R22/44/66 Flight Instructor – California

Heli Preflight; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, CA seeks experienced Pilot Instructors to deliver high-quality flight and ground training across R22, R44, and R66 models. Candidates should uphold a strong safety culture and communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse learners.

Responsibilities include assessing students, maintaining records, staying current with FAA regulations, and collaborating with staff to develop effective training programs. Competitive salary range of $130k–$165k is offered.

Qualifications

• Total Flight Time: Minimum of 2000 hours total time in helicopters.
• Instructional Experience: At least 1000 hours of flight instruction given, with 800+ hours in Robinson models (R22/R44/R66).
• Certifications: Commercial Certificate; FAA CFI/CFII for helicopters; SFAR 73 instructor endorsement for R22/R44; Flight Review for R22/R44; FAA 1st or 2nd class medical.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong FAA knowledge including Part 61, 91 and 135.
• Safety-Focused: Proven safety-first approach in training and flight operations.
• Preferred: Bilingual in Spanish or another language; A&P certificate is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Flight and Ground Training: Conduct flight and ground instruction in Robinson helicopters (R22, R44, R66).
• Student Assessment: Evaluate student performance, provide feedback, and develop training plans.
• Safety Management: Adhere to safety protocols during training flights, ensuring safety-first operations.
• Curriculum Delivery: Deliver training per established curriculum with high standards.
• Record Keeping: Maintain training records and FAA compliance documentation.
• Professional Development: Stay current with industry trends, FAA regulations, and Robinson standards.
• Collaboration: Work with instructors and staff to develop training programs.

Skills

Total flight time

Instructional time

Robinson hours

Commercial certificate

CFI/CFII for helicopters

Job description

Founded in 1973, Robinson Helicopter Company Inc., (RHC), is the preeminent manufacturer of civil helicopters located in Torrance, California. Robinson has built its reputation on a 50-year history of commitment to providing affordable and quality aircraft with a wide range of applications. We have a strong engineering team; almost 85% of our manufacturing processes, including production of parts and assembly, are done in our Torrance location. We also offer comprehensive overhaul services while rapidly responding to customers’ needs; to keep their aircraft flying. Our commitment to our vision of keeping our customers flying has earned RHC a variety of recognitions from our customers.

We are an engineering-focused organization that provides its team members with tremendously challenging, and exciting opportunities to contribute to the future of vertical flight. We are actively seeking experienced Pilot Instructors. This position work from our Torrance, CA locations, and reports to the Vice President of Customer Success.

Summary:

Instructors will be responsible for delivering high-quality flight and ground training to students in all Robinson helicopter models. Instructors should have a strong commitment to safety, a passion for teaching, and the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to diverse learners.

Responsibilities:

• Flight and Ground Training: Conduct flight and ground instruction in Robinson helicopters (R22, R44, R66).
• Student Assessment: Evaluate student performance during flight and ground training, provide constructive feedback and develop personalized training plans as needed.
• Safety Management: Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures during training flights, ensuring a safety-first approach in all activities.
• Curriculum Delivery: Deliver training according to the established curriculum, maintaining high standards of instruction and professionalism.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate training records, student progress reports, and compliance documentation in accordance with company policies and FAA regulations.
• Professional Development: Stay current with the latest industry trends, regulations, and Robinson helicopter operational standards to enhance instructional effectiveness.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other instructors and staff to promote a cohesive training environment and assist in the development of training programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Total Flight Time: Minimum of 2000 hours total time in helicopters.
• Instructional Experience: At least 1000 hours of flight instruction given, with a minimum of 800 hours in Robinson helicopter models (R22, R44, R66).
• Certifications:
  • Commercial Certificate
  • FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and CFII for helicopters.
  • SFAR 73 Instructor endorsement for the R22 and R44.
  • Current Flight Review endorsement for the R22 and R44.
  • Current FAA 1st or 2nd class medical certificate
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of FAA regulations, including Part 61, Part 91, and Part 135 operations.
• Safety-Focused: Proven track record of maintaining a safety-first approach in all training and flight operations.

Preferred

• Bilingual: Proficiency in Spanish or another second language is highly desirable.
• A&P Certificate: An Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certificate is preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly to students.
• Patience & Adaptability: Ability to adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of individual students and their varying skill levels.
• Problem-Solving: Quick decision-making abilities in flight training scenarios, with a focus on safety and effective instruction.
• Teamwork: Collaborative mindset, able to work effectively within a team environment to support training objectives.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during the training sessions.
• Ability to work in hangar, classroom, and maintenance shop environments.
• Ability to access aircraft structures, components, and maintenance platforms.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Occasional exposure to aircraft noise, lubricants, fuels, and maintenance chemicals.
• Regular interaction with aviation maintenance professionals, operators, and regulatory personnel.

What can a career at RHC offer you?

We offer our teams members opportunities for training, development and learning. Our performance management system is structured to provide opportunities for career focused development. Our career development is supported with a great tuition reimbursement program.

Robinson Helicopter Company offers salary increases twice a year. We offer comprehensive group health plans including medical EPO, PPO and High Deductible Health Plans with Health Savings Account, dental, vision and other supplemental plans which begin on the day you begin employment with RHC. Our Supplemental Plans include Voluntary Life Insurance, and Pet Insurance. RHC offers a competitive 401k Plan.

Salary Range: $130,000.00-$165,000.00/annually