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, May 25, 2026
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.
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.
Duke Energy Utility Aviationis a team-oriented service organization operating Duke Energy aircraft to support the Company’s production and maintenance of reliable power.The Utility Aviation teamisseeking anexperiencedand motivatedUtility Pilot to join our teamUtility Pilotsareresponsible forconductingandmanagingscheduled and non-scheduled power line, gas line patrol, storm support, transport of personnel, economic development support, and any other aviation flights and duties as assigned.
UtilityConstructionPilots areresponsible 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.
Note: This posting is for one open position. Dependent on relative experience, the level to which a candidate is aligned is outlined below.
Pilot:
Minimum 5 years related work experience
Commercial Pilot Licenses (with Instrument Helicopter rating)
FAA First Class Medical Certificate
Construction Pilot:
High School / GED
Minimum 12 years related work experience
Pilot:
Required Education: High School/GED
7years of pilot experience
2,000 hours as PIC Rotorcraft-Helicopter
Licenses, certifications, or registrations: Commercial Rotorcraft-Helicopter Certificate
Detailedknowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations
Construction Pilot:
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) helicopter rating
Instrument Rating5,000 hours PIC Rotorcraft-Helicopter1000 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 experienceHoist Experience
Effective Communication Skills
Airframe and Power Plant License
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
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.
Will to live within 1 hour drive to Charlotte Douglass International Airport (CLT)
Mobility Classification – Hybrid when not in the Field
#LI-ZM1
Travel Requirements
25-50%
No
No
No

Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.
Our team is available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. If you suspect an emergency, please call 911.