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How to hire a rotary wing line pilot

Rotary wing line pilot hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring rotary wing line pilots in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a rotary wing line pilot is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new rotary wing line pilot to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a rotary wing line pilot, step by step

To hire a rotary wing line pilot, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a rotary wing line pilot:

Here's a step-by-step rotary wing line pilot hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a rotary wing line pilot job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new rotary wing line pilot
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the rotary wing line pilot you need to hire. Certain rotary wing line pilot roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A rotary wing line pilot's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, rotary wing line pilots from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    The following list breaks down different types of rotary wing line pilots and their corresponding salaries.

    Type of Rotary Wing Line PilotDescriptionHourly rate
    Rotary Wing Line PilotAirline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. Airline pilots fly for airlines that transport people and cargo on a fixed schedule... Show more$37-64
    AviatorAn aviator, also known as a pilot, operates aircraft for commercial or private use. Although their duties vary upon their company or industry of employment, it usually entails performing regular inspections before and after every flight, coordinating with staff, maintaining an active communication line with air traffic controller, determining routes and schedules, analyzing flight plans, and monitoring the weather conditions... Show more$36-58
    Pilot InstructorThe key role of a Pilot Instructor is to teach students procedures and techniques about how to fly aircraft. They offer instruction for both on the ground and in the sky, prepare lesson plans, and assess and monitor students performance.$28-63
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • FAA
    Responsibilities:
    • Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
    • Assist with all aspects of administration, logistics and equipment inventory, ensuring successful financial execution.
    • Coordinate with AATD and USMA to assist with visits to the UK.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your rotary wing line pilot job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A rotary wing line pilot can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, rotary wing line pilots' average salary in minnesota is 38% less than in new jersey.
    • Seniority. Entry-level rotary wing line pilots 42% less than senior-level rotary wing line pilots.
    • Certifications. A rotary wing line pilot with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a rotary wing line pilot's salary.

    Average rotary wing line pilot salary

    $103,223yearly

    $49.63 hourly rate

    Entry-level rotary wing line pilot salary
    $78,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 27, 2026
  4. Writing a rotary wing line pilot job description

    A rotary wing line pilot job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a rotary wing line pilot job description:

    Rotary wing line pilot job description example

    Helicopter Air Medical: Bell 407GX (VFR)
    $10,000 Base Stipend + $15,000 Sign-on Bonus

    Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:
    • Operates Air Methods' aircraft in a safe and legal manner.
    • Completes pre-flight before every flight verifying the aircraft is in airworthy condition by sign-off of the Daily Flight Log. Performs a complete walk-around of the aircraft prior to entering the cockpit for flight and upon completion of each flight.
    • Ensures aircraft and weather conditions are airworthy to transport medical crew and patient to receiving hospital within an assigned operational area. Responsible for compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), General Operations Manual guidelines (GOM), and thorough knowledge of Air Methods policies and procedures.

    Skills
    • Pilots must have flown in category for a commercial operator, or in the military, within the previous 24 months
    • Maintains positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals and the public. Strives to maintain a friendly and professional working environment.

    Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Program:
    • 2000 total flight hours with minimum of 1500 flight hours in category
    • 1000 hours PIC in category
    • 500 hours of rotor wing turbine time
    • 200 hours of cross-country flight time, at least 50 hours of which were at night
    • 100 hours unaided night as PIC (50 hours of unaided can be substituted for by 100 hours of NVG time, but cannot be reduced below 50 hours of unaided time)

    Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
    • Commercial & Instrument Rating (for category and class of aircraft);
    • ATP rating in category also meets the above requirement.
    • First or Second-Class FAA Medical certificate required.

    Qualifications
    To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position.

    Operation and Safety Requirements: As a member of the Flight Crew, any person employed in this position shall maintain a weight not to exceed 250 pounds and shall be less than seventy (70) years old.

    Education & Experience
    • Associates degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school, plus two to five years' related experience and/or training (or equivalent combination of education and experience);
    • Bachelor's degree preferred

    Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
    This position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per the DOT/FAA requirements (pre-employment, random, reasonable cause/suspicion, post-accident).

    AIR METHODS: GO ABOVE AND BEYOND!
    As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, while providing our pilots with work life balance, consisting of 7 days on/7 days off (with 12-hour shifts). Whether you're in command of an air medical helicopter or airplane, the #1 objective is to ensure safety always remains the highest priority throughout the transport process. Pilots will experience a variety in different types of flying, including inter-facility transports and scene work. Don't miss out on this great opportunity.

    Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

    The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right rotary wing line pilot for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your rotary wing line pilot job on Zippia to find and recruit rotary wing line pilot candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit rotary wing line pilots, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new rotary wing line pilot

    Once you've found the rotary wing line pilot candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    To prepare for the new rotary wing line pilot first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a rotary wing line pilot?

Recruiting rotary wing line pilots involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

You can expect to pay around $103,223 per year for a rotary wing line pilot, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for rotary wing line pilots in the US typically range between $37 and $64 an hour.

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