Helicopter Pilot

Helicopter pilots fly single- or multi-engine helicopters for a wide range of business, leisure and emergency service purposes. They are responsible for the safety of passengers, crew, cargo and the helicopter.

For each flight, helicopter pilots:

• assess weather conditions and check on any airspace restrictions before the flight
• file a flight plan, and communicate with air traffic control
• calculate the payload (weight to be carried) and fuel requirements
• check the helicopter's equipment and instruments
• navigate and control the helicopter by using a range of instruments and keeping watch on the airspace around them.

Working hours vary considerably, although there are strict regulations covering the number of hours a pilot may be on duty. Pilots spend a considerable amount of time sitting in a relatively cramped space.

Salaries may range from around £20,000 to £65,000 a year.

A helicopter pilot needs to:

• have excellent hand-to-eye co-ordination and spatial awareness
• work well under pressure and be able to take charge in an emergency
• be able to communicate clearly and with confidence
• be attentive to detail and capable of concentrating for long periods of time
• have enthusiasm for flying and a general interest in aviation.

Pilots are employed by a variety of organisations. There are around 50 commercial helicopter operators as well as emergency service and the armed forces.

To fly helicopters commercially it is necessary to have a CPL(H) (Commercial Pilot's Licence) and be aged 18 or over. The CPL(H) is achieved either through a modular or integrated training programme. Trainees need to complete a minimum of 135 hours (155 for modular training) of flying and 500 hours of theoretical study. They must also pass a medical and a series of exams and skill tests. In most cases, pilots have to fund some or all of their training, which is very costly.

Helicopter pilots with a CPL(H) who have achieved 1,000 hours' total flight experience (of which 250 hours must be as a pilot in command) can upgrade their licence to an ATPL(H) (Airline Transport Pilot's Licence). All pilots need to train regularly and keep up to date with new developments and technology.

Most pilots join helicopter companies as co-pilots or second pilots. Promotion to captain requires considerable flying experience. Some pilots go on to train other pilots or to run their own businesses offering air taxi services, freight transport or pleasure flights.

Further details