In 2025, helicopter pilots are in high demand across emergency medical services (EMS), offshore transport, law enforcement, and tourism sectors. Whether you’re a newly certified civilian pilot or a military veteran transitioning into the private sector, knowing which companies are hiring — and what they’re looking for — can help you land the right role faster.
This guide profiles top helicopter employers, outlines their hiring criteria, and shares tips to help you stand out in a competitive field. From Air Methods to Bristow Group, here’s what you need to know to get airborne.
🧭 How to Choose the Right Employer for Your Goals
Not all helicopter pilot jobs are created equal. Choosing the right employer depends on your career stage, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals. Here’s how different sectors align with different priorities:
- 🚑 EMS & Air Ambulance:
Ideal for pilots who thrive under pressure and want to make a direct impact. These roles often involve night flying, NVG operations, and rapid response in rural or underserved areas. If you value mission-driven work and can handle unpredictable schedules, EMS might be your calling. - 🛢️ Offshore Oil & Gas:
These jobs offer high pay and structured rotations (e.g., 14 days on, 14 off). You’ll fly crews to rigs in remote locations, often over water. It’s a great fit for pilots who enjoy routine, don’t mind isolation, and want predictable downtime. - 🚓 Law Enforcement & Government:
These roles often require prior military or police experience. You’ll support tactical operations, surveillance, and search-and-rescue missions. Expect rigorous background checks and specialized training. If you’re drawn to public service and high-stakes flying, this path offers long-term stability. - 🌄 Tourism & Charter:
Perfect for pilots who enjoy scenic flying and customer interaction. These jobs are often seasonal and based in high-traffic tourist areas. If you’re early in your career or looking for flexible hours, tourism can be a great stepping stone.
Matching your strengths and preferences to the right employer type can make the difference between burnout and long-term career satisfaction.
🏥 EMS Helicopter Employers
🚁 Air Methods
One of the largest EMS helicopter providers in the U.S., Air Methods operates over 300 aircraft and serves rural and urban communities nationwide.
What They Look For:
- 1,000+ flight hours (PIC)
- NVG experience and night flying proficiency
- FAA Commercial Rotorcraft License
- Strong communication and patient handling skills
Bonus Points:
- Prior EMS or medevac experience
- Familiarity with Bell 407, EC135, or Airbus H145
🚁 Metro Aviation
Known for its safety culture and training programs, Metro Aviation partners with hospitals and air medical programs across the country.
What They Look For:
- 1,200+ hours total time
- Instrument Rating and recent IFR experience
- Ability to work in high-pressure medical environments
- Team-oriented mindset
Bonus Points:
- Military medevac background
- Flight instructor experience
🌊 Offshore Transport Employers
🚁 Bristow Group
A global leader in offshore helicopter transport, Bristow serves oil and gas clients in the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, and West Africa.
What They Look For:
- 1,500+ hours total time
- Extensive IFR experience
- FAA ATP or Commercial License
- HUET certification and offshore safety training
Bonus Points:
- Experience with Sikorsky S-92 or AW139
- Willingness to relocate or work rotational schedules
🚁 PHI Aviation
PHI supports offshore drilling operations and medevac services, with a strong presence in Louisiana and Texas.
What They Look For:
- 1,000+ hours
- Offshore navigation and deck landing experience
- Safety-first mindset and crew coordination skills
Bonus Points:
- Prior oil and gas transport experience
- Familiarity with Gulf Coast weather patterns
🚔 Law Enforcement & Public Safety Employers
🚁 State Police Aviation Units
Many state law enforcement agencies operate helicopter divisions for surveillance, search and rescue, and tactical support.
What They Look For:
- 800–1,200 hours total time
- Law enforcement or military background
- Experience with FLIR, search patterns, and radio comms
- Ability to pass background checks and security clearance
Bonus Points:
- Prior work with public safety agencies
- Tactical flight training or instructor credentials
🚁 U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
CBP operates helicopters for border surveillance, interdiction, and transport missions.
What They Look For:
- 1,500+ hours
- Military or federal aviation experience
- Strong mission focus and adaptability
- Willingness to work in remote or high-risk zones
Bonus Points:
- Spanish language skills
- Experience with UH-60 or AS350 aircraft
🏞️ Tourism & Charter Employers
🚁 Maverick Helicopters
Operating in Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, and Hawaii, Maverick is known for scenic tours and luxury charter services.
What They Look For:
- 1,000+ hours
- Exceptional customer service skills
- Smooth flying and weather adaptation
- FAA Commercial License
Bonus Points:
- Familiarity with Bell 407 or EC130
- Multilingual communication skills
🚁 Understanding the Helicopter Pilot Hiring Process
Whether you’re applying to an EMS provider or a luxury tour operator, most helicopter pilot hiring follows a similar structure. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare strategically and avoid common pitfalls.
📝 1. Application Submission
- Online portals or direct email to HR or chief pilot
- Include resume, cover letter, and flight hours breakdown
- Some employers request a copy of your license and medical upfront
📞 2. Initial Screening
- May include a phone or video interview
- Focuses on availability, location flexibility, and minimum hour requirements
- EMS and offshore roles often screen for IFR experience early
✈️ 3. Flight Evaluation
- In-person check ride or simulator test
- Evaluates technical skill, decision-making, and CRM (Crew Resource Management)
- Tourism operators may assess passenger interaction and narration ability
🧠 4. Behavioral Interview
- Questions about emergency scenarios, teamwork, and judgment
- Law enforcement and EMS roles often include scenario-based questions
- Be ready to discuss past incidents and how you handled them
📋 5. Background & Compliance Checks
- FAA records, drug testing, and sometimes psychological evaluations
- Law enforcement roles may include polygraph or deeper background checks
- Offshore employers may require additional safety certifications
🤝 6. Offer & Onboarding
- Includes contract review, base assignment, and training schedule
- EMS and offshore roles often have multi-week onboarding programs
- Tourism roles may start with seasonal or part-time contracts
🧭 How to Stand Out When Applying
Regardless of the employer, here’s how to make your application rise above the rest:
✅ Tailor Your Resume
- Highlight aircraft types and mission categories relevant to the role
- Break down flight hours by day/night, NVG, IFR, and PIC
- Use sector-specific language (e.g., “deck landings,” “patient handoffs,” “surveillance ops”)
✅ Write a Targeted Cover Letter
- Mention the company’s mission or recent news
- Align your experience with their operational needs
- End with a confident CTA (e.g., “I’d be honored to contribute to your flight team.”)
✅ Prepare for Interviews
- Expect scenario-based questions (e.g., “How would you handle a passenger panic?”)
- Be ready to explain your decision-making process and safety protocols
- Translate military experience into civilian terms if applicable
📥 Downloadable Resources
Want to apply with confidence? Grab our free resume and cover letter templates — tailored for EMS, offshore, law enforcement, and tourism roles.
👉 Download Helicopter Pilot Resume Templates
👉 Top Helicopter Job Boards and How to Use Them
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
How many flight hours do I need to apply for EMS roles?
Most providers require 1,000+ hours, with NVG and night flying experience preferred.
Do offshore employers require IFR certification?
Yes — IFR proficiency and recent instrument time are essential for offshore transport.
Can military pilots apply directly to civilian roles?
Absolutely. Many employers value military discipline and mission experience. Just be sure to translate your resume into civilian terminology.
🔗 Related Articles
- Helicopter Pilot Resume Templates & Interview Tips
- Military vs. Civilian Helicopter Careers: Pros & Cons
- Top Helicopter Pilot Schools in the U.S.
✈️ Final Thoughts
The helicopter industry in 2025 is full of opportunity — but each sector has its own expectations, aircraft preferences, and hiring criteria. Whether you’re flying patients, oil workers, tourists, or tactical missions, the key is to tailor your resume, prep for interviews, and align with the employer’s mission.
Ready to take off? Start by exploring the companies above and customizing your application for the role that fits your flight path.
