Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Oklahoma
Cities in Oklahoma with Aviation Schools:
- Ada
- Altus
- Ardmore
- Bartlesville
- Bethany
- Bixby
- Blanchard
- Broken Arrow
- Chickasha
- Choctaw
- Claremore
- Coweta
- Del City
- Duncan
- Durant
- Edmond
- El Reno
- Elk City
- Enid
- Glenpool
- Guthrie
- Guymon
- Jenks
- Lawton
- Mcalester
- Miami
- Midwest City
- Moore
- Muskogee
- Mustang
- Newcastle
- Norman
- Oklahoma City
- Okmulgee
- Owasso
- Ponca City
- Poteau
- Pryor Creek
- Sand Springs
- Sapulpa
- Shawnee
- Stillwater
- Tahlequah
- The Village
- Tulsa
- Wagoner
- Warr Acres
- Weatherford
- Woodward
- Yukon

Seeking Professional Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Oklahoma
To land the top helicopter pilot jobs in Oklahoma depends so much upon the "type" of piloting job you are pursuing. Meaning, not all helicopter jobs in Oklahoma are the same. Not all helicopter jobs in Oklahoma are considered to be the "best-paying jobs." The top commercial helicopter pilot jobs around Oklahoma will require set minimum requirements.
Brand new helicopter pilots from Oklahoma are very limited in the type of piloting jobs in Oklahoma they qualify for because new pilots typically don't have enough flight experience. Most entry-level helicopter pilot jobs in Oklahoma require a minimum of 1,200 flight hours. Brand new commercial pilots (those right out of pilot training school) typically have only 220 total flight hours. Two-hundred and twenty hours is not a lot of hours.
Unfortunately, many times there is a 1,000 flight hour gap between completing commercial flight training and having the minimum requirements to land an industry "entry-level" pilot job in Oklahoma. Somehow the new commercial helicopter graduate must earn 1,000 additional hours or they don't qualify for the best paying helicopter pilot jobs in Oklahoma.
Due to a lack of flight experience, the only pilot job a new commercial pilot can land is the CFI job (Certified Flight Instructors), training new student pilots in Oklahoma. The truth is, most professional helicopter pilots start their piloting career as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Their first entry-level helicopter pilot job is a CFI in Oklahoma.

In the early stages of a new helicopter pilot career, new pilots from Oklahoma are very limited in what helicopter pilot jobs they qualify for. The main problem with hiring brand new commercial pilots is that they do not have enough flight hours. Typically, a brand new commercial helicopter pilot in Oklahoma has earned 220 flight hours.
Essentially, the process of securing a commercial pilot rating will net a newly rated pilot with 220 total flight hours, and 100 of those hours are "pilot in command" hours, also known as "PIC" hours. The point is, the new commercial helicopter pilot in Oklahoma don't qualify for one of the good-paying pilot jobs in Oklahoma, therefore the only piloting jobs available are CFI jobs.
Commercial helicopter pilots only have a couple of ways to earn enough PIC hours to land the best-paying commercial piloting job in Oklahoma, and most pilots earn their required hours as Certified Flight Instructors.
Researching Helicopter Pilot Salary?Here are some of the top-paying helicopter pilot jobs in Oklahoma
Law Enforcement Pilot: Police Helicopter Pilots in Oklahoma are typically police officers and commercial helicopter pilots. The typical law enforcement pilot job requirements are simple and clear: Must be a US citizen, pass a background check, and has either attended and graduated from a police academy or is willing to participate in and graduate.
The flight requirements of helicopter pilots seeking a job as a law enforcement helicopter pilot in Oklahoma include a Commercial Instrument Rotor-wing Certificate, Class II Flight Physical, a minimum of 1,200 total times, 800 PIC hours, and 700 turbine hours.

Emergency Medical Services Helicopter Pilot: Professional helicopter pilots seeking a full-time job piloting for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) companies in Oklahoma need to be the best of the best. Keep in mind, EMS helicopter pilots are "the best of the best" and the "top dogs" in the aviation industry, therefore most employers give preference to pilots with previous EMS experience with VFR proficiency.
Strong communication skills are a must. Desire to being an integral member of a medical-based team is a must. Job seekers must be able to perform strenuous physical tasks such as lifting and carrying weight up to 90 lbs.
Other helicopter pilot requirements include a current FAA Commercial Certificate, Class II Medical Certificate, Helicopter Instrument Rating, and it is preferred that pilot candidates possess ATP helicopter rating and have recent IFR experience.
Utility Inspection Pilot: Utility Inspect Helicopter Pilots in Oklahoma must be able to survey powerlines using LiDAR and photographic/video equipment to inspect and document the condition of power poles. Top utility companies are looking for helicopter pilots with extraordinary helicopter experience flying in and around a "wire environment" (utility lines).
Helicopter pilots seeking employment with utility companies must demonstrate and prove their skills to operate a helicopter safely and in a professional manner. To land the best paying utility jobs, they must prove their ability to follow and comply with all Federal (FAA), State, and local regulations. Employers realize that the best utility helicopter pilots have established their ability to work independently and with a team.

Typically, helicopter pilot job candidates need a minimum of 3000 hours as Pilot In Command, a minimum of 300 hours in a turbine, flying utility inspections around power lines with photography is preferred. Job candidates should have FAA commercial license, current medical, clean driving record, clean background check, clean drug test, and no accidents or incident reports.
Charter Tour Pilot: The top helicopter tour companies typically recruit full-time helicopter pilots from Oklahoma to fly public tours. Job seekers need a commercial pilot rating along with CFI and/or CFII.
Helicopter tour pilots must demonstrate their skills in operating a helicopter safely and in a professional manner. To land the best paying utility jobs, helicopter pilot candidates must prove their ability to follow and comply with all Federal (FAA), State, and local regulations.
Tour helicopter pilots have training in a Robinson R44 and Robinson R66, and turbine hours is preferred or considered an advantage. Helicopter tour pilots need a minimum of 250-1,000 hours and should be qualified for aerial photography, aerial surveys, and sightseeing tour jobs.
Certified Flight Instructor: Helicopter pilots from Oklahoma looking to land the best flight instructor jobs must have plenty of hours in a Robinson R22 and R44 and R66 Helicopters. Strangely enough, the highest-paid flight instructors also conduct sightseeing tours as long as the pilot meets specific hourly requirements.
Job candidates need to be able to operate as independent contractors working on an hourly basis, flying anywhere from 5 to 25 hours a week.
Flight training job candidates need the following to be current: FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Certificate, Instrument Rotorcraft Rating, Flight Instructor Certificate, (“Instrument” rated Flight Instructor Rating usually preferred), Class II Medical Certificate, and SFAR CFI Endorsement for R22 and R44
Minimum flight experience - a minimum of 250 hours total time in a helicopter, and preferably 150 of those hours in Robinson Rotorcraft.
FAA - A History of Helicopter Structures Facts for Oklahoma
There are five major stresses to which all aircraft are subjected: Bending. Bending stress is a combination of compression and tension. The rod in Figure 1-14E has been shortened (compressed) on the inside of the bend and stretched on the outside of the bend. A single member of the structure may be subjected to a combination of stresses. In most cases, the structural members are designed to carry end loads rather than side loads. They are designed to be subjected to tension or compression rather than bending.
Aviation Facts - High-Speed Aerodynamics
Listed below are a range of conditions that are encountered by aircraft as their designed speed increases. Subsonic conditions occur for Mach numbers less than one (100–350 mph). For the lowest subsonic conditions, compressibility can be ignored. As the speed of the object approaches the speed of sound, the flight Mach number is nearly equal to one, M = 1 (350–760 mph), and the flow is said to be transonic. At some locations on the object, the local speed of air exceeds the speed of sound. Compressibility effects are most important in transonic flows and lead to the early belief in a sound barrier. Flight faster than sound was thought to be impossible. In fact, the sound barrier was only an increase in the drag near sonic conditions because of compressibility effects. Because of the high drag associated with compressibility effects, aircraft are not operated in cruise conditions near Mach 1. Supersonic conditions occur for numbers greater than Mach 1, but less than Mach 3 (760–2,280mph). Compressibility effects of gas are important in the design of supersonic aircraft because of the shockwaves that are generated by the surface of the object. For high supersonic speeds, between Mach 3 and Mach 5 (2,280–3,600 mph), aerodynamic heating becomes a very important factor in aircraft design. For speeds greater than Mach 5, the flow is said to be hypersonic. At these speeds, some of the energy of the object now goes into exciting the chemical bonds which hold together the nitrogen and oxygen molecules of the air. At hypersonic speeds, the chemistry of the air must be considered when determining forces on the object. When the space shuttle re-enters the atmosphere at high hypersonic speeds, close to Mach 25, the heated air becomes an ionized plasma of gas, and the spacecraft must be insulated ted from the extremely high temperatures.
Landing the Top Helicopter Pilot Jobs in Oklahoma
Are you seeking the top helicopter pilot jobs near Oklahoma? Are you searching for a helicopter flight school? Or if we're starting from scratch, have you ever flown in a helicopter? Have you ever spoken to a professional helicopter pilot? Do you know anything about the average helicopter pilot salary in Oklahoma? The reason why we ask is due to the inherent challenge of flying helicopters as a career or as a job. Helicopters are not aerodynamic and they are very difficult to fly, and helicopters pilots require extraordinary skills.
To fly, Helicopter pilots require extreme coordination between their eyes, ears, hands, and feet. Yes, in order to fly, helicopter pilots use their sight, hearing, and all four limbs simultaneously. The question is, do you have what it takes to learn to fly and then go on to land the top paying helicopter pilot jobs in Oklahoma?
Flying helicopters is not a natural activity, meaning, no one is born with the "natural" talent or skills to fly a helicopter. To become a great helicopter pilot landing the top helicopter pilot jobs, pilots from Oklahoma have to devote a great deal of time, energy, and passion into developing unique skills that do not come naturally.
Flying helicopters is counterintuitive and there is no other job in the world similar to flying helicopters. Meaning, your previous experience does not help you in any way, and as a matter of fact, it might hurt you as you seek to develop helicopter pilot skills.
The truth is helicopter pilots, seeking helicopter pilot jobs in Oklahoma are very unique people with unique and peculiar skills. The good news is, helicopter pilots in Oklahoma are in high demand!
Helicopter Pilot Salary in Oklahoma:How much do helicopter pilots make and why you should pursue helicopter flight school
Professional helicopter pilots do not get rich flying helicopters in Oklahoma. It's possible to become rich, but most helicopter pilot jobs pay anywhere from $65,000 and $100,000 annually. In other words, people usually do not pursue helicopter pilot jobs in Oklahoma to become rich and wealthy. However, being a professional helicopter pilot in Oklahoma provides one with a very "rich" life experience, as well as a healthy income.
Want a career of flying helicopters in Oklahoma? Are you looking at flying search and rescue missions in Oklahoma or aerial firefighting operations around Oklahoma? Do you see yourself flying a helicopter near Oklahoma as an EMS pilot, Fire Fighting pilot, Forestry pilot, etc? The demand for helicopter pilot jobs in Oklahoma is very high and competitive, and it's important for any helicopter pilot from Oklahoma to know your desired career course.
Types of Helicopter Pilot Jobs and Careers in Oklahoma:
- Emergency Medical Services
- Fire Fighting
- Forestry
- Law Enforcement
- Offshore Oil and Gas
- Tourism & Sightseeing
- Utility Inspection (pipeline and power line)
Regardless of the type of helicopter pilot job you pursue, the top-paying jobs require commitment, perseverance, diligence, discipline, good training, a strong love for flying, great communication skills, and professionalism. If you are willing to commit yourself to the best training and you are devoted to your craft, eventually you will be landing the best paying helicopter pilot jobs in Oklahoma. You will be in high-demand too!
Helicopter Facts for Broken Arrow
On twin-rotor craft the rotors spin in opposite directions, so their reactions cancel each other. The helicopter is propelled in a given direction by inclining the axis of the main rotor in that direction. The helicopter's speed is limited by the fact that if the blades rotate too fast they will produce compressibility effects on the blade moving forward and stall effects on the rearwardmoving blade, at the same time.
FAA - A History of Aircraft Structures Factoid for Broken Arrow
The bulk of the FAA handbook is on the airframe of aircraft; specifically, the fuselage, booms, nacelles, cowlings, fairings, airfoil surfaces, and landing gear. Also included are the various accessories and controls that accompany these structures. Note that the rotors of a helicopter are considered part of the airframe since they are actually rotating wings. By contrast, propellers and rotating airfoils of an engine on an airplane are not considered part of the airframe.
Helicopter Facts for Edmond
Helicopters have been widely adopted by the military since their first appearance during the Korean War. During the Vietnam War, they became the preferred platforms for transporting troops and evacuating wounded; in the Persian Gulf conflict helicopter gunships provided air cover for advancing tanks.
FAA - A History of Aircraft Structures Factoid for Edmond
The airframe of a fixed-wing aircraft consists of five principal units: the fuselage, wings, stabilizers, flight control surfaces, and landing gear. Helicopter airframes consist of the fuselage, main rotor and related gearbox, tail rotor (on helicopters with a single main rotor), and the landing gear.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Enid To Share With Friends
British singerJay Kayalso owns an R44 (registry code G-JKAY), which he pilots in the music video to the songWhite Knuckle Ride.
That if the engine stops, the helicopter rotor continues to spin allowing the machine to slowly land, generally without crashing to the ground.
Since around 400 BC, Chinese children have played with bamboo flying toys, and the 4th-century AD Daoist book Baopuzi reportedly describes some of the ideas inherent to rotary wing aircraft
FAA - A History of Aircraft Structures Factoid for Enid
Aircraft structural members are designed to carry a load or to resist stress. In designing an aircraft, every square inch of wing and fuselage, every rib, spar, and even each metal fitting must be considered in relation to the physical characteristics of the material of which it is made. Every part of the aircraft must be planned to carry the load to be imposed upon it.
Helicopter Facts for Lawton
Best known among its developers are the French inventor Louis Breguet and the engineers Igor Sikorsky of the United States and Juan de la Cierva of Spain. The helicopter has become very popular for short-distance transportation, because of its maneuverability and ability to land and take off in small areas; it has been adopted for a wide range of services, including air-sea rescue, fire fighting, traffic control, oil platform resupply, and business transportation.
FAA - A History of Aircraft Structures Factoid for Lawton
The most common aircraft is the fixed-wing aircraft. As the name implies, the wings on this type of flying machine are attached to the fuselage and are not intended to move independently in a fashion that results in the creation of lift. One, two, or three sets of wings have all been successfully utilized. [Figure 1-12] Rotary-wing aircraft such as helicopters are also widespread. This handbook discusses features and maintenance aspects common to both fixed wing and rotary-wing categories of aircraft. Also, in certain cases, explanations focus on information specific to only one or the other. Glider airframes are very similar to fixed wing aircraft. Unless otherwise noted, maintenance practices described for fixed-wing aircraft also apply to gliders.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Midwest City
Chilean president Sebastin Piera owns one of these choppers, and has made several public appearances flying it. Since 2002, Belgian Prince Philippe flies a red R44 for personal leisure, with the uniqueregistry code OO-PFB, which stands for Prins Filip Belgi.
FAA - A History of Aircraft Structures Factoid for Midwest City
The skin of aircraft can also be made from a variety of materials, ranging from impregnated fabric to plywood, aluminum, or composites. Under the skin and attached to the structural fuselage are the many components that support airframe function. The entire airframe and its components are joined by rivets, bolts, screws, and other fasteners. Welding, adhesives, and special bonding techniques are also used.
Helicopter Facts for Moore
In 1937 German designer Heinrich Focke built an aircraft with two huge variable pitch rotors instead of wings and achieved a controlled hover. Months later, German Anton Flettner built the first true helicopter.
If the engine of the helicopter stops, the rotor continues to spin allowing the machine to slowly land, generally without crashing to the ground.
FAA - A History of Aircraft Structures Factoid for Moore
Airframe structural components are constructed from a wide variety of materials. The earliest aircraft were constructed primarily of wood. Steel tubing and the most common material, aluminum, followed. Many newly certified aircraft are built from molded composite materials, such as carbon fiber. Structural members of an aircraft’s fuselage include stringers, longerons, ribs, bulkheads, and more. The main structural member in a wing is called the wing spar.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Norman No One WIll Know But You!
Helicopter is a type of aircraft in which lift is obtained by means of one or more power-driven horizontal propellers called rotors. When the rotor of a helicopter turns it produces reaction torque which tends to make the craft spin also. On most helicopters a small rotor near the tail compensates for this torque.
FAA - A History of Aircraft Structures Factoid for Norman
An aircraft is a device that is used for, or is intended to be used for, flight in the air. Major categories of aircraft are airplane, rotorcraft, glider, and lighter-than-air vehicles. Each of these may be divided further by major distinguishing features of the aircraft, such as airships and balloons. Both are lighter-than-air aircraft but have differentiating features and are operated differently.
Helicopter Facts for Oklahoma City
TheRobinson R44is a four-seat lighthelicopterproduced by theRobinson Helicopter Companysince 1992. Based on the companys two-placeRobinson R22, the R44 features hydraulically-assisted flight controls.
In the early 1930's, Arthur Young, a brilliant young inventor, built and successfully demonstrated a viable, flyable helicopter model. Larry Bell, a successful entrepreneur and founder of the Bell Aircraft Corporation was so impressed with Young's efforts that in 1941 he set the youthful inventor up in a small shop in Gardenville, New York
Fun Helicopter and Airplane Facts for Oklahoma City
The Ditching and Dunker trainer simulates a downed helicopter. Candidates undergo two-day training sessions that teach them how to escape from a helicopter that crashes and lands in water.
Modern Day Military Pilot Training: Army pilots start with flight school and move on to basic combat training. The Air Force's basic pilot training covers 12 weeks and Marine pilots undergo two phases of basic flight training. After basic training, pilots continue with helicopter-specific training. All branches also require the applicant to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.
Fun Helicopter Facts for Stillwater
Helicopters can be flown across oceans if additional fuel is made available or in-flight refueling is employed.
Myth: Helicopters will drop like a rock when the engine shuts down. In fact, you have a better chance at surviving in a helicopter when the engine fails than you do in an airplane.
It was not until the early 1480s, when Leonardo da Vinci created a design for a machine that could be described as an aerial screw, that any recorded advancement was made towards vertical flight.
Facts of Fort Richardson
U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK), a subordinate element of U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), is headquartered at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). The organization, commanded by a Brigadier General, provides USARPAC with focused, early entry battle command capability and acts as the Joint Force Land Component Commander for homeland defense and civil support in Alaska. USARAK's mission is to be prepared to deploy rapidly in the Pacific theater and elsewhere in support of contingency operations, USPACOM objectives
Helicopter Facts for Tulsa
Since Bell Aircraft Corporation's reputation for helicopter manufacture began to rival its reputation as a builder of conventional aircraft, the company created a separate helicopter division which was headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. Today, with Bell helicopters flying in more than 120 different countries, they are logging another ten hours every minute of every day. And by 1951, Bell helicopters were in service around the world, breaking records as fast as they were setting them.
FAA - A History of Aircraft Structures Factoid for Tulsa
Many airframe structures are made of more than 50 percent advanced composites, with some airframes approaching 100 percent. The term “very light jet” (VLJ) has come to describe a new generation of jet aircraft made almost entirely of advanced composite materials. [Figure 1-10] It is possible that non-composite aluminum aircraft structures will become obsolete as did the methods and materials of construction used by Cayley, Lilienthal, and the Wright Brothers.