Pilot - Helicopter
Transport passengers in a helicopter for business, leisure or to respond to an emergency.
About the job
What it's like
You'll transport passengers in a helicopter for business, leisure or to respond to an emergency. This exciting career could take you round the world!
You might transfer oil rig workers to an offshore platform, or take business clients between cities or countries, as part of a charter service. You might also be a pilot in an air ambulance.
It’s a responsible job; the crew and passengers will rely on you for a safe journey. They’d expect you to remain calm and act decisively if there was a crisis.
Your main tasks might include:
checking weather conditions and airspace restrictions along your route
working out fuel requirements and maximum loads
checking the helicopter's equipment and instruments
doing safety checks
using a range of instruments to navigate, control height and speed
communicating with air traffic controllers
After landing, you'll fill in post-flight paperwork, including a duty hours log, before preparing for the next flight.
You could fly single- and multi-engine helicopters. You might fly on your own or, on a larger helicopter, work as part of a team with a captain and co-pilot.
As well as being able to concentrate for long periods you’d need excellent hand-to-eye coordination, judgement and spatial awareness.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
British Helicopter Association – careers information
Flying Start – detailed guidance on becoming a pilot from the Honourable Company of Air Pilots
Civil Aviation Authority – learning to fly
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Pilot - Airline
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Transport
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- reliable
- taking initiative
- concentrating
- attention to detail
- observation
- problem solving
- working with technology
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Computing Science
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Engineering Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Applications of Mathematics
To become a helicopter pilot, you first need to train for a Private Pilot Licence (Helicopter) or PPL(H).
Then, to be a commercial helicopter pilot, which means you're paid to fly, you need a Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter) or CPL(H).
You can obtain the CPL(H) in two ways:
1. Modular training – if you already have a PPL(H)
After completing the PPL(H) you need to gain experience, as a private pilot, of 155 hours’ helicopter flying time. At least 50 hours of this must have been as a pilot in charge (PIC) of a helicopter. You’ll also need at least 500 hours of theoretical study covering many aspects, including the technical aspects of helicopter flying and aviation law.
You can study for the commercial pilot examinations in a classroom environment or via distance learning. At the end of the study programme, you’ll sit the nine commercial pilot examinations.
Once these have been completed and you’ve gained the necessary flight experience, you can start a 35-hour 'commercial flying course'. This may be reduced to 30 hours when the PPL(H) includes night flying. Then you must undertake a commercial pilot 'skills test' with a CAA examiner before your CPL(H) can be issued.
2. Integrated training
You can do integrated training as a beginner, without needing to get your PPL(H) first.
Integrated training courses combine theoretical knowledge and flying. The courses are generally taken full-time over 12 months and have fixed enrolment dates.
Most integrated training schools have pre-set entry requirements. To enter most training schemes, you normally need:
five qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5 or above
a professional pilot medical certificate
to have completed aptitude tests
You’ll gain 135 hours of helicopter flight time including 50 hours as a pilot in charge (PIC). You’ll also complete at least 500 hours of theoretical knowledge in the classroom.
Once you’ve completed your exams you must undertake a commercial pilot 'skills test' with a CAA examiner before your CPL(H) can be issued.
CPL(H) courses can cost £45,000 or more, depending on the school. This cost doesn't normally include board and lodging. To gain your PPL(H) may cost more than £10,000.
Armed forces training
Another way to gain flying experience is to sign up for pilot training with the armed forces. All three services branches of the forces have dedicated helicopter functions and many commercial pilots trained in HM forces.
You can start training for your PPL(H) from 16 years of age and be granted your licence from 17 years of age.
To pass your CPL(H), you need to:
complete aptitude tests successfully
be physically fit
hold a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Class 1 medical certificate
have good hearing, good eyesight and normal colour vision
be 18 or older
Find out more about medical requirements on the CAA website.
Sponsorship may occasionally be available and sponsoring companies normally require:
a current flying qualification
a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Class 1 medical certificate
Highers
that you're aged between 18 and 27
