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Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

HELICOPTER PILOT - As a helicopter pilot, the sky is your domain. Hover over the sea for search and rescue, extract Sailors and Special Forces from a hot landing zone or track and neutralize enemy ...

External search may run concurrently with internal job posting. * Successful applicant will ... Commercial and Instrument Helicopter Ratings * First Class Medical * CAMTS Requirement // 2,000 ...

VFR Pilot

Oracle, AZ · On-site

External search may run concurrently with internal job posting. * Successful applicant will ... Commercial and Instrument Helicopter Ratings * First Class Medical * CAMTS Requirement // 2,000 ...

External search may run concurrently with internal job posting. * Successful applicant will ... Commercial and Instrument Helicopter Ratings * First Class Medical * CAMTS Requirement // 2,000 ...

External search may run concurrently with internal job posting. * Successful applicant will ... Commercial and Instrument Helicopter Ratings * First Class Medical * CAMTS Requirement // 2,000 ...

External search may run concurrently with internal job posting. * Successful applicant will ... Commercial and Instrument Helicopter Ratings * First Class Medical * CAMTS Requirement // 2,000 ...

External search may run concurrently with internal job posting. * Successful applicant will ... Commercial and Instrument Helicopter Ratings * First Class Medical * CAMTS Requirement // 2,000 ...

... helicopter sea rescues and underwater search, salvage, repair, and demolition to support carrier ... Rescue Swimmer preparatory and Rescue Swimmer School for those in that specialty; Class A School in ...

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Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot information

See Arizona salary details

$66.6K

$93.4K

$115.1K

How much do search rescue helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for search rescue helicopter pilot in Arizona is $93,421.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,900.00 and $104,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical working hours and conditions for a search rescue helicopter pilot?

Search Rescue Helicopter Pilots often work irregular hours, including weekends, nights, and holidays, as emergencies can occur at any time. The role can involve long shifts and rapid response to urgent calls, with time spent both in-flight and on standby at a base. Pilots typically operate as part of a highly coordinated team, collaborating closely with crew members, paramedics, and ground rescue personnel. Work conditions can be physically and mentally demanding, especially in adverse weather or challenging terrain, but the position is rewarding for those who are passionate about saving lives and making a tangible impact.

What is a search rescue helicopter pilot?

A Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopter Pilot operates helicopters to locate and assist individuals in distress, often in remote or hazardous environments. Their duties include flying in various weather conditions, coordinating with rescue teams, and performing emergency evacuations. They work for military, government, or private organizations, responding to emergencies such as natural disasters, lost hikers, or maritime incidents. Extensive training, flight experience, and certifications are required to ensure safety during high-risk operations.

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

To thrive as a Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot, you need advanced piloting skills, a thorough knowledge of aeronautical navigation and meteorology, and a commercial or air transport pilot license with specialized search and rescue (SAR) training. Proficiency with GPS navigation systems, night vision equipment, hoist operations, and radio communications is essential. Strong decision-making abilities, teamwork, and calmness under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe and effective mission execution in challenging and often life-threatening situations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Arizona?

For Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot job openings:

Infographic showing various Search Rescue Helicopter Pilot job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,421 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Pilot (Rotary Wing) - YCSO (Countywide)

Yavapai County Government

Prescott, AZ

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Role Under minimal supervision, operates helicopters in emergency evacuations, search and rescue, and law enforcement operations for the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies, as required. Major Duties, Responsibilities As pilot in command, operates rotary wing aircraft in support of public safety missions, including surveillance, patrol, pursuit, search and rescue, aerial photography, and transport of personnel. Performs specialized maneuvers, one-skid landing, external load/short-haul operations, night, and mountain flying.

Evaluates requests for air support. Schedules flight plans in connection with flight missions. Inspects, tests, and maintains aircraft and all mission-related equipment.

Cleans aircraft, unit quarters, and hangar. Performs pre- and post-flight inspections. Plans flights, loads passengers, baggage, and cargo, and analyzes weather conditions.

Maintains logs and records, as required, and prepares written reports. Operates aircraft tug, tractor, and/or ground handling equipment. Coordinates pilot training programs and maintains training records.

Trains pilots on various safety and aviation procedures and issues. Performs other job-related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Education: High school diploma or GED.

Experience: Candidates must have a minimum of 2,000 hours of flying time as pilot in command in helicopters, of which 1,000 hours must be in turbine engine helicopters. A minimum of 100 hours must have been within the 24-month period immediately prior to the application date. Additional Requirements: Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license.

Must have possession of a valid FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Rotorcraft-Helicopter and Instrument Helicopter. By the starting date, must be a resident of the State of Arizona. Must meet all applicable FAA requirements and be in good standing.

Must hold at least a current FAA Second Class Medical Certificate. Other Skills Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of: Weather systems regarding aircraft operations. Aircraft systems and operations, aerial navigation and maintenance regarding normal operating procedures, limitations, and emergency procedures.3

Federal Aviation Administration Regulations, Arizona Revised Statutes, Departmental General Orders, Aviation Bureau Standard Operating Procedures and Aviation Unit Special Procedures. Aircraft ground handling procedures. Geography, topography, and climate regarding the State of Arizona.

Maintenance test flight procedures. Department radio procedures. Aerodynamics and the fundamentals of flight regarding aircraft.

Federal Communications Commission Regulations. Aviation fuel quality assurance testing procedures. Rescue procedures.

Aeromedical operations. Flight scheduling procedures. Crisis management techniques and procedures.

Basic aircraft maintenance techniques and procedures. Coordinated search patterns. Principles and practices of supervision.

Skill in: Oral communication. Written communication to complete required reports and records. The operation of ground vehicles (e.g., motor vehicles, fuel trucks, fuel pumps, aircraft etc.)

The use of aircraft flight logs. Ability to: Read and interpret aviation and weather maps. Perform operations under highly stressful or emergency conditions.

Work independently. Compute basic mathematical and statistical calculations. Read and interpret written material of moderate difficulty.

Prioritize flight missions. Operate Heliwagon. Handle confidential matters and maintain discretion.

Act with courtesy, tact, and diplomacy. Work Environment: The work environment is indoors and outdoors in varying weather and inclement conditions. Requires the ability to maintain mental and physical readiness required by the FAA.

Must have the flexibility to work any hours, including weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, callouts, and overtime. Must be willing to work in varying climates, temperatures, and weather conditions. Physical Requirements: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Sufficient vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech ability to communicate effectively in person and telephonically. Capable of frequent repetitive movement of arms, fingers, and wrists. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Additional Job Information: FLSA: Non-Exempt Grade: 19 Classification: At-Will Safety Sensitive: No