Helicopter Pilot Careers
Pilots with a range of skills fly helicopters used in a variety of roles. Jobs from military pilots to heli-loggers are available to pilots with the right set of skills and enough flight hours to qualify. It all starts with a Commercial Helicopter Certificate and at least a second-class medical certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration.
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Military
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The Air Force, Army, Marines and the Navy all have large fleets of helicopters ranging from small scout aircraft used to reconnoiter enemy troop positions from the treetops to large heavy lift helicopters that can sling load over 18,000 pounds. The advantage of a military flight career is that airmen, soldiers, marines and sailors are paid a salary while they receive flight training, and they have the opportunity to fly in a variety of challenging roles without worrying about the hour minimums of a Part 135 civilian operator.
Commercial License
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A Commercial Pilot Certificate is required for individuals who receive compensation for flying. Military pilots may obtain a commercial license by taking a written exam and presenting documentation from their respective service to the Federal Aviation Administration. Civilian pilots train at flight schools to earn a commercial license and accumulate the needed hours for their first job.
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Flight Seeing
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Flying helicopter tours in places such as the Grand Canyon or Alaska is a good way for newer pilots to gain the additional flight hours that are required for jobs where a more experienced hand is needed at the controls. Depending on the operator, a commercial pilot can find work with as few as 500 to 700 hours of flight time. The work often involves frequent short flights around some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Offshore Support
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Many oil companies have their own fleets of helicopters to support offshore oil drilling. Companies without their own aircraft often contract with other large Part 135 operators such as Era Helicopters to provide these services. Day and night flights into the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of California and north of the Arctic Circle are common for pilots who support drilling operations (1,000 to 2,000 flight hours).
Medical
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Like oil companies, hospitals often own their own helicopters or contract with a company like AirMethods that provide air medical emergency transport services for their patients. Pilots are typically on call at the hospital and must respond immediately to a call for help from a severe auto accident or other medical emergency. Emergency medical pilots typically have higher-than-average flight experience (2,000 to 2,500 hours).
Helitack
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Helitack pilots provide aerial firefighting services to the U.S. Forest Service. Most firefighting takes place during the hot summer months of July and August. The work is seasonal and is often contracted by a variety of operators. The work is specialized and requires a Forest Service certification (1,500 hours or more).
Heli-Logging and Long Line
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There is a diminishing number of helicopter pilots who can skillfully manipulate the 200-foot long line required to haul trees and other equipment from remote locations. Long line and heli-logging pilots are highly skilled and have an exceptionally smooth control touch that comes from years of experience. The few helicopter companies that provide these services have high liability limits, but a pilot who can adequately demonstrate his or her skill is often considered for open positions.
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