Pilot or Senior Pilot

Important Application Submission Information

In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, July 29, 2026

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Depending upon the desired qualifications of the successful applicant, the hiring manager may elect to fill this position at a higher level within the job hierarchy.

This position is eligible for relocation assistance if applicable!

Job Summary:

Duke Energy Utility Aviation is looking for an experienced Utility Helicopter Pilot to join our team. Duke Energy Utility Aviation is a team-oriented service organization operating with 2 pilots in Duke Energy aircraft to support the company’s production and maintenance of reliable power. A pilot assigned to Duke Energy Utility Aviation (when flying) performs as Pilot-in-Command for the Utility Patrol helicopters; and (when monitoring) will have duties as a patrol observer. Duties will include the following: conducts scheduled and non-scheduled power and gas line patrols, storm support, performing the role of a flight observer to identify Transmission Line and Vegetation deficiencies, analyzing data, transport of personnel, economic development support and other flights and duties as assigned. Utility Pilots are responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of any assigned flights.  Additionally, they are required to operate in compliance with all governing regulations, Duke Energy policies, and are directly responsible for and is the final authority for the operation of the aircraft. Manages crew and passenger relationships and ensures safe operation of Duke Energy assigned aircraft. A Senior Utility Pilot provides leadership, direction, training and development for pilots and crew members; and has sufficient knowledge, background and experience as a Utility pilot to provide council and guidance to management.

Responsibilities:

• Supervises the operation of assigned aircraft and flight crew, including all pre-flight, in-flight and post flight activity. Prepares flight plans, performance calculations, weather considerations, checks NOTAMs / TFRs, completes Flight Risk Assessment and checks any other information pertinent to the safe operations of the aircraft. Uses effective Crew Resource Management and Aeronautical Decision Making to ensure safety of crew and passengers and company property. Ensures all crew and passenger needs have been met for the duration of the flight.

• Department Roles as assigned: Training Pilot, Internal Auditor, Safety Officer, Standards Pilot, FDM Gate Keeper, Security, Lead Base Pilot (Plainfield Hangar) etc.

• Maintains required pilot and medical certificates. Completes initial aircraft type rating, annual recurrent training and department training.

• Assists in the Aviation Safety Management System by submitting observed Hazards/Incidents and performing Risk Assessments and Root Cause Analysis

Basic/Required Qualifications:

Note: This posting is for one open position. Dependent on relative experience, the level to which a candidate is aligned is outlined below.

Pilot:

• High School/GED

• Minimum 5 years Required Related Work Experience

• Commercial Pilot Licenses (with Instrument Helicopter rating)

• FAA First Class Medical Certificate

Senior Pilot:

• High School/GED

• Minimum 10 years Required Related Work Experience

• Commercial Pilot Licenses

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree

• 10 years of pilot work related experience

• Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)

• 5,000 hours PIC Rotorcraft-Helicopter

• Low Level Flying in the Wire Environment experience.

• Part 133 External Load Experience

• H145 Experience

• Hoist Experience

• Safety Management or Instructor Pilot experience.

• Effective Management Skills.

Working Conditions:

• Field Mobility Classification – Work will be performed in various field locations, as needed, after the onboarding period. However, field employees are required to live within a reasonable daily commute to their assigned work location (within approximately 1hr drive time).

• Pre-flight, post-flight and aircraft servicing is accomplished outside in all weather conditions and extreme noise levels associated with airport operations. Outside in all kinds of weather, high noise environment, prolonged sitting (5 hours or more) ability to lift 50 lbs. when loading baggage, on call when not on vacation.

• Duty days of 12+ hours are common.

• Will be required to be overnight away from home 80 + nights per year.

• Required to work some weekends and holidays as necessary.

• Stand-by duty as warranted. May be required to be on standby status if not on official vacation

• Office duty may be required when not flying.  Mostly daytime hours with some exceptions for night positioning flights.

•  Normal aircraft operations are visual meteorological conditions with occasional marginal visual meteorological conditions. Normal helicopter operations occur at low altitude and near flight hazards especially electric lines. Required to be available for immediate call-out for outage response. At times be required to fuel and/or clean aircraft.

Specific Requirements:

• 3,000 helicopter flight hours

• Valid US Passport

• First Class Medical

• Complete initial type rating in any assigned Duke Energy aircraft

Travel Requirements

50+%

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)

Yes

Represented/Union Position

No

Visa Sponsored Position

No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

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