The typical career path of a professional helicopter pilot…
The helicopter industry today is thriving and makes for a very exciting career. The work-horse nature of the helicopter paired with its versatility make for a very necessary tool of modern business. Cities, as well as rural areas, are depending on emergency medical services provided by helicopters now more than ever. The same can be said for the Law Enforcement applications of helicopters.
When considering aviation as a career, it is important to remain focused on your goal. You are entering an industry where the starting line begins at 1,000 hours of flight time. Consider the fact that upon graduation from a helicopter training program, you can expect to have around 200 hours of total fight time.
This leaves an 800-hour gap of flight time that you’ll need to build before you meet most eligibility requirements for “commercial” industry employers.
Once you have completed your training, the next natural progression is to be hired as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at the training academy were they receive their training. This is where supply vs. demand comes into play. Typically, most training academies have an anticipated (and constant) turn-over rate of Instructors.
Most CFI’s are building their flight time with the intention of moving into the industry at around the thousand-hour mark.
Initial Instructor’s will spend roughly a year not only building his/her flight time (each hour flown is logged by both the student and the Instructor), but also gains invaluable experience as a teacher. During this time, it’s advisable to start planning your next move: your first job in the industry. There are many various types of jobs that helicopters do in the civilian world, and it’s good to have a goal based on what interests you.
2008 CAREER GUIDE - First Job
The magic number… 1,000 hours… and then what?
The trend today is for lower-time (1,000-hour) helicopter pilot to enter the industry typically through one of two doors: the Oil & Gas Industry, or the Tour / Sightseeing Industry.
The Oil & Gas Industry utilizes helicopters for the purpose of delivering parts, personnel and supplies to the oil rigs situated in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Some of these employers offer a 7-day on, 7-day off work schedule. Others offer a 14-day on, 14-day off schedule.
The typical starting salary in this segment of the industry ranges from the upper 40s to the mid 50’s.
The Tour / Sightseeing Industry is scattered throughout the country, but can typically be found in areas of interest and/or scenery.
In addition to flying the aircraft, the pilot is often times the “tour guide” as well. He/she will be required to learn about the area(s) that make up the tour and be able to explain and highlight certain features.
Continuing Your Aviation Career
It is during this time that you will be building not only total flight time, but also “turbine” helicopter experience (turbine refers to the turbine/jet engine). After flying roughly 700-1000 hours in a turbine helicopter, the doors to the industry open much wider.
At this point, you will be at the hour-level requirements for much of the remainder of the industry (from EMS to Corporate, etc.).
Any additional requirements set forth by these employers are mission-specific. For instance, if your interests revolve around Law Enforcement, a police/sheriffs office may have requirements specific to their Department. Other industry specific jobs, such as Fire Fighting, Long line/External load will also require an additional skill set. Many times offered by employers.
“What kind of salary can I expect once I become a professional helicopter pilot?” This is one of the most common questions asked. There are a wide range of salaries that are highly dependant on the experience level and employability of the pilot. Beyond those variables, your salary will depend heavily on what direction you decide to go with your career in aviation. The following charts are based on a survey that was published in August of 2006 by Rotor & Wing Magazine.
Don't Take Our Word For It
You may have heard that there is a shortage of helicopter pilots in the industry. A more accurate statement would be “a shortage of QUALIFIED helicopter pilots”. This is absolutely true, but don’t take our word for it…
“…operators from offshore support companies in the North Sea to sightseeing outfits in Hawaii and flight schools in Australia are having a hard time finding pilots”
-Rotor & Wing Magazine, August 2006
“The pilot shortage is here… a number of operators are having difficulty filling their cockpits. Pilots are becoming difficult to find. Not only is the helicopter industry growing rapidly but the retirement of Vietnam-era pilots are causing a shortage of qualified personnel. The industry needs to redouble its efforts to attract young people.”
-Interview with HAI President Matt Zuccaro, March 2007
HAI Convention News, Vol. 39 No. 4
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