Commercial Pilot Jobs in Maine
Cities in Maine with Aviation Schools:
- Auburn
- Augusta
- Bangor
- Bath
- Biddeford
- Brewer
- Brunswick
- Caribou
- Chalmette
- Ellsworth
- Lewiston
- Old Orchard Beach
- Old Town
- Orono
- Portland
- Presque Isle
- Rockland
- Saco
- Sanford
- Skowhegan
- South Portland
- Topsham
- Waterville
- Westbrook
- Winslow
Commercial Pilot Jobs Maine

Maine Commercial Pilot Salary - How Much Do Commercial Pilots Make?
Commercial Pilot Benefits

Depending on the company you work for, as a commercial pilot you may be eligible to receive health insurance, life insurance, and disability benefits, along with retirement plans and "per diem" pay for longer trips, but these benefits are fairly rare for most commercial pilot jobs.
Seniority Affects Pay
As a new commercial pilot, you can expect to make entry level pay, fly older, less sophisticated aircraft, and fly less desirable routes and schedules. New commercial pilots typically must "pay their dues" in this role in order to accumulate the required hours to apply for better jobs and move up the career ladder into higher paying jobs. Get more information about commercial pilot training.
Pilot Training - What you need to know to fly for a living

Commercial pilots with two years of college or more have an advantage over pilots with only a high school diploma. However, many operations do hire pilots with only a high school education. Pilots who have degrees in aviation-related fields like aeronautics have a better chance of landing a job. If you want to become a commercial pilot, there are two routes to take: military or civilian training. Military training is only a viable option for people with top grades and a four year degree, as competition for military flying slots is fierce, to say the least. The majority of new commercial pilot training occurs at flight schools, flight academies, and colleges with flight training programs.
Where to Find Commercial Pilot Training Near Maine
Most schools, academies, and colleges offer pilot training for people with no experience. These programs will have a base price for earning all the required licenses and ratings to become a commercial pilot and begin building your flight hours to find a job. Keep in mind that the quoted price is for people who progress at the "average" rate, so the price can go lower or higher, depending on your personal progress.
Building Commercial Pilot Hours

Since you will need to build flight hours after earning your licenses and ratings, it's important to find a flight school or academy that offers jobs to its graduates. This way, assuming you are professional in your approach to flying and the flight training environment, you are virtually assured of having your first "commercial pilot" job after graduation, and have a chance to build those flight hours and experience you need to move on to your next position. Learn about commercial pilot jobs.
As a commercial pilot, you will be required to take additional training and check rides periodically, depending on the type of operation you work for, and the type of aircraft being flown. Ongoing training is a reality for all commercial pilots.
FAA - A History of Airplane Structures Facts for Maine
In the 1920s, the use of metal in airplane construction increased. Fuselages able to carry cargo and passengers were developed. The early flying boats with their hull-type construction from the shipbuilding industry provided the blueprints for semimonocoque construction of fuselages. Truss-type designs faded. A tendency toward cleaner mono-wing designs prevailed.
Search Airline Employment Data by Month
Airlines that operate at least one aircraft with the capacity to carry combined passengers, cargo and fuel of 18,000 pounds - the payload factor - must report monthly full-time and part-time employment statistics to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Commercial Pilot Jobs Maine
Commercial Pilot License - Which License and Ratings Will You Need?
To become a commercial pilot in Maine, you need to be at least 18 years old (although you can earn your private pilot's license at 17, you must be 18 or older to get your commercial pilot license) and get at least a third class FAA medical certificate. The medical certificate ensures that you are in good overall health, have good vision (corrected or uncorrected is okay) and don't have any disabilities which could affect your ability to fly, although the FAA may grant a waiver for individual cases. Learn about commercial pilot jobs.
List of Licenses and Ratings
Commercial pilots typically hold some or all of the following licenses, ratings, and certificates, depending on the operation:
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Medical First Class - Certificate
- Private Pilot - License
- Commercial Pilot - License
- Instrument Pilot - Rating
- Multi-Engine - Rating
- Type Rating - Rating specific to the type of aircraft being flown, if necessary
The Road to a Commercial Pilot License
The first license you earn is private pilot. Next, most people get their instrument rating, and then go on to the commercial pilot license. Some operations don't require an instrument rating. However, possessing the rating is always beneficial both for piloting skills and getting jobs. If you'll be flying multi-engine aircraft (and you probably will), you'll need to earn a multi-engine rating, and, if flying larger aircraft (over 12,500 pounds gross weight) or turbo jet aircraft, you'll also need a type rating for that specific model or family of aircraft. Many companies offer type rating training specifically for this purpose. Get more information on commercial pilot training.
Maine Commercial Pilot License Tests
Most, but not all, FAA licenses and ratings require that you pass written, oral, and practical (check ride) tests given by approved testing centers and designated examiners.
Accelerated Flight Training - Condensed training helps pilots retain info, earn more ratings, and get jobs
No matter how you look at it, flight training is a lengthy process. There are many new things to learn and hundreds of flight hours to gain. When it comes down to it, flight training can only be condensed so much before it bumps up against regulations. This presents a bit of a problem to someone looking to start a career in aviation. Training costs money, but it's going to be a while before flying will pay. So what's the best solution? Accelerated training. Accelerated flight training offers some notable benefits including being good for career pilots, quick progression through ratings, and increased job placement opportunities. Great for Career Pilots
Accelerated training is great for career pilots. It allows the student to condense their training into a few weeks or months rather than years. This works by allowing the student to fly multiple lessons per week while also taking consolidated ground school. The nature of the training typically demands the student train like a full-time job--eight hours a day, five days a week. This is great for someone who's looking to get started with a career in the quickest amount of time. It's unfortunately not so great for someone who can't devote more than a few hours per week.
Most accelerated training programs function similarly to military training in that students alternate between flying and classroom instruction before entering a phase of longer flights. Some accelerated programs even dispatch students and aircraft on a series of long flights that are intended to provide a large amount of flight time and allow the student a more varied cross-country experience.
Quick Progression Through Ratings
This type of training is primarily designed to fast track students to ratings. Rather than taking six months to obtain a private pilot certificate or an instrument rating, it can take as little as fourteen days. How can you take something that takes six months and effectively learn it in fourteen days? Attend ground school and flight training eight hours per day. The bottom line on all flight training is the more you do it, the more you retain. Accelerated programs are based on this concept and their success stems from the fact that their students are immersed in flying so much that they can't help but learn.
Job Placement Opportunities
Most of the larger accelerated flight training schools offer job placement to graduates. They have agreements with some airlines and often directly offer employment to some of the graduates. This is a great asset to someone looking to break into the aviation career field. When considering job placement agreements, some schools offer actual job placements while some offer guaranteed interviews. Either is better than nothing no matter how you look at it. It's debatable, but the single biggest employer of many accelerated flight training program graduates is often the schools offering the programs. After all, they need flight instructors to teach their students and someone who's familiar with the program is a great asset.
As you can see, for someone trying to launch into an aviation career, accelerated flight training has a number of benefits. Even people that are just trying to get several ratings at once can benefit from an accelerated program. So if you're looking for a flying career and you have time to devote to training, consider an accelerated program.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Auburn
Modern Day Military Pilot Training for Auburn: To join the military, as well as become a pilot, potential recruits must fulfill certain age requirements. Pilots in the Coast Guard must be ages 17 to 27 for active duty and 17 to 39 for reservists, while Army pilots must be between 18 and 29 for active and 18 and 35 for reservists.
Helicopter Pilot Training
Sadly, a big part of your first lesson will be practicing the most difficult helicopter maneuver: hovering. Hardly anyone who makes the effort is able to become proficient at hovering in less than 5 or 6 hours of flight training. Every one of those hours is exhausting. Much of the time is extremely frustrating.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Augusta
Modern Day Military Pilot Training for Augusta: As with other military positions, helicopter pilots may have to move frequently to any number of the United States military bases around the world.
Interesting Aviation Facts for Augusta for Augusta
There are many interesting jobs out there in the industry, out of which most are mainly related to the hobby of the professional. One such career is that of a helicopter pilot. If you love flying and are interested in aeronautics, you can consider a career as a helicopter pilot.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Bangor
Working as a military pilot requires a certain temperament to deal with often-stressful situations. Pilots must possess self-discipline, confidence and intelligence, as well as be able to make quick decisions, be able to multitask and perform under pressure.
Interesting Aviation Facts for Bangor for Bangor
A helicopter pilot has to execute tasks mainly as per the type of employer he is working for. He may work for the law enforcement, army, air force, or any commercial businesses.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Bath
All military pilots must pass a Class 1 flight physical and have perfect 20/20 vision, either corrected or uncorrected. Pilots must also have normal color perception, depth perception and field of vision. Additionally, Coast Guard pilots must have good dental health with no cavities.
Creech AFB Nevada is an Air Force operated base and among the most important fighters in the so called War on Terror.
Interesting Aviation Facts for Bath for Bath
If he is working in a law enforcement agency, he has to carry out air surveillance on subjects which are beyond street-level chase. Since the route is not predetermined, he has to make necessary decisions regarding the flight. He might even be required to communicate with the ground crew regarding the status of suspects.
Helicopter Factoid for Biddefords for Biddeford
Modern Day Military Pilot Training for Biddeford: Because of the physical nature of the job, military helicopter pilots must fulfill a number of requirements. Pilots should be in good physical health and be able to complete a series of fitness tests, including a certain number of pushups and situps in one minute and a 1.5-mile run in a certain time.
Interesting Aviation Facts for Biddeford for Biddeford
A commercial helicopter pilot can provide services in agro-based companies, private airlines, or even for a TV station. If working for an agriculture company, he may need to fly the chopper over the fields in order to spray pesticides for crop growth and disinfection.
Helicopter Factoid for Brewers for Brewer
Helicopter pilots who want to make flying a career must move on to earn a commercial helicopter pilot license. A commercial license requires the student to be at least 18 years old, hold a private helicopter pilot license and FAA medical certificate and complete ground instruction.
Aviation History for Brewer and Fun Facts for Brewer
Flight Instructor Facts for Brewer A flight instructor is an individual who teaches people to fly aircraft. Regulations about flying and instruction are created and enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Helicopter Factoid for Brunswicks for Brunswick
Helicopter pilots work in a variety of different industries and fulfill a number of different roles, including emergency medical services, law enforcement, agriculture, executive transport and sightseeing. Career paths for a helicopter pilot can take him into other industries as well, such as firefighting, search and rescue, logging and instructing other pilots.
Helicopter Fun Facts for Brunswick
If employed by a private airline, he may need to fly passengers for pleasure trips to distant places. Likewise, if employed by a medical facility, he is needed to transport patients to a nearby hospital in the least possible time. Those working for TV stations, need to take the chopper to places where there has been an incident worth recording.
Helicopter Factoid for Caribous for Caribou
Following all training hours, the student must pass the FAA written knowledge, oral and practical tests. Students need to complete 20 hours dual flight training, including one dual cross-county and one solo cross-country flight and 10 hours of instrument training. The student must also do at least 10 hours of solo flight training and 100 hours as a pilot-in-command.
Helicopter Fun Facts for Caribou
Be it any field of work, a chopper pilot necessarily requires the skill to take precise decisions in case of some malfunction in the helicopter when airborne.
Helicopter Factoid for Chalmettes for Chalmette
Helicopter pilots do not need to have a college degree to fly helicopters as a hobby, but those choosing a career as a pilot do need at least some post-secondary schooling. Most employers require pilots to have at least an associate's degree, with many preferring pilots to have a bachelor's degree.
Helicopter Fun Facts for Chalmette
If you are planning to become a commercial helicopter pilot, you need to possess a four-year degree, as required by most employers. The next step is to complete the certification program administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Helicopter Factoid for Ellsworths for Ellsworth
Life Quotes: “I am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I've loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough..” by Nicholas Sparks (bestselling author)
Helicopter Fun Facts for Ellsworth
This licensing program comprises classroom training, in-flight assignments, and a test. Those in specific job areas like air force or law enforcement will have to meet requirements set by the respective authorities. Let us take a look at a helicopter pilot salary.
Helicopter Factoid for Lewistons for Lewiston
If you are thinking of working in the commercial industry, you need to possess the helicopter pilot's license from the FAA. Helicopter pilot careers in law enforcement and the air force can include rigorous trainings as per the required standards.
Helicopter Fun Facts for Lewiston
Annual Salary as per Helicopter Industry - Military or Armed Forces: $57,000 - $92,500, Transportation: $52,000 - $72,000, Commercial Aviation: $53,000 - $87,000, Government Agencies: $58,000 - $94,500
Helicopter Factoid for Old Orchard Beachs for Old Orchard Beach
Sikorsky Helicopters - S - 300 C: The S-300C helicopter is known as one of the finest and most versatile piston-engine rotorcraft. Through a program of continuous design evolution and innovation, the S-300C model is even better than ever. Its maneuverability, responsive handling and outstanding range and endurance make the S-300C model ideal for a broad range of roles.
Helicopter Fun Facts for Old Orchard Beach
Annual Salary for Helicopter Pilots as per State: Florida: $55,887 - $96,534, California: $61,042 - $93,506, Texas: $55,462 - $85,762, Louisiana: $53,805 - $85,000
Helicopter History for Old Town
The minimum age requirement for applying for a helicopter pilot's license is 17 years. In some parts of the world, it can be 18 or 19 too. For the safety of people in the helicopter, it is a must for the pilot to have a good vision to determine risks in advance. It is essential to have a 20/40 vision in both eyes to get the license.
Helicopter Fun Facts for Old Town
If you are thinking of working in the commercial industry, you need to possess the helicopter pilot's license from the FAA. Helicopter pilot careers in law enforcement and the air force can include rigorous trainings as per the required standards.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Orono
US Army Helicopter Pilots: warrant officers are put in army flight school to become the helicopter pilots. So even after high school, you can start your career and head toward your dream of being a pilot.
Helicopter History for Orono
Flight Instructor Facts for Orono When a pilot decides that he would like to instruct others to fly he must become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). To obtain his CFI rating, a pilot will already hold his commercial pilot's license and a second class medical.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Portland
US Army Helicopter Pilot Criteria: You must be a citizen of US. If a candidate is not a US citizen, he must apply for the same, at the earliest. Remember, however, five years of minimum residential stay in the country is important for a citizenship.
Helicopter History for Portland
US Army Helicopter Pilots: Being an army helicopter pilot is an exciting and equally challenging job. Making a career in this field requires planning and tremendous efforts.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Presque Isle
US Army Helicopter Pilot Criteria: You must be at least 18 years of age while joining the army and less than or equal to 33 years of age before you appear in front of military board for flight school programs.
Helicopter History for Presque Isle
Entry-level helicopter pilots can earn anything between USD 25,000 to USD 35,000 per year if you become a flight instructor. If you are a pilot in the police department or in the law enforcement agency, then you may draw anything between USD 40,000 to USD 50,000 per year. This can grow very fast after you complete your training and probation period in your company.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Rockland
US Army Helicopter Pilot Criteria: you'll have to appear for Flight Aptitude Selection Test, Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery test and score 90 and 110 respectively, to get selected.
Helicopter History for Rockland
US Army Helicopter Pilots: Being an army helicopter pilot is an exciting and equally challenging job. Making a career in this field requires planning and tremendous efforts.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Saco
US Army Helicopter Pilot Criteria: you're required to go for rigorous medical check ups. Ensure before you even think of army that your height, weight and vision are equivalent to the standard's set by the army. This process needs to be completed before you're declared eligible for joining a flight school.
Helicopter History for Saco
Language skills are also a must for a helicopter pilot and they are also tested in the entrance test. To work as a professional helicopter pilot, you need to complete the minimum flying hours along with a flight instructor and in the solo format.
Family Quotes: “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” by Albert Einstein (genius, scientist, author)
Fun Helicopter Facts for Sanford
US Army Helicopter Pilot Criteria: Once you're done with all formalities and eventually selected, you'll be required to attend a year or less duration training. In this helicopter pilot training program, you'll be provided training in two aspects, warrant officer training program and flying programs.
Helicopter History for Sanford
Language skills are also a must for a helicopter pilot and they are also tested in the entrance test. To work as a professional helicopter pilot, you need to complete the minimum flying hours along with a flight instructor and in the solo format.
Life Quotes: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”― Dr. Seuss
Fun Helicopter Facts for Skowhegan
Military Helicopters: Military helicopters have different modular designs. These designs are based on the type of function they have within the Armed Forces. The following article will serve as a guide to different types of military helicopters.
Helicopter History for Skowhegan
Aspiring helicopter pilots also need to clear a written test, personal interview and flying test to get absorbed as entry-level officers in reputed organizations.
Fun Helicopter Facts for South Portland
Robinson Helicopters: Equipped with a Lycoming O-540 carbureted engine, the R44 Raven I offers a balance between performance and affordability. Raven I features carburetor heat assist that enhances safety and reduces pilot workload by automatically adjusting carburetor heat in response to power changes by the pilot.
Helicopter History for South Portland
Air Force Helicopter Pilot: You should fulfill the minimum height and weight requirements and should have a good eyesight and ability to identify colors. Apart from physical fitness, you also need to concentrate on your formal education.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Topsham
Robinson Helicopters: Robinson's R44 Clippers are Ravens equipped with seaworthy floats and corrosion protection for over-water operations. The Clipper's low center-of-gravity provides excellent stability on water, and the float design enables safe emergency water landings and takeoffs. Special ground-handling wheels are included with each Clipper.
Helicopter Fun Facts for Topsham
US Army Helicopter Pilots: There is no denying that flying aircraft is one of the most coveted careers in the US. You have to be very sure if you wish to become an army helicopter pilot as it is not only about the profession but also doing your bit for a larger cause, serving the US army and hence your country.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Waterville
Robinson Helicopters: The R44 IFR Trainer is a R44 Raven I or II with a specifically designed instrument flight training package to prepare and qualify IFR pilots at a fraction of the cost associated with larger, more expensive instrument-equipped helicopters, but with the same high-quality equipment.
Helicopter Fun Facts for Waterville
Military Helicopters: One of the most flexible and adaptable weapons system in the world is the helicopter. These mechanical beasts for flying are also known as choppers informally. They are found to be very handy during war as well as take up new roles during peace.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Westbrook
Unusual But Interesting Helicopter Facts in Westbrook Light Turbine Helicopters - The light turbine-powered helicopter series incorporates the best of two worlds: legacy of proven flight design originated in the 269 Series and state-of-the art turbine technology.
Helicopter Fun Facts for Westbrook
Military Helicopters: There are different types of military helicopters that have different roles to play. We may often come across chopper names such as the SH-60B Seahawk Wood, Comanche RAH66, Chinook CH47, etc.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Winslow
Sikorsky Helicopters - Light Turbine Helicopters: Dating back to 1956 with the first TH-55A U.S. Army , the 269 Series includes more than 3,750 aircraft operating in more than 70 countries with more than 20 million total flight hours. The turbine engine series was advanced with the S-333TM helicopter certified in 2000.
Helicopter Fun Facts for Winslow
Military Helicopters: There are different helicopters used by the military forces around the world. These choppers are classified according to the role they play in the armed forces. Let us have a look at the helicopter types according to their functions in the military.