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Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$8.5K - $10K/mo

Desired Helicopter Flight Experience * Certified Flight Instructor with Rotorcraft-Helicopter endorsement * Night Vision Goggle Instructor endorsement * Vertical reference and external load ...

Sheriff Aircraft Pilot

Bakersfield, CA

$93K - $115K/yr

Desired Helicopter Flight Experience Certified Flight Instructor with Rotorcraft-Helicopter endorsement Night Vision Goggle Instructor endorsement Vertical reference and external load operations ...

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Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor information

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$25K

$94.6K

$145.5K

How much do trainee helicopter flight instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee helicopter flight instructor in the United States is $94,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor vs Helicopter Flight Instructor?

AspectTrainee Helicopter Flight InstructorHelicopter Flight Instructor
CertificationsStudent pilot license, instructor trainingCertified flight instructor (CFI), commercial pilot license
Work EnvironmentTraining flights, supervised instructionIndependent instruction, training schools
Job RoleAssisting experienced instructors, gaining teaching experienceLeading training flights, certifying students

The main difference is that a Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor is in training and gaining experience, while a Helicopter Flight Instructor is fully certified and independently instructs students. The trainee role focuses on learning and supervision, whereas the instructor role involves delivering instruction and certifying pilots.

What are Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructors?

Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructors are pilots who are undergoing specialized training to become certified teachers for aspiring helicopter pilots. They work under the supervision of experienced instructors to learn both advanced flying skills and effective teaching techniques. This role typically involves flight instruction, ground school teaching, and learning how to assess and improve student performance. Upon successful completion of their training, they become fully qualified helicopter flight instructors. The position is a key step for pilots aiming to advance their careers in aviation education.

What are some of the main challenges faced by a Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor during the training period?

As a Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor, one of the main challenges is transitioning from being a pilot to effectively teaching others, which requires strong communication and patience. You'll also need to master detailed regulatory knowledge and adapt to different student learning styles. Balancing your own skill refinement with the responsibility of ensuring student safety in the cockpit can be demanding. However, with mentorship from experienced instructors and structured training programs, these challenges become valuable learning experiences that prepare you for a rewarding instructional career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor, you need a valid commercial pilot license (CPL(H)), solid flight experience, and a strong understanding of aviation regulations. Familiarity with flight simulation software, avionics systems, and relevant instructor training courses or certifications is typically required. Exceptional communication, patience, and instructional ability are vital soft skills for effectively teaching students and maintaining safety. These competencies ensure that instructors can deliver high-quality training, uphold regulatory standards, and foster a safe learning environment for aspiring pilots.
More about Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Trainee Helicopter Flight Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,620 per year, or $45.5 per hour.
HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/EVALUATOR

HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/EVALUATOR

Army National Guard Units

Fresno, CA • On-site, Remote

$106K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Army National Guard rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 50 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
This HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/EVALUATOR position, is for use at an Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot (AVCRAD) or any Army Aviation Facility where the requirement is deemed appropriate by the AVCRAD Facility Supervisor or State Army Aviation Officer (SAAO) CA AAFA Fresno.
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Duties
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THIS IS A T32 EXCEPTED SERVICE, PERMANENT POSITION
The primary purpose of the HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/EVALUATOR, GS-2181-13, is to be responsible for providing instruction, evaluation and examination of rated pilots, instructor pilots, and aeroscout observers in flying techniques and methods of instruction, examination, and evaluation. Instruction involves basic and advanced techniques for flying aircraft using instruments. Incumbent is also responsible to the Facility Commander or Facility Supervisor for all aspects of aviation/ground safety matters.
May make additional selections within 90 days of eligible(s) issuance.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is an excepted service position that requires membership in the California National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. If you are interested in joining the California National Guard, please contact a California National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position. https://ca.nationalguard.com/california
Compatible Military Assignment and Grade are required. Military technicians must be assigned to a military position in the same unit which they are employed or, in a unit that is supported by the employing activity. Military technicians must hold the military grade specified for the position.
Priority Areas(s) of Consideration:
Priority consideration is first given to the areas below.
AREA I= Current California National Guard employees who are serving on a Permanent/Indefinite/Temporary appointment.
Military Grades: WO-2 or WO-3
Recruitment/Relocation
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive IS NOT authorized.
PCS
Relocation Costs IS NOT authorized based on determination that Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is not in the Government best interest.
  • Must maintain appropriate level of security clearance.
  • May be required to successfully complete a one or two year trial period.
  • Must wear appropriate military uniform including required grooming standards.
  • Must maintain a compatible military unit, grade and job assignment as required by current directives.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.

Security Clearance: at a minimum a National Agency Check is required.
Qualifications
General Experience: Must have a Federal Aviation Administration certification awarded from an accredited civilian aviation program or have an aviation certification from an accredited military aviation school.
HELICOPTER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR/EVALUATOR, GS-2181-13: Must have at least one year on-the-job experience in the grade (or a comparable military rank) immediately below the next higher level and have at least two years specialized competencies in operating a specific main-frame military aircraft, mission planning, and mission preparation; Experience reviewing and analyzing mission tasking, intelligence, and weather information; Experience filing flight plans and conducting crew briefings; Experience with aircraft preflight inspections, aircraft loading, and equipment assessments; Experience performing or supervising work procedures involved in navigation, in-flight refueling, search and rescue operations or surveillance and reconnaissance; Experience conducting or supervising the training of crew members in simple to complex mission specific tasks; Experience developing plans and policies, monitoring operations, and advising commanders; Experience with flight theory, air navigation, meteorology, flying directives, mission tactics, and operating procedures; Experience with unit flying, explosive, and ground safety programs in accordance with Department of Defense, Department of the Army, National Guard Bureau, and/or Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies, regulations, and directives.
Must provide Flight Records. Failure to provide will result in automatic disqualification.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies:
  • Judgement and Decision Making
  • Operation and Control
  • Safety and Security
  • Tests and Measurement

Education
Must have a Federal Aviation Administration certification awarded from an accredited civilian aviation program or have a aviation certification from an accredited military aviation school.
Must provide Flight Records. Failure to provide will result in automatic disqualification.
When there is a positive education or certification requirement, or you are using education to qualify as a substitution for experience, copies of transcripts (unofficial) and/or certificates are required at the time of application to verify that you meet the educational/certification requirement or substitution. Failure to provide transcripts and/or certificates at the time of application will result in automatic disqualification.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
As a condition of employment, new appointees are required to serve a trial period. Individuals who are initially appointed to a permanent or indefinite position in the CMD must complete a one (1) or two (2) year trial period subject to appointment type (DSMT or T5) and veteran's preference. Trial periods for federal excepted service employees are established under 5 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter A-Part 11.
MILITARY MEMBERS WITH BONUSES: Upon acceptance of a military technician position military members who are currently receiving a military Reenlistment/Extension Bonus (REB) or GI Bill-SR Kicker may lose incentive eligibility and may be subject to termination or suspension of incentive (includes indefinite and temporary technicians on assignment for more than 180 days in any continuous 12-month period).
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please email ng.ca.caarng.list.j1-hro-recruitfedjobs-usas@army.mil or Fax to 916-854-3439.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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About Army National Guard

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The Army National Guard, headquartered in Arlington, VA, is a key constituent of the United States military, falling under the sector of Defense and Public Safety. Since its founding in 1636, it has served dual roles as both a state and federal military force that is activated in response to domestic emergencies and overseas combat missions. The Army National Guard embodies core values, including loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, intending to uphold peace and serve the nation with unwavering dedication.

Industry

National security and international affairs

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US