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 Monday, April 27, 2026More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.
Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.
Job Summary
Duke Energy Utility Aviation is seeking an experienced Utility Construction Pilot to join our team. A Construction Pilot is the most advanced skill classification within Duke Energy’s Utility Pilot hierarchy and is responsible for independently executing complex missions while serving as Pilot in Command (PIC), including the following:
- Precision (vertical reference) Helicopter External Load missions (moving poles, cross arms, insulators, equipment etc. on a line under the helicopter and skillfully into place).
- Hoist Operations (lowering personnel from the helicopter onto structures or into the ROW for access) for a variety of Duke Energy business units, in a variety of geographic locations.
- This role will be responsible for performing scheduled and non-scheduled power and gas line patrol, and other aviation flights and duties as assigned.
- They are responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of any assigned flights and are required to operate in compliance with all governing regulations FAA, Part 133, HAZMAT and Duke Energy policies.
- Manage crew and passenger relationships and ensure safe operation of Duke Energy assigned aircraft. Provides leadership, direction, training and development for pilots and crew members.
- A Construction Pilot has sufficient knowledge, background and experience in the industry to provide council and guidance to management.
Responsibilities
- Supervises the operation of assigned aircraft and crew. Perform precision helicopter construction operations, power line and gas line patrols, and storm response which all include the following: pre-job planning, risk analysis, pre-job briefing, pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight activity. Determine appropriate courses of action to ensure safety of flight, crew members, and company property. Prepares flight plans, fuel load, weight and balance and performance calculations in preparation for flight. Ensure crew compliance with policies and procedures for the operation of the aircraft.
- Provides helicopter construction training and supervision for less experienced pilot(s) and crew members. Evaluate helicopter construction landing zones and complete congested area plans.
- Maintain required pilot and medical certificates and passes annual flight training proficiency checks necessary for performance of assigned duties.
- Assists in the Aviation Safety Management System by submitting observed Hazards/Incidents and performing Risk Assessments and Root Cause Analysis. Performs additional duty as assigned by the Chief Pilot.
Basic/Required Qualifications
- High School / GED
- Minimum 12 years related work experience
Desired Qualifications
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) helicopter rating
- Instrument Rating
- 5,000 hours PIC Rotorcraft-Helicopter
- 1000 hours of Vertical Reference (Precision Long Line)
- Low Level Flying in the Wire Environment experience.
- Human External Cargo (HEC) Experience
- H145 Experience or twin-engine helicopter experience
- Hoist Experience
- Effective Communication Skills
- Airframe and Power Plant License
Working Conditions
- Pre-flight, Post-flight and aircraft servicing is sometimes accomplished outside in all weather conditions and extreme noise levels associated with airport operations, prolonged sitting (5 hours or more) ability to lift 75 lbs. when loading cargo or ground handling wheels.
- Duty days of 10 hours are common and frequent travel Involving extended periods away from home 80+ nights per year. Required to work some weekends and holidays as necessary. Mostly daytime hours with some exceptions for night positioning flights. Stand-by duty as warranted. May be required to be on standby status if not on official vacation.
- Some office duty will be required when not flying.
- 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.
- Environmental Conditions – Temperature conditions, noise levels, office environment, plant location, field environment, etc.
- Physical Requirements – Lifting up to 75lbs, prolonged sitting, etc.
- Schedule – Shift, call-out, outage response, overtime, weekend work, etc.
- Mobility Classification – Hybrid when not in the Field
Specific Requirements
- Twelve (12) years of pilot experience
- 4,000 hours Rotorcraft-Helicopter
- 500 hours of Vertical Reference (Precision Long Line)
- Helicopter Construction Experience near and around power lines
- Commercial Rotorcraft-Helicopter Certificate
- First or Second-Class FAA Medical Certificate
- Current FAA Proficiency Check (Bi-Annual Flight Review)
- Part 133 Endorsement
#LI-ZM1
Travel Requirements
25-50%Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)
NoRepresented/Union Position
NoVisa Sponsored Position
No
Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.
