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Private Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corewell Health

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 ... Private pilot's quarters with bed, desk and computer * Well maintained base facility with modern ...

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Private Helicopter Pilot information

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How much do private helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for private 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.

What is a private helicopter pilot?

A Private Helicopter Pilot operates helicopters for personal, corporate, or charter use. They may transport clients, assist with aerial photography, or provide sightseeing tours. Unlike commercial pilots, private pilots cannot be paid for their services but can fly for personal or business purposes. They must obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL) with a helicopter rating, requiring flight training and passing FAA written and practical exams.

What does a private helicopter pilot do?

As a Private Helicopter Pilot, your workday can vary widely depending on client needs and flight schedules. You may begin with pre-flight inspections, reviewing weather conditions, and preparing detailed flight plans before transporting clients to various destinations. The role often requires flexibility, as flight times can be irregular and may include weekends or evenings. You frequently interact directly with clients to ensure their comfort and safety during flights, and work closely with ground crews and maintenance staff to keep the aircraft in optimal condition. This position offers a dynamic environment where each day can bring new challenges and destinations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a private helicopter pilot?

To thrive as a Private Helicopter Pilot, you need excellent flying skills, situational awareness, and a valid commercial or private pilot license with appropriate ratings. Proficiency with navigation systems, radio communications, and flight planning software is essential for safe and efficient operations. Exceptional decision-making, professionalism, and customer service skills help build trust with clients and ensure a positive experience. These qualities are crucial for managing diverse flight conditions and client expectations while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Is 30 too old to become a private helicopter pilot?

Private helicopter pilot training typically requires applicants to be at least 17 years old and meet medical and flight hour requirements. Age is not a strict barrier, and many pilots start training later in life, provided they are physically fit and can pass the necessary certifications. Experience, skills, and dedication are more important than age in pursuing this career.

Is there a demand for private helicopter pilots?

Private helicopter pilots are in demand in sectors such as corporate transportation, emergency medical services, and tourism, especially in regions with high travel needs or limited ground transportation. The job market depends on factors like industry growth, certification requirements, and regional demand for aerial services.
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Private Helicopter Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States 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 $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Supervisory Helicopter Pilot

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Columbia, SC • On-site

$89K/yr

Part-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 294 rated public sector bodies

Job description

Supervisory Helicopter Pilot, provides supervision and guidance to pilots, working with the Aviation Program Manager, the Aviation Fleet Manager and Operations and Logistics Managers to collaboratively deliver aviation services to WS cooperators and stakeholders within the east, supervising up to 30 intermittent and part-time pilots.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.
Medical Requirements
At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the second-class medical certificate, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position, and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. Staff specialists not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test pilots, airspace system inspection pilots, and Customs pilots, all candidates must possess a current first class medical certificate at the time of appointment.
Certificates and Ratings:
For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying light helicopters, such as Bell or MD helicopters, to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with helicopter and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings.
Note:
Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
  1. Total Flight Time --1500 HRS- Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement.
  2. Pilot-In-Command -- 250 HRS- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
  3. Night Flying -- 75 HRS-- For in service placement actions at the GS-11 level and above, 25 hours may be waived if the candidate demonstrates the ability to perform the work.
  4. Flying Time, Last 12 Months --100 HRS-- Required only for positions that involve flying. The flight hours specified apply to competitive appointments.
In addition to the meeting the above criteria you must also show the specialized experience below:
FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Operating light helicopters at low altitudes (100 feet above ground level) in varying terrains and cover types.
  • Aerial predator or feral swine control operations in mountainous environments.
  • Low level flight experience with a Bell or MD helicopter or a make and model of helicopter or similar type (i.e. Single Engine Piston). Please ensure the aircraft type that meets this experience is listed in your resume along with total hours Pilot in Command (PIC), PIC time for the preceding 12 months, and total hours spent as PIC for wildlife damage or similar operations.
  • Experience in supervising other pilots or aerial crewmembers.

Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:Please see above for education qualification requirement information.Employment Type: OTHER

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