Helicopter pilot jobs include everything from sightseeing and aerial photography to working with emergency rescue teams and news organizations. Instruction, forestry, surveying and mapping, heavy-lifting, and military flying are some of the other career options. Before starting any job, helicopter pilots must complete a flight training program and log a certain number of hours flying. Another requirement is specialized training based on the type of aircraft the pilot flies. Helicopter pilots must also be in good physical and mental health in order to fly.
Working for emergency medical services is a relatively common helicopter pilot job. This usually entails flying alone in adverse weather conditions and over difficult terrain. In the emergency services field, helicopter pilots are frequently called upon to airlift victims of accidents, fires, or natural disasters such as flooding or the aftermath of a severe storm. Hospitals can hire pilots and pay for equipment themselves, or they can hire an outside company to provide the services.
Helicopter pilots who work for news organizations frequently travel to the scene of serious accidents or natural disasters, similar to those who work in hospitals. Obtaining aerial footage for sporting events or traffic jams are two other common job responsibilities. Pilots of news helicopters may simply provide a means of obtaining aerial footage or they may also transport reporters to the scene.
Helicopter pilot jobs are also available in law enforcement, the military, and government agencies. Transportation, wildlife monitoring, immigration, and national security are all examples of government jobs. One of the benefits of flying for the military is the opportunity to receive free and advanced training. Of course, these jobs can be hazardous, especially when flying near combat zones. Piloting helicopters for law enforcement agencies typically necessitates pilots also being fully trained police officers.
Other responsibilities of helicopter pilots may include transporting heavy equipment to job sites. Pilots who work with off-shore oil rigs, for example, are used to transport workers and equipment. These workers may be required to remain on-site for several days so that they can be transported quickly. Working with television shows or motion picture production companies can help helicopter pilots land high-flying jobs. Others work as flight instructors and spend the majority of their time on the ground.
To be a helicopter pilot, you must be able to deal with stress, work under duress, and think quickly. Superior communication skills are required for communicating with air traffic control, passengers, and other pilots effectively and accurately. Helicopter pilots are frequently required to land in congested areas, so a good sense of spatial perception is also required.
Depending on an employer’s requirements, becoming a commercial helicopter pilot may necessitate additional training. The length of time it takes to complete training is determined the student’s available time and money, as well as the flight school’s scheduling constraints. Anyone interested in receiving this type of training should look into local flight schools to see which ones have enough instructors.