MD Helicopters · 2 days ago
Maintenance Test/Instructor Pilot
Mesa HQ AZ - Mesa, AZ 85215
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
6+ years expMD Helicopters seeks a highly skilled pilot to serve as both Maintenance Test Pilot and Instructor Pilot, with additional responsibilities for customer delivery flights, demonstration flights, and customer training/instruction. This dual-role position ensures the airworthiness and operational readiness of MD rotorcraft while delivering world-class training and customer support.
3D PrintingManufacturing
Responsibilities
Conduct post-maintenance, acceptance, and production test flights for MD rotorcraft (e.g., MD 500E, MD 530F) per OEM test profiles and regulatory standards
Perform functional checks of rotor systems, powerplant, avionics, AFCS/autopilot, hydraulics, and mission equipment; identify and document discrepancies
Execute track and balance procedures, vibration analysis, and performance verification against OEM specifications
Lead preflight and postflight briefings with maintenance and engineering teams; ensure accurate completion of test cards and reports
Support configuration management and conformity inspections for production and STC aircraft
Apply Safety Management System (SMS) principles and risk assessments for all test operations
Serve as Pilot-in-Command for customer delivery flights, ensuring safe and compliant transfer of aircraft to domestic and international customers
Conduct demonstration flights showcasing aircraft capabilities, performance, and mission-specific configurations for prospective customers and stakeholders
Provide technical expertise during customer acceptance inspections and delivery briefings
Represent MD Helicopters professionally during customer-facing events and flight demonstrations
Deliver ground school, simulator, and flight instruction for MD rotorcraft initial, recurrent, and differences training to customers and internal pilots
Develop and maintain training syllabi, lesson plans, and evaluation standards aligned with FAA, EASA, Military, and OEM requirements
Conduct proficiency checks, standardization flights, and CRM/TEM training; provide feedback and remediation as needed
Assist in creating training materials and technical publications, including CBT modules and quick reference guides
Represent MD Helicopters at customer training events and demonstrations
Ensure compliance with FAA Part 21 (Certification), Part 91 (General Operations), Part 134 (Rotorcraft External Load), Part 145 (Repair Stations), EASA Part-21/Part-M, and Military standards
Promote a strong safety culture through SMS reporting, risk mitigation, and adherence to SOPs
Maintain personal currency and participate in recurrent training and standardization boards
Qualification
Required
FAA Commercial or ATP Rotorcraft-Helicopter Certificate with Instrument Rating
2,000+ hours total time, including significant rotorcraft experience; prior maintenance test flight experience strongly preferred
Proven instructor experience (OEM, Part 135/141, or military equivalent)
Strong technical knowledge of MD rotorcraft systems and maintenance procedures
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, maintenance manuals, and test documentation
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Prior flight instructor experience in turbine engine helicopters, to include teaching emergency procedures (auto-rotations, etc.). Instructor experience includes flying from other than the PIC seat - 1000 hours. All hours preferred
Ability to take and follow direction with minimum supervision
Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
Fluent in the English language is required
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint. CorelDRAW or similar graphics experience is a plus
Up to 25% travel required with significant customer interface
Possess, or be eligible for, a U.S. passport
Regular attendance is required
Access to Export Control information is required
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 6 years work-related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
FAA commercial pilot license with helicopter and instrument ratings is required
FAA CFI helicopter is required; ATP or CFII helicopter is preferred
Current FAA Class II Medical Certificate is required
Preferred
Prior maintenance test flight experience strongly preferred
4000 hours PIC flight time; 2500 hours helicopter flight time; 1000 hours turbine helicopter flight time is preferred (MD500 series is preferred)
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 6 years work-related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience - Preferred
ATP or CFII helicopter is preferred
Company
MD Helicopters
MD Helicopters, LLC (MDH), is a leading manufacturer of commercial, military, law enforcement and air-rescue helicopters.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Brad Pedersen
President and CEO
Chris Vandersteen
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
EIN Presswire
2025-12-15
Company data provided by crunchbase