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Police Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Police Helicopter Pilot information

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$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do police helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for police helicopter pilot in the United States is $100,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a high demand for helicopter pilots?

The demand for helicopter pilots, including police helicopter pilots, is generally steady due to the need for aerial surveillance, search and rescue, and law enforcement operations. Job opportunities can vary based on location, government funding, and industry needs, with specialized skills and certifications often required. Overall, the field tends to have consistent demand compared to many other aviation roles.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by police helicopter pilots during active operations?

Police helicopter pilots often encounter rapidly changing situations, such as pursuing suspects, searching for missing persons, or supporting ground units during emergencies. These missions require quick decision-making, precise coordination with ground teams, and the ability to operate safely in congested or low-visibility airspace. Additionally, pilots must manage the stress of high-stakes scenarios while ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols and aviation regulations. Working closely with tactical officers and communicating effectively with dispatchers are also essential parts of the role.

How to be a helicopter pilot for police?

To become a police helicopter pilot, candidates typically need a commercial helicopter pilot license, relevant flight experience, and law enforcement training. Many agencies require a background in aviation, strong communication skills, and the ability to operate under stressful conditions. Additional certifications such as instrument ratings and familiarity with police procedures are also beneficial.

How much do police helicopters make?

Police helicopter pilots typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and agency size. Higher salaries are common in larger departments or for pilots with specialized skills and certifications, such as night flying or tactical operations.

What is the difference between Police Helicopter Pilot vs Police Air Support Officer?

AspectPolice Helicopter PilotPolice Air Support Officer
CredentialsCommercial pilot license, helicopter ratings, law enforcement trainingLaw enforcement training, radio communication skills, sometimes pilot certification
Work EnvironmentOperate helicopters in various terrains, aerial surveillance, pursuit, search and rescueCoordinate air support, monitor aerial activities, assist in investigations
Employer & IndustryPolice departments, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, law enforcement agencies

Police Helicopter Pilots are licensed pilots operating helicopters for law enforcement missions, focusing on flying and aerial operations. Police Air Support Officers typically coordinate and support aerial activities without necessarily flying, emphasizing communication and operational planning. Both roles are integral to police air units but differ mainly in flying responsibilities and required certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Police Helicopter Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Helicopter Pilot, you need a commercial pilot's license, extensive flight hours (often 1,500+), and specialized police aviation training. Familiarity with navigation systems, infrared and night-vision equipment, and radio communication tools is essential. Strong decision-making, situational awareness, and teamwork skills help pilots handle high-pressure situations and coordinate with ground units. These abilities are vital to ensure safe, efficient aerial operations that support law enforcement missions.

Is 40 too old to become a helicopter pilot?

Age is generally not a strict barrier to becoming a police helicopter pilot, as many agencies prioritize skills, experience, and physical fitness over age. Candidates typically need a commercial pilot license, relevant flight hours, and the ability to pass medical exams, regardless of being in their 40s or older.

What does a Police Helicopter Pilot do?

A Police Helicopter Pilot operates helicopters to support law enforcement activities, such as surveillance, search and rescue, traffic monitoring, and suspect pursuit. They work closely with officers on the ground to provide aerial support during emergencies and investigations. Their role requires strong flying skills, quick decision-making, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. In addition to flying, they may assist with mission planning, equipment checks, and communication with dispatchers and command centers.
More about Police Helicopter Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Police Helicopter Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Police Helicopter Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Police Helicopter Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Helicopter Pilot jobs include:
Deputy Sheriff-Lateral-26574601L

Deputy Sheriff-Lateral-26574601L

County of San Diego

San Diego, CA

$87K - $123K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


County Of San Luis Obispo rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

545th of 649 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Summary Are you a law enforcement professional with proven experience; consider joining the County of San Diego Sheriff's Office team. We're hiring for Deputy Sheriff-Lateral. About the Position Newly hired Lateral Deputy Sheriffs are assigned to one of three bureaus: Detentions, Court Services, or Law Enforcement Services.

Assignments are based on the needs of the department and on the applicant's training and experience. Deputy Sheriffs perform a variety of general law enforcement functions consisting of patrol, court services, investigations, arrest, apprehension, supervision of inmates, and other duties as assigned. Read the complete job description that includes minimum requirements, physical characteristics, license requirements, and working conditions.

The ideal candidate will possess the following desirable traits: communicates effectively, knowledge worker, customer-focused, values and respects others, drives to excel, teamwork and collaboration, continuous learning, demonstrates ethical behavior, and supportive of change. The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications at time of appointment. Additional pay incentives and premiums that are available for those who are eligible: Relocation Pay up to $15,000 Lateral Incentive Pay up to $20,000.

Night Shift Premium/ Shift Differential - 5% with 4 or more hours worked between 5:00 PM - 8:00 AM. Helicopter Pilot - up to 12.5% of base pay Helicopter Tactical Flight Officer - 5% of base pay Sheriff's Rural Enforcement Program Assignment - 10% of base pay In-Service Training Premium - $45 biweekly Bilingual Premium - $32.30 biweekly Diving Premium - $4.40 per hour Handling of Explosive Device/Substance Premium - up to 10% of base pay Motor Officer Premium - 7.5% of base pay Prisoner Transportation Premium - 3% of base pay Detective Assignment Premium - 5% of base pay Corporal Assignment Premium - 5% of base pay Fire/Life Safety Premium - 5% of base pay Minimum Requirements At The Time Of Application 1. Current enrollment in a California P.O.S.T

Basic Law Enforcement Academy; OR; 2. Successful completion of a California P.O.S.T. Basic Law Enforcement Academy within the past three (3) years and possession of a valid Certificate of Completion

OR; 3. Successful completion, at any time, of a California P.O.S.T. Basic Law Enforcement Academy, with less than a three (3) year break in service in one of the following Penal Code categories: 830.1 Sheriff's, Marshals, City Police, San Diego Unified Port District Harbor Police, etc.; 832.2(a) California Highway Patrol; 830.2(d) Member of University of California Police Department; 830.2(e) Member of California State University and College Police Department; 830.3l(g) Member of San Francisco BART Police; 830.3l(h)Harbor or Port Police

OR; 4. Successful completion of a California P.O.S.T. Re-Certification Course, and possess a valid California P.O.S.T

Certificate. OR; 5. Successful completion of a California Basic P.O.S.T

Waiver Exam, with documentation from P.O.S.T. OR; 6. Successful completion of Levels 1, 2, 3; or the four-part reserve format training modules A, B, C, & D for the regular Basic Course within the last three years

Note: For individuals currently enrolled in a POST academy, at the time of application, the applicant must present a letter from the Academy, on letter head, confirming enrollment, and graduation date. Eligibility for POST certification must be active for at least one year beyond the date of application. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the academy.

There will be no waivers of the above requirements. Experience in the United States military service is highly desirable. In Addition To The Above, Applicants Must Meet All Of The Following Requirements At The Time Of Application (a) Must be at least 20.5 years of age at the time of the Qualifications Shoot Examination/Exercise described below; at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment

(b) Must possess a U.S. high school diploma or GED certificate; or a degree from an accredited college or university. (c) Must have no felony convictions and must not be on probation; misdemeanors may be disqualifying depending on number, type and recency

(d) Must be a United States citizen or resident alien in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Condition Of Employment As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment

Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Illegal drug use and possession is prohibited in any form by Sheriff's Department employees. Applicants Must Meet The Following Requirements At The Time Of The Selection Interview And Background Investigation Processes (a) Successful completion of the background investigation and selection interview processes; for additional information, refer to the Evaluation Section below.

(b) Vision correctable to at least 20/30; glasses/hard lenses minimum 20/100 uncorrected - No minimum uncorrected visual acuity for soft lenses (subject to California P.O.S.T. requirements). (c) Possession of a valid California class C driver's license prior to appointment

Application Process STEP 1: Complete the online application form providing correct and complete responses to the Supplemental Questions and attach qualifying documentation outlined above. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Note: Applicants must submit copy of P.O.S.T. certificate, P.O.S.T. waiver, re-certification or letter from P.O.S.T

academy with application in order to meet minimum qualifications and be invited to continue to next step in the recruitment process. STEP 2: If you meet the minimum qualifications for Deputy Sheriff-Lateral, you will be invited to schedule yourself for the Qualifications Shoot Examination. Note: Once scheduled, you will NOT receive a reminder to appear to the qualification shoot.

Please note the date and time of your exam when you schedule yourself. This is your responsibility. UNSCHEDULED CANDIDATES WILL NOT BE ADMITTED.

If you do not meet the minimum qualifications for Deputy Sheriff-Lateral, as determined by the application screening, the Department of Human Resources will notify you via e-mail. If you receive this email you will not be eligible to take the Qualifications Shoot examination. Evaluation Applicants must successfully pass Qualifications Shoot examination to be placed on the 12-month eligibility list for Deputy Sheriff-Lateral.

Accommodation Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis. Summary Of The Overall Evaluation Process Completion of online Application and Supplemental Questions Qualification Shoot Examination, Pre--Screening Orientation - Refer to the description below to obtain more information on the Qualification Shoot Exercise. Candidates who successfully pass the Qualification Shoot Examination will attend a Pre-Screening Orientation.

Candidates may be invited to participate in the background investigation and selection interview processes listed below. Applicants must successfully pass the Qualification Shoot and Pre-Screening Orientation in order to be placed on the 12-month eligibility list for Deputy Sheriff Lateral. Comprehensive Background Investigation which takes a minimum of four to six months to complete.

Computer Voice Stress Analysis Exam and Employment Interview. Selection Interview conducted by Sheriff's sworn management. Psychological Evaluation conducted by a County appointed Psychologist.

Medical Exam conducted by a County Physician. Please Note: Steps 3-7 may be completed out of order Qualification Shoot Examination (Firearms Testing) Test Components: 30 total handgun (HG) rounds - 26 hits (on target) to pass 4 total shotgun (SH) rounds - 3 hits (on target) to pass Scored as Pass/Fail Two attempts permitted Course of Fire: Handgun only 03-Yard Line: (03) rounds DOMINANT/STRONG hand only point shooting 03-Yard Line: (03) rounds SUPPORT/WEAK hand only point shooting 05-Yard Line: (03) rounds two hand eye level hold 05-Yard Line: (03) rounds two hand eye level hold 07-Yard Line: (06) rounds two hand eye level hold 10-Yard Line: (06) rounds total. (03) rounds from each side of barricade two hand eye level hold 10-Yard Line: (06) rounds two hand eye level hold Shotgun only Patrol ready the shotgun with (4) rounds 10-Yard Line: (03) rounds (on target) Chamber the fourth round, but DO NOT FIRE.

Safely unload the chambered round, and make the shotgun safe Contact Information The Department of Human Resources at (619) 236-2191 or via email at ProcessUnitEmail.FGG@sdcounty.ca.gov or, Sheriff's Recruiting Unit at (858) 974-2000 or via e-mail at Recruit@sdsheriff.org. APPLY TODAY. As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development

We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran's Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information. Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience.

This tool can help. Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool. The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all.

Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce.

Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) Disaster Service Worker Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law

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