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 their passengers and for ensuring that they adhere to strict regulations. Most pilots fly alone but in larger helicopters there may be a captain and a co-pilot.
Before taking off for any flights, pilots must:
- check weather conditions
- check any airspace restrictions on their planned route
- file a flight plan
- calculate the payload (weight to be carried) and fuel requirements
- check the helicopter’s equipment and instruments
- request clearance to take off from air traffic control
- research planned landing sites, if the helicopter is to land somewhere other than an airport.
They are also responsible for meeting any passengers and ensuring that they are ready for flight (for example, making sure that they understand any health and safety requirements).
During flights, pilots have to:
- navigate, using a range of navigational aids and equipment
- control the height and speed of the helicopter
- communicate with air traffic control
- constantly monitor a range of instruments and keep watch on the airspace around them.
At the end of flights pilots land safely and shut down the engines. After landing, they complete post-flight paperwork and record their working hours in a duty log.
Helicopters are used for a variety of purposes in Ireland:
- by the police force to support crime-fighting operations and to search for missing persons
- on emergency work such as flying air ambulance services and firefighting
- on rescue work for the Coastguard
- as chartered or air taxi services
- in the leisure sector, to operate short pleasure and sightseeing trips as well as scheduled holiday services
- to ferry personnel and supplies to oil rigs and gas fields in the Irish sea.
- to fly passengers and participants to major events (for example, sporting events such as the Irish Open golf tournament or horse racing events throughout Ireland and the UK)
- for survey work
- on environmental projects (such as tracking animals or identifying pollution sources)
- for film and photography work.
Hours and environment
Working hours vary considerably, although there are strict regulations covering the number of hours a pilot may be on duty. Leisure services are normally flown in daylight hours while business and emergency flights may be day or night and may include weekends.
Pilots spend a considerable amount of time sitting in a relatively cramped space. Flying in a helicopter is not a sensation that everyone can adapt to as it is quite different to how it feels to fly in an aircraft.
Many pilots, especially those flying for emergency or business services, wear a uniform or a survival suit (if flying over the sea).
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- Newly-qualified commercial helicopter pilots may earn between €30,000 and €40,000 a year for business or leisure work.
- Experienced pilots captaining passenger helicopters may earn between €45,000 and €65,000 a year.
Skills and personal qualities
A helicopter pilot should:
- have excellent hand-to-eye co-ordination and spatial awareness
- be capable of concentrating for long periods of time
- have the ability to solve problems and act quickly and decisively in difficult situations
- have a good understanding of maths and physics
- be confident using technology
- be reliable and responsible
- be attentive to detail and able to plan ahead efficiently
- be able to communicate effectively
- work well in a team but be able to act on their own initiative.
Interests
Helicopter pilots should be interested in:
- flying and aviation
- continually developing the relevant skills.
Getting in
There is always strong competition for vacancies and it is not always easy for newly- qualified helicopter pilots to find work until they have gained more flying experience.
Job vacancies are advertised on websites such as Flight Global and on the internet through specialist recruitment agencies or by helicopter companies themselves.
Entry routes
To fly helicopters commercially it is necessary to have a CPL(H) (Commercial Pilot’s Licence). There are two main routes to achieve this:
- gain a Private Pilot’s Licence for Helicopters PPL(H) and then undertake a modular CPL(H) programme
- undertake an integrated CPL(H) training course.
In order to apply for a PPL(H), trainees must be at least 17 years old. Achieving the PPL(H) requires a trainee pilot to complete 45 hours of flight, both under instruction and in solo flight. Applicants must pass tests and also go through a medical. To achieve the PPL(H) can cost upwards of €20,000.
The modular CPL(H) training programme allows holders of the PPL(H) to train to fly commercially. In order to apply to train for the CPL(H), the pilot needs to have completed 155 hours of flight time, including 50 hours as a ‘pilot in command’. As part of the training for the CPL(H) the pilot then must undertake 500 hours of theoretical knowledge study and then pass nine exams. On successful completion of the exams, the pilot must undertake a 35-hour commercial flying course and then pass a flight skills test. It can take at least nine months of full-time study to achieve the CPL(H) this way.
Applicants for an integrated CPL(H) course do not necessarily need any previous flight experience. CPL(H) training must take place at an approved flight training organisation. The course, which is usually full time, lasts approximately 12 months. It combines theoretical training with at least 135 hours of flying time. Trainees must pass nine exams and a flight skills test.
The cost of both the modular and integrated courses is around €85,000. Sponsorship for training is very rarely available, so trainees usually finance their own training. Applicants for both modular and integrated training must pass a medical and are usually expected to have their Leaving Cert or equivalent in five subjects including English, maths and a science (preferably physics). The minimum age to achieve a CPL(H) licence is 18.
Getting on
Most pilots join helicopter companies as co-pilots or second pilots. Promotion to captain requires considerable flying experience and achievement of required additional licences.
Experienced helicopter pilots may go on to achieve additional qualifications so that they can train other pilots. They may also become self-employed as a pilot or start a business – for example, offering air taxi services, freight transport or pleasure flights.
Useful Links:
British Helicopter Association