing the passengers in accordance with the requirements specified
  • Operating the aircraft in accordance with procedures and aircraft limitations Completing all post flight duties as specified in the company operations manual, recording flight times and aircraft effects

Qualifications Include

  • High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related discipline preferred
  • 100 hours of utility, military or medical helicopter operations experience is required Minimum 2 years relevant work experience is required. Relevant work experience will include aviation experience within a wire environment (utility, military, helicopter air ambulance operations) along with the ability to think strategically.
  • Holds an FAA Commercial Helicopter License with an instrument rating
  • FAA First Class Medical Certificate preferred
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Able to understand the business criticality of their roles, the impact to each of the FirstEnergy stakeholders, and develop business cases for strategic initiatives
  • Innovative thinking to forge new concepts and facilitates unique creative solutions to risks. Ability to align utility aviation asset risk management with other business unit leader’s individual strategic goals
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills
  • Project management, risk management, or continuous improvement program experience is desired
  • Able to work with multiple business entities and individuals at all levels across the organization
  • Understanding of the power industry, to include grid layout, transmission, patrol operations, vegetation control, and storm response are desired, but not required
  • Focus on risk management goal development is highly desired Requires extensive travel

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.

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