Helicopter Pilot Jobs
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Those who love the idea of flying for a living often find helicopter pilot jobs to be ideal career opportunities.
Training for Helicopter Pilot Jobs
If you’re interested in going to work as a helicopter pilot, the first thing you will need to do is enroll in a training program that can provide you with the skills and experience necessary to earn your pilot’s license. You must log a minimum of 150 hours of flying time in order to be eligible to receive a helicopter pilot’s license, and licensure is mandatory for employment in this field.
Types of Helicopter Pilot Jobs
Many different types of organizations utilize the services of licensed helicopter pilots, including:
- Emergency Medical Services
- Fire Fighting
- Forestry
- Law Enforcement
- Military (all branches)
- Offshore
- Tourism (for sightseeing operations)
- Utilities (pipe line and power line)
Salary Expectations
Pay can vary widely for helicopter pilot jobs, based on the type of position and the pilot's experience and background. Full time entry-level positions typically pay in the $20,000 - $30,000 range. While the highest paying positions can reach well into the six-figure salary range, they are reserved for the most experienced pilots. In this industry, employers consider the amount of flying time a pilot has logged, advanced certifications, educational credentials, and prior positions held when determining eligibility for employment.
The working conditions for a particular job also have an impact on the pay associated with the position. The most dangerous jobs and those that require employees to spend extended periods of time away from home tend to command higher salaries than other types of helicopter pilot positions.
Where to Get Training
There are a number of training facilities located throughout the United States that offer professional helicopter training. Programs may vary significantly in content and cost from one school to another. Some educational facilities offer degree programs, while others focus on hands-on training and getting the skills and hours that students need to become licensed as quickly as possible.
When researching training options, it's important to consider the type of equipment on which training is conducted and the qualifications of faculty members. Be sure to inquire about the school's job placement rates and policies regarding helping students find employment upon completion of the program. Cost and location are also important considerations when selecting a training provider.
The following schools represent examples of the many different choices for helicopter training in various regions of the country:
- Advanced Helicopter Concepts in Maryland
- American Helicopters in Virginia
- Arkansas Helicopters in Arkansas
- Aviation Specialties in Idaho
- Brazos Helicopters in Texas
- Guidance High Altitude Helicopter Training in Arizona
- Helicopter Academy in Alabama, Florida, New Jersey, and New York
- Hillsborough Aviation in Oregon
- Mazzei Flight Training in California
- Quantum Helicopters in Arizona
- Silver State Helicopters in Nevada
Finding Job Opportunities
If the school that you attend for helicopter training offers job placement assistance, it's a good idea to consult the placement officers about job leads and opportunities when you earn your license. Companies that hire for entry-level positions frequently recruit through educational institutions.
Employment Services
If you know where you would like to live, it's a good idea to consult with area employment agencies. However, it's important to keep in mind that many companies in the aviation industry don't go through local employment services. Some hire directly, and others utilize national firms that specialize in recruiting for aviation positions.
Because there is such a high demand for qualified professionals in the aviation industry, there are several employment agencies specializing in aviation placements. Examples of aviation specific employment services include:
Job Boards
You can also find information about openings for helicopter pilots from online job boards specific to the field. When looking for employment flying helicopters, job websites you should check regularly include:
- APA Services
- Find a Pilot
- Flite Jobs
- Heli Jobs Only
- Rotorwash International
- Simply Hired's Helicopter Pilot category
- Vertical Reference Helicopter Classifieds
Ready to Take Flight?
If you think pursuing a job as a helicopter pilot is the right choice for you, it's time to start researching the best options for getting the training you need to get licensed. Before you choose a school, spend some time thinking about the type of pilot job you really want, and select a training provider that offers instruction specific to the specialty that interests you most. Concentrate on getting your license first, and then start looking for the job of your dreams!
Learn More
This page has been accessed 10,028 times. This page was last modified 20:04, 16 December 2007.
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