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Short Haul Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hillsboro Aviation

B205A1++ Fire/Utility Pilot

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Our missions include search and rescue, short-haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief ... As a B205A-1++ Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot, you will work closely with the Contract & Charter:

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Short Haul Pilot information

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$50

How much do short haul pilot jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for short haul pilot in the United States is $34.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $43.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which pilots make $500,000 a year?

Short haul pilots typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common among long-haul or senior airline captains with extensive experience, additional certifications, and seniority. Factors influencing high earnings include airline size, flight hours, and union agreements, but most short haul pilots earn significantly less than this amount.

What is the difference between Short Haul Pilot vs Regional Pilot?

AspectShort Haul PilotRegional Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), First Class MedicalCommercial Pilot License (CPL), First Class Medical
Work EnvironmentShort domestic flights, local airportsRegional routes, multiple short flights
Employer & IndustryCharter companies, cargo, regional airlinesRegional airlines, commuter carriers

Short Haul Pilots and Regional Pilots share similar certifications and work environments, often flying short domestic routes. The main difference lies in the scope of their routes and employer types, with Short Haul Pilots typically operating within local areas and Regional Pilots covering broader regional networks for airlines.

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

To thrive as a Short Haul Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong aeronautical knowledge, and sharp decision-making abilities. Familiarity with flight management systems, navigation tools, and type ratings for specific aircraft are commonly required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and attention to detail help pilots navigate dynamic schedules and ensure passenger safety. These skills are critical for safely operating frequent, short-distance flights and maintaining punctuality and operational efficiency.

Is there still a pilot shortage in 2026?

The short haul pilot role continues to experience a pilot shortage due to increased travel demand and a retiring pilot workforce. Airlines often seek qualified pilots with commercial and airline transport pilot certifications, and the shortage impacts hiring and scheduling. This trend is expected to persist as the industry recovers and expands.

How much does a short haul pilot make?

A short haul pilot typically earns between $50,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, airline, and region. Pay may also include per diem allowances and benefits, with pilots often working irregular schedules and requiring specific certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot license.

What is a short haul pilot?

A short haul pilot is a commercial pilot who operates flights over relatively short distances, typically within a country or region. These pilots fly smaller aircraft or jets between nearby cities, focusing on quick turnarounds and frequent departures. Their responsibilities include pre-flight planning, ensuring passenger safety, and efficient navigation of short routes. Short haul pilots often work for regional airlines or as charter pilots, with schedules that may involve multiple flights per day. The role requires strong situational awareness and adaptability due to varying weather and airport conditions.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Short haul pilots can earn around $3,000 or more per month, especially with experience and proper certifications such as a commercial pilot license. Many entry-level or non-degree jobs in trades like HVAC technicians, electricians, or commercial drivers also reach this income level through experience and overtime. These roles often require specialized training or licensing but not a college degree.

What are some typical challenges Short Haul Pilots face during their daily operations?

Short Haul Pilots often contend with tight flight schedules and frequent takeoffs and landings, which can be physically and mentally demanding. They must stay alert for rapidly changing weather conditions and air traffic congestion, especially when operating in and out of busy regional airports. Effective communication and teamwork with ground crews, dispatchers, and co-pilots are crucial to ensure safe, on-time departures and arrivals. Additionally, managing quick turnaround times while maintaining high safety and customer service standards is a key part of the role.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Short Haul Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Short Haul Pilot jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Short Haul Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Short Haul Pilot jobs are:
Short Haul Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Short Haul Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,196 per year, or $34.2 per hour.
B407 Short Haul - Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot

B407 Short Haul - Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot

Hillsboro Aviation

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About Hillsboro Aviation

Founded in 1980, Hillsboro Aviation offers complete helicopter and airplane services comprised of five divisions: contract & charter, aircraft sales & management, service center, FBO, and parts sales. Serving domestic and international markets in the government, commercial, and private sectors, we have over 75 employees and 10 turbine aircraft. We operate out of our award-winning headquarters at the Portland-Hillsboro Airport (KHIO).

Our Vision

We believe in the power of a personal approach. We passionately purvey the notion of flight, a dream demanding creativity, persistence, resilience, and intent. We strive to foster a legacy of innovative thought, leadership, mentorship, service, and sustainability. We are dedicated to providing opportunity and growth for our team, our customers, and our community by providing extraordinary and memorable experiences in the air and on the ground.

The Position

Hillsboro Aviation’s contract & charter division provides services to the United States Forest Service (USFS), the Department of Interior (DOI), FEMA, large national utility (powerline & infrastructure), and high-tech companies as well as smaller companies and individuals. Our missions include search and rescue, short-haul (human external cargo, natural disaster relief, construction support, aerial firefighting, natural resource surveys, film/photo/news, and heli-skiing. Our fleet is comprised of Airbus H145D3, Bell 205 A-1++, Bell 407, Bell 407HP, and Airbus AS350B3e.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced pilot to support a variety of missions, including:

  • Search and rescue (SAR) operations
  • Human External Cargo (HEC) / short-haul missions
  • Wildland fire suppression and related support assignments

Position Details:

  • Aircraft: Bell 407HP
  • Contract Start Date: May 2026
  • Duration: Through the end of the 2026 fire season
  • Base Location: Western U.S. locations as needed

This is an exciting opportunity to work in challenging and rewarding environments while supporting critical aerial operations.

As a B407HP Short Haul – Fire Fighting and Utility Pilot you will work closely with the Contract & Charter team to perform search and rescue missions, human external cargo missions (short haul), wild-land firefighting activities and/or various utility operations. Ideal candidates are self-motivated and able to work independently within their areas of responsibility with limited supervision. They are enthusiastic about representing Hillsboro Aviation in front of key customers - including foreign governments, community leaders, and business partners - and are willing to support additional projects or duties as assigned.

Job Responsibilities

  • The pilot will work 12 days on / 12 days off schedule for the duration of the contract.
  • All travel and accommodations are covered by the company. The pilot will receive per diem for meals and incidentals.
  • Additional utility operations may be assigned based on project needs, with corresponding adjustments to the work schedule.
  • The pilot is expected to consistently represent Hillsboro Aviation and the aircraft in a professional manner to the U.S. Forest Service and all associated parties.
  • Strong judgment, a commitment to safety, and solid airmanship are essential for the successful and secure execution of all missions.
  • Strict adherence to SOPs, contractual requirements, and daily operational reporting procedures is mandatory.
  • Previous firefighting and short-haul experience is preferred but not required. We offer initial short-haul training and carding preparation for qualified pilots.

Qualifications/Licenses

  • COM or ATP certificate with Rotorcraft Helicopter Rating
  • Current medical (class 2 or class 1)
  • Driver’s License
  • Passport (for OPS crossing into Canada or relocations to Alaska)
  • Ability to legally work in the U.S.

Required Skills/Experience

  • Helicopter Total Time: 1,500 hours
  • Last 12 Months: 100 hours PIC in helicopter
  • B407 PIC Time: 50 hours
  • Last 12 Months: 10 hours PIC in B407
  • Last 12 Months: 25 hours PIC performing vertical reference w/ precision placements
  • Mountainous Terrain: 200 hours PIC in helicopter
  • B407 PIC Mountainous Terrain: 10 hours

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Currently or previously interagency carded for short haul operations
  • Precision placement vertical reference experience
  • Additional experience in AS350/B205/H145
  • Rotorcraft Instrument rating
  • Clean driving record
  • B407 factory training

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Wellness benefits, including alternative care and lifestyle discounts
  • 401(k) + match
  • Monthly team-building events, including BBQs
  • Exercise, shower facilities, and locker rooms at headquarters

Hillsboro Aviation’s growth and sustainability is rooted in its commitment to attracting a diverse set of talent from around the world. To that end, we encourage qualified individuals from all walks of life to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
This job will remain open until filled. Please do not call regarding the status of your application.