How to Be Helicopter Pilot/Rider - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 26, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for helicopter pilots and riders has increased significantly in the past few years due to a number of factors. Firstly, the increasing use of helicopters for civilian purposes such as air tours and air ambulance services has necessitated the need for trained pilots and riders to operate these aircrafts. Furthermore, helicopters have become more accessible to the public due to the introduction of new technologies such as autopilot systems, advanced navigation systems, and improved safety features.

the increasing demand for luxury travel, particularly in remote locations, has also contributed to the rising demand for helicopter pilots and riders. As a result, many individuals have taken up helicopter flying as a profession, providing a unique and enjoyable experience for passengers.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. You will need a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) to become a helicopter pilot or rider.
Obtain a Pilots License. You will need to obtain a pilots license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). There are three levels of pilots licenses: a private pilot license, a commercial pilot license, and an airline transport pilot license.
Complete Flight Training. After you have obtained your pilots license, you will need to complete flight training in order to become a helicopter pilot or rider. This training will include instruction on how to fly a helicopter, navigation, and safety protocols.
Obtain Additional Certifications. Depending on what type of helicopter you are operating, you may need additional certifications. These certifications can include an instrument rating, a turbine rating, or a mountain flying rating.
Obtain Practical Experience. You will need to gain practical experience by logging hours in the air. Typically, you will need at least 250 hours of total flight time in order to become a professional helicopter pilot or rider.
Stay Current and Up-To-Date. You must stay current and up-to-date on FAA regulations and safety protocols in order to remain qualified as a helicopter pilot or rider. This includes attending refresher courses and completing additional training as required.

Maintaining an updated and efficient helicopter pilot/rider requires a combination of both proactive and reactive measures. Proactive measures include regularly checking for any software updates or patches, familiarizing oneself with the aircraft's systems, making sure all components are in good condition, and completing the necessary safety courses and certifications. planning ahead for possible weather and terrain conditions can be essential to successful flights.

Reactive measures include staying alert and responsive to changes in the environment, monitoring the aircraft's systems for any signs of wear or malfunction, and having a comprehensive emergency plan in place in case of an accident or other incident. By taking these measures, helicopter pilots/riders can ensure that they are prepared for any situation they may encounter, and that their aircraft is safe, reliable, and ready to fly.

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Job Description

Helicopter Pilot: Responsible for safely and efficiently operating a helicopter to transport passengers and cargo. Responsible for pre-flight inspections, navigation, communication, and emergency procedures.
Helicopter Mechanic: Responsible for performing maintenance, repairs, and inspections on helicopters and related equipment.
Helicopter Instructor: Responsible for providing instructional services to students learning to fly helicopters. Responsible for developing lesson plans, conducting flight training, and evaluating student performance.
Helicopter Engineer: Responsible for designing and maintaining the mechanical and electrical systems of helicopters.
Helicopter Dispatcher: Responsible for coordinating the movements of helicopters, ensuring they are on time and following the proper route. Must be able to respond quickly to any changes in route or schedule.
Helicopter Flight Attendant: Responsible for attending to the needs of passengers aboard helicopters, including providing them with information about the aircraft and its amenities, attending to their safety needs, and handling any in-flight emergencies.
Helicopter Rider: Responsible for safely riding in a helicopter as a passenger. Must be able to follow any instructions provided by the pilot and stay seated until instructed otherwise.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read and interpret aviation maps.
Knowledge of helicopter flight characteristics and aircraft systems.
Knowledge of aviation safety protocols and procedures.
Ability to operate radio communication equipment.
Ability to perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections.
Ability to manage aircraft performance in various conditions and environments.
Ability to make quick and accurate decisions in response to changing conditions.
Ability to plan and execute a safe flight route.
Ability to work with passengers and other personnel to ensure safety.
Knowledge of aviation regulations and the rules of the air.
Ability to assess weather conditions and plan an appropriate flight path.
Ability to perform emergency maneuvers in case of an emergency.
Knowledge of aircraft maintenance and repair requirements.

The most important skill to have as a helicopter pilot or rider is situational awareness. When flying or riding in a helicopter, it is essential to be aware of the surrounding environment. This includes being aware of potential hazards such as terrain, weather, and other aircraft.

it is important for pilots and riders to be knowledgeable about the capabilities of their aircraft and the regulations of the airspace they are in. Poor situational awareness can lead to dangerous situations and even serious accidents. It is important to stay alert and constantly scan the environment in order to be aware of changes.

Good situational awareness can help helicopter pilots and riders stay safe and enjoy the experience of flying or riding in a helicopter.

Elephant Rider, Bus Rider, and Water Skier/Rider are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have operating helicopters?
What qualifications do you possess that make you a suitable candidate for this role?
Have you ever encountered any dangerous or challenging situations while piloting a helicopter?
What safety protocols do you follow when operating a helicopter?
How would you handle a situation where a passenger starts to show signs of anxiety or panic during a flight?
How knowledgeable are you about instruments and navigation systems used in helicopters?
Are you comfortable working with large groups of people or flying solo?
What techniques do you use to ensure a smooth and safe helicopter ride?
What type of maintenance and repairs have you performed on helicopters in the past?
Describe your experience with night operations in helicopters.

Common Tools in Industry

Flight Computer. Used to help determine flight plans and navigation paths (eg: Garmin GNS 430).
Radio. Used to communicate with air traffic control and other aircraft (eg: Vertex Standard VXA-220).
GPS. Global Positioning System used to obtain accurate latitude and longitude coordinates (eg: Garmin GPSMAP 496).
Weather Radar. Used to detect and monitor weather conditions (eg: Honeywell Primus 660).
Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Charts. Used to identify airspace boundaries and other important navigational information (eg: Jeppesen VFR Chart).
Night Vision Goggles. Used to fly in low-light conditions (eg: L3Harris AN/AVS-9).
Hover Pedals. Used to control the aircraft in a hover (eg: Bell 206 Jet Ranger).
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT). Used to broadcast the aircraft's location in the event of an emergency (eg: Kannad 406 AF-H).

Professional Organizations to Know

Helicopter Association International
National Business Aviation Association
International Helicopter Safety Team
Airline Owners and Pilots Association
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Experimental Aircraft Association
National Transportation Safety Board
Federal Aviation Administration
International Civil Aviation Organization
European Helicopter Association

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Common Important Terms

Flight controls. The various systems used to control the aircraft, such as rudder, ailerons, flaps and collective.
Rotorcraft. A class of aircrafts that generate lift and thrust through their rotors. Includes helicopters, autogyros and tiltrotors.
Hovering. The ability of a rotorcraft to remain in one place, without any forward or backward movement.
Autorotation. The ability of an aircraft to descend without engine power, by harnessing the lift generated by the rotors.
Navigation instruments. A range of instruments used to aid pilots in finding their way during flight, such as compasses and GPS devices.
Visual Flight Rules (VFR). A set of rules that govern how aircrafts should navigate and operate when in visual contact with the ground.
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). A set of rules that govern how aircrafts should navigate and operate when in instrument contact with the ground.
Air Traffic Control (ATC). Air Traffic Controllers are responsible for ensuring the safety of aircrafts by monitoring and directing them while they are in the airspace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of license is required to fly a helicopter?

A pilot must obtain a commercial rotorcraft certificate in order to fly a helicopter.

How much does it cost to rent a helicopter for an hour?

The cost to rent a helicopter for an hour can range from $400 to $2,000, depending on the type of helicopter and the company providing the service.

What type of safety equipment do helicopter riders need?

All passengers must wear a safety harness and helmet that is provided by the helicopter operator.

How many people can a helicopter typically hold?

The capacity of a helicopter can vary greatly depending on the type of helicopter, but they can typically hold up to six passengers.

What type of training is necessary to become a helicopter pilot?

To become a helicopter pilot, one must obtain their private pilot's license, go through ground school, obtain their instrument rating and then complete the commercial rotorcraft certificate.