How to become a helicopter pilot

What does a helicopter pilot do?

A helicopter pilot is responsible for operating and navigating helicopters. They perform tasks such as transporting cargo or passengers from one place to another, conducting rescue and search missions, supervising their crew members and ensuring the safety of the crew and passengers.

If you decide to become a qualified helicopter pilot in the UK, you will be able to work in a government or in an industrial setting. You will be able to fly for emergency services, business or leisure.

Depending on the qualification and licence you have, you may be able to work with the emergency services. Or, you could undertake combat missions or fly tourists to beautiful destinations. Helicopter pilots have the opportunity to work in various sectors, each of which can be incredibly exciting and rewarding.

When you begin to fly a helicopter as a pilot, you will be entrusted with specific duties to carry out. Your responsibilities will include:

• Performing safety checks for equipment, load and fuel.
• Checking weather conditions, altitude and airspace restrictions.
• Communicating with air traffic control.
• Determining the safest routes.
• Filing flight plans
• Operating controls and flying the helicopter in accordance with the altitude, navigation and speed requirements.
• Keeping passengers informed about weather and flight conditions.

What qualifications do I need to become a helicopter pilot?

There are two different ways in which you can start your helicopter lessons. First of all, you can undertake a university course. Secondly, you can join a private training organisation and undertake a pilot course.

If you decide to go with the first option for your helicopter pilot training, you can undertake a university degree in aviation or air transport. You must be at least 18 years of age, have a minimum of Class 2 medical certificate and A levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.

During your course to become a commercial pilot, you will need to get the higher level Class 1 medical certificate. You can choose to apply for this certificate even before your course begins. In addition to the regular university fees, you will also be required to pay for your flight training. You can get all the information you need about fees and costs from the university.

On the other hand, if you decide to go with the flight training organisation, you will be able to obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence CPL (H).

To qualify for a training course, you will need to be proficient in Science, English and Maths with 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4. A thorough medical examination will also be conducted which you will need to pass. In addition, you must pass a skills test and have at least 155 hours under your belt. Experienced aeroplane pilots may need fewer hours of flying time.

To begin with, you can obtain a Private Pilot Licence for helicopters PPL(H). This will enable you to fly the helicopter for personal use and accumulate flight hours. After you learn to fly helicopters, your skills will be assessed and you will be able to undertake pre-course training for your commercial pilot licence. By joining a training organisation, you will be able to work as a trainee pilot for the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force or the Army.

The Airline Transport Pilot Licence ATPL(H) represents the highest level of pilot qualification in the UK. To obtain this licence, you must accumulate a substantial number of hours of flight time, often well over 1000 and meet stringent training and experience requirements. You must demonstrate exceptional flying skills and have a deep understanding of navigation, safety procedures and aviation regulations. By obtaining an ATPL(H), you will be able to operate high-performance, multi-engine aircraft.

In the UK, helicopter licencing is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). These licences are categorised based on factors such as pilot ability, instrument qualification and the specific type and class of helicopter.

To enhance your prospects of beginning a career as a helicopter pilot, you may want to think about taking a pilot aptitude test prior to joining a pilot training school.

What skills do I need to become a helicopter pilot?

To become a helicopter pilot in the UK, you will need to go through training and learn all the skills it takes to become a pilot. Whether you are looking to become a private pilot or a commercial helicopter pilot, you will need a diverse set of skills that encompass both technical expertise and strong decision-making abilities.

Your skill set is vital for operating and navigating helicopters safely and managing various situations encountered during flight. You will need to have an in-depth understanding of weather conditions, emergency procedures and helicopter controls and systems.

If you are looking to begin your career as a helicopter pilot, you will need to possess some of these essential skills:

• Excellent hearing, eyesight and concentration.
• Be able to pay attention to detail.
• Be able to communicate with air traffic controllers and work well with others.
• Excellent mathematical ability.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to control and operate equipment.
• Adaptability and patience.

What is the average salary of a helicopter pilot?

Helicopter pilots in the UK play a crucial role in various sectors, from business and leisure to emergency services. These skilled aviators navigate both single and multi-engined helicopters, serving diverse purposes across the country.

When it comes to earning, helicopter pilot salaries can vary significantly, depending on the nature of their work. Factors such as the type of helicopter they fly, whether they are a commercial or private pilot, the level of flying experience they have and their overall skills and experience all contribute to how much they can potentially earn in this dynamic profession.

On average, helicopter pilots may earn between £25,000 to £45,000. Those who are just starting out in their careers typically earn towards the lower end of this scale, while more experienced pilots command higher incomes based on their years of service and expertise.

Possible career progression of a helicopter pilot

For those helicopter pilots who have dedication and skills, the UK offers a wide range of career opportunities. Initially, you may have to work as a flight instructor which will help you accumulate flying hours and experience. You may also be able to conduct aerial work like photography or surveying.

Moving up the ladder, you can transition into roles within the emergency services sector, such as search and rescue operations, air ambulance, etc. These positions will require you to have advanced certifications and experience. You will require years of training if you want to work with law enforcement as a police pilot and undertake support tasks such as air patrol, incident control, car chases, etc.

There are various career types available to trained helicopter pilots, and all of these can offer a completely satisfying and highly rewarding career path.

What industries can you work in with your helicopter training?

With a helicopter pilot licence, you will have the opportunity to pursue a diverse range of career paths across various industries. These include:

• Travel and tourism – you could transport people to various locations across the UK, including popular tourist destinations and attractions.
• Emergency services – you can save lives when you work with the air ambulance service. Your job as a pilot in the helicopter emergency medical services industry will ensure that injured or seriously ill people can get the medical treatment they need as quickly as possible.
• Law enforcement – when it comes to finding missing persons or stolen vehicles, helicopters are often used by the police to help with the search.
• Flight instructor – for those who are interested in teaching as well as flying, the job of a helicopter training pilot could be the right choice for them.
• Armed forces – there are many helicopter pilots who work in the army. Joining the armed forces as a helicopter pilot can be a challenging as well as a rewarding career.

What working hours can you expect once you become a professional helicopter pilot?

The working hours of a helicopter pilot in the UK can vary significantly depending on their specific job and employer. In some cases, they may have fixed schedules with standard working hours. They can work around 40 hours per week.

However, the nature of the job often involves irregular hours. This can require pilots to be on call or work long shifts, especially when they are employed in search and rescue operations, offshore operations and emergency services.

Although helicopter pilots have to adhere to strict regulations regarding flight and duty time limitations for safety purposes, their working hours can be quite flexible. Usually, the working hours are based on the demands of their particular role and sector.

What is the working environment of a helicopter pilot in the UK?

Being a helicopter pilot is a responsible job. You will find yourself working at high elevations and travelling frequently. The working environment will be dynamic and diverse. It will reflect the wide range of roles you have undertaken. From navigating through various landscapes and remote wilderness areas to contending with congested airspace and challenging weather conditions, you will find yourself doing it all.

Your job as a helicopter pilot will be more demanding and often based in unpredictable environments if you are a part of search and rescue operations. You may be required to cope with low visibility and adverse weather conditions from time to time. Whether you are a private pilot or a commercial helicopter pilot, your job will be characterised by a high degree of responsibility. Your focused mindset, the ability to remain calm under pressure and the ability to respond and make decisions swiftly will enable you to work in challenging and difficult environments.