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Volunteer Helicopter Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Army

Helicopter Pilot

Yakima, WA · On-site

$106K/yr

As a Helicopter Pilot is located in the Headquarters section of the United States Army Air ... Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National ...

U.S. Army Forces Command

Helicopter Pilot

Yakima, WA · On-site +1

$106K - $138K/yr

As a Helicopter Pilot is located in the Headquarters section of the United States Army Air ... Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Aberdeen, NC

$74K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Voluntary Legal * Relocation Assistance * Employee Assistance and Benefit Concierge Service ... helicopter (3,000 hours preferred); 1000 hours turbine. * 1000 hours Pilot-in-Command. * 200 hours ...

Geisinger

Helicopter Pilot IFR

Montoursville, PA · On-site

$79K - $98K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Helicopter time * 1000hrs.Helicopter Pilot in Command time * 75hrs of actual or simulated ... Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, identity ...

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Volunteer Helicopter Pilot information

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$71.5K

$100.2K

$123.5K

How much do volunteer helicopter pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for volunteer 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 volunteer helicopter pilot?

Volunteer helicopter pilots are licensed aviators who offer their time and skills to fly helicopters for non-profit organizations, emergency services, and humanitarian missions without compensation. Their roles may include medical evacuations, disaster relief, search and rescue operations, or transporting supplies and personnel. These pilots are typically required to have a valid commercial or private pilot license with helicopter ratings and often undergo additional training specific to the missions they support. Their work plays a crucial role in reaching remote or inaccessible areas during times of need.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Helicopter Pilot, you need a valid commercial or private helicopter pilot license, strong flight experience, and a solid understanding of aviation regulations. Familiarity with navigation systems, radio communication equipment, and GPS technology is typically required, along with any additional certifications such as instrument ratings. Excellent decision-making, teamwork, and adaptability are valuable soft skills, especially in dynamic or emergency situations. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, reliable flight operations and effective mission support in volunteer or rescue scenarios.

What are some common challenges faced by volunteer helicopter pilots, and how can they be addressed?

Volunteer helicopter pilots often encounter challenges such as adapting to irregular flight schedules, working in rapidly changing weather conditions, and operating in unfamiliar or remote locations. These situations require strong situational awareness, flexibility, and effective communication with ground teams and fellow pilots. To address these challenges, it’s important to stay current with training, participate in regular safety briefings, and maintain open lines of communication with the organization’s operational staff. Building experience through diverse missions and seeking mentorship from seasoned pilots can also help volunteers navigate these complexities.

What is the difference between Volunteer Helicopter Pilot vs Search and Rescue Pilot?

AspectVolunteer Helicopter PilotSearch and Rescue Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft ratings, medical clearanceCommercial Pilot License, rotorcraft ratings, SAR-specific training
Work EnvironmentVolunteer missions, non-profit organizations, varied locationsEmergency response, often in challenging conditions, coordinated with agencies
Employer/IndustryNon-profit, humanitarian, disaster reliefGovernment agencies, emergency services, military

Volunteer Helicopter Pilots and Search and Rescue Pilots share similar certifications and operate in helicopter environments. However, Volunteer Helicopter Pilots typically work with non-profit organizations on humanitarian missions, while Search and Rescue Pilots are employed by government agencies to conduct emergency rescues. Both roles require specialized skills, but their operational focus and employer types differ.

More about Volunteer Helicopter Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Volunteer Helicopter Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Helicopter Pilot job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Helicopter Pilot jobs?

The most popular types of Helicopter Pilot jobs are:

What states have the most Volunteer Helicopter Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Volunteer Helicopter Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Volunteer Helicopter Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Volunteer Helicopter Pilot jobs are:

Volunteer Helicopter Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Helicopter Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,249 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Helicopter Pilot

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Yakima, WA

$106K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: As a Helicopter Pilot is located in the Headquarters section of the United States Army Air Ambulance Detachment located at the Yakima Training Center in Washington State.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes 1) Operating a twin-engine helicopter at minimum controllable speeds and at low altitudes and 2) Over unfavorable terrain while providing lifesaving medical evacuation for a MEDEVAC Detachment and 3) Analyzing present and future weather conditions along the route of flight, avoiding unfavorable weather considering alternate routes and destinations. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).
Minimum Eligibility Requirements: Possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates, and/or military rating, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the position. Flight hour information MUST in the body of the resume. Your application packet MUST include a copy of certificates/military ratings.
Flight hour requirements:
Total flight time: 1750 hours;
Pilot in Command: 1150 hours;
Night flying: 75 hours;
Last 12 months: 100 hours;
Heavy Helicopter: 500 hours;
Instrument: 75 hours.
Please review the OPM qualification standard for specific flight requirements: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2100/aircraft-operation-series-2181/
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-12).Education:Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permittedEmployment Type: OTHER

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