Editor's note: The following article is not intended to be a ranking, but is only to serve as a list of possible options. As the saying goes, your mileage may vary.
Scenic areas need tour guides. Why not be a tour guide of the skies with your commercial pilot license as a helicopter tour pilot? Imagine navigating the most beautiful landscapes in America while educating tourists on the facts and history of the land. Helicopter tour pilots are needed to keep passengers safe and uphold the reputation of safety in the industry. Read on to learn more about the best helicopter tour pilot jobs in the country.
7 Helicopter Tour Pilot Company Jobs
The best helicopter tour pilot jobs offer the most perks and best views. Listed below are the 7 best helicopter tour pilot company jobs in the US.
Jack Harter Helicopters
Jack Harter first brought helicopter tours to the island of Kauai in 1962 and has operated several aircraft for his tours over the past 50 years. Jack Harter Helicopter provides doors off and luxury tours, offering scenic tours of Hawaii’s beaches, waterfalls, canyons, and more.
Established: 1975
Location: 4231 Ahukini Road, Lihue, HI 96766
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (808) 245-2001
- Website: https://helicopters-kauai.com/tours/
Employees: 32
Types of Jobs: Helicopter Pilot, Crew Member, Maintenance Technician
Services Provided: Off-Airport Transportation, Emergency Service, Charter Services, External Load Transport
Revenue: $5 million
Google Rating: 4.8/5 stars on 696 reviews
Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Blue Hawaiian touts itself as the leading helicopter tour company in Hawaii. They are the only company in the state to be awarded the FAA’s Diamond Excellence award every year since 1997. Their team of 292 employees boasts 57 of the best helicopter pilots in the industry. Scenic tours and charter flights are offered on the Big Island, Kauai, Oahu, and Maui.
Established: 1985
Location: 99 Kaulele Pl., Honolulu, HI 96819
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (808) 831-8800
- Website: https://www.bluehawaiian.com/en/about
Employees: 292
Types of Jobs: Helicopter Tour Pilot, Air Crew, Ground Crew, Maintenance Technician, Dispatcher
Services Provided: Helicopter Tours, Charter Flights
Revenue: $46 million
Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars on 371 reviews
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
A fleet of 48 helicopters, specifically designed for sightseeing with expanded windows and onboard upgrades, navigating breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Las Vegas and more make this a highly sought destination for helicopter tour pilots.
Established: 1965
Location: 3568 Airport Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (702) 872-3955
- Website: https://www.papillon.com/about-papillon/company-overview
Employees: 600+
Types of Jobs: Helicopter Tour Pilot, Crew, Maintenance Technicians, Dispatchers
Services Provided: Helicopter Tours
Revenue: $129 million
Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars on 1692 reviews
Guidance Air - Sedona
Guidance Air offers beautiful, scenic tours of the Grand Canyon, Prescott, and Sedona Arizona areas. Adventure tours complete with ground sport vehicles are available, in addition to standard helicopter tours. Sedona is also known as one of the most spiritual places on earth.
Established: 2017
Location: 1200 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (928) 351-1000
- Website: www.guidanceair.com
Employees: 5
Types of Jobs: Helicopter Tour Pilot, Crew, Maintenance Technicians, Dispatchers
Services Provided: Adventure Tours, Charter Flights
Revenue: $126,000
Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars on 304 reviews
Maverick Helicopters
Maverick Helicopters was founded in 1995 by a couple with an entrepreneurial spirit and a vision to create the best VIP experience in the Las Vegas area. The company is dedicated to ongoing training in the areas of maintenance and safety which helps to attract its 400+ employees.
Established: 1995
Location: 6075 S Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (702) 261-0007
- Website: https://www.maverickhelicopter.com/why-maverick
Employees: 400+
Types of Jobs: Helicopter Tour Pilot, Crew, Maintenance Technicians, Dispatchers
Services Provided: Helicopter Tours, Charter Flights
Revenue: $25.15 million
Google Rating: 4.8/5 stars on 3108 reviews
Paradise Helicopters Tours of Hawaii
Paradise Helicopters is a locally owned and operated tour operator offering stunning views of Hawaii’s natural treasures. They also offer charter flights and commercial services. The company has top notch helicopter pilots and even has a few pilots who have served as Marine One pilots for several U.S. Presidents.
Established: 1997
Location: 73-341 Uu St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (808) 969-7392
- Website: https://paradisecopters.com/
Employees: 96
Types of Jobs: Helicopter Tour Pilot, Crew, Maintenance Technicians, Dispatchers
Services Provided: Helicopter Tours, Charter Flights, Commercial Services
Revenue: $19 million
Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars on 254 reviews
Alaska Ultimate Safaris
Alaska Ultimate Safaris offers tours to capture views of bears in the wild, ice formations, volcanos, and even drop-offs for lodging in remote locations.
Established: 2002
Location: 3720 Faa St, Homer, AK 99603
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (888) 696-2327
- Website: https://www.alaskaultimatesafaris.com/
Employees: 4
Types of Jobs: Helicopter Tour Pilot, Dispatcher, Maintenance
Services Provided: Helicopter Tours, Charter Flights, Commercial Services
Revenue: $1.1 million
Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars on 42 reviews
The Best Helicopter Tour Pilot Jobs in Scenic Locations
These are some of the best helicopter pilot tour jobs in the nation. You now know where to look when seeking the best helicopter tour pilot jobs, but be sure to get your FLYING Magazine subscription today to stay informed of the latest information across the aviation industry!
FAQ
What is a Helicopter Tour Pilot?
A helicopter tour pilot is a pilot with a CPL who flies tourists in a helicopter and typically must possess interpersonal skills in order to interact with the passengers while explaining sights.
How Do I Become a Helicopter Pilot?
To become a helicopter pilot, one must be at least 18 years old, have a class 2 medical certificate, and pass all required flight tests.
How Much Do Helicopter Pilots Make?
In 2021, the average helicopter pilot salary was $99,248.
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