Helicopter Pilot Jobs

There is a well-known saying that has been doing the rounds in the aviation business and it goes like this, ' Once you decide to fly a helicopter, you'll probably never return to fixed wing'. This adage is so true in most cases, as most people who go in for the fixed wing way of living will always end up yearning for something that provides them with more freedom like rotary wing flying. There are few jobs that are more exciting, interesting and challenging anywhere at all in the industry. Most helicopter pilots, after falling in love with this job, would not trade their jobs for any other in the business.

The opportunities available for the up and coming helicopter pilot today are more than ripe. Once upon a time, this field was brimming over with Vietnam war era pilots who had absolutely no intentions of leaving their jobs. However, these numbers have dwindled ever since because of age factors and of course, the lure of retirement. Most companies are perpetually on the lookout for new and talent pilots to fill vacancies that range from helicopter tours to offshore oil support.

In the past, the total time required for employment was approximately 3000 hours. However, these days, the time limit have been shaved down drastically to 500 hours in extreme cases! In such cases. You need to ask yourself why aspiring helicopter pilots aren't breaking down doors to get the jobs of their dream, since the requirements are so great. The answer to that is simple – in oder to become a marketable pilot, you still need to pay your dues in this field.

Just like for most other fields, operators want their personnel to be highly qualified, so as a job applicant, you would seem more appealing to the helicopter operators if you had more time. Another valid and excellent point point is to build time in an aircraft with a respected name. Enstrom, Hiller, Schweizer, Hughes and Bell are all well-known names in the aviation industry.

The planning that is involved in order to become a professional helicopter pilot is not easy – it requires loads of research, study, logic and observation of industry needs.

What Jobs are available to Aspiring Helicopter Pilots?

When speaking about helicopter flying, there are many options in the field for aspiring helicopter pilots. Here are a few: aerial photography, corporate transportation, offshore oil support, electronic news gathering for radio and TV, flight instruction, law enforcement, survey and mapping, search and rescue, fire fighting, movies, heavy-lifting, and even military flying.

Like with any other job, the salary is based entirely on your experience. Lets talk about the advantages and disadvantages of some of these jobs. For example, most of these helicopter flying positions would require you to be away from your home for long periods of time. In the case of military flying, you don't have much flight time to experience. This could affect the pilots chances of seeking civilian employment at later dates in life.

When choosing helicopter flying as your career path, it is advisable to first talk to other helicopter pilots who are experienced in the field. You can then observe whether or not that type of flying is your thing or whether it isn't. As with any business, moving into a managerial position would warrant an increased salary and in some cases good benefits.

Literally speaking, there are practically thousands of pilots who are competing with each other in the helicopter industry and the industry demands for thousands and thousands of hours of experience to make you good enough for the job. So, it is wise to expect at least five to tens years of getting low pays before you can even think of qualifying for an airline career. On the other hand, a year or more will make you a highly qualifiable candidate for offshore flying.

What with thousands of airline pilots turning to helicopter flying for a job thats more stable and the ability to keep flying even if you have crossed 60, helicopter piloting is indeed an exciting option.