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

Apr 2, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When an experienced and skilled helicopter pilot is at the helm, the chances of a safe and successful flight are increased. Their knowledge of the aircraft's capabilities and limitations, as well as their awareness of the environment around them, is instrumental in avoiding accidents and emergencies. The pilot's ability to monitor the weather conditions and react accordingly, to adjust route and altitude for the most efficient flight, and to effectively utilize their aircraft are all essential elements in successful flying.

In turn, these skills improve safety, reduce fuel consumption and minimize air traffic congestion. Furthermore, a helicopter pilot's experience and expertise allows them to provide critical support during natural disasters or emergency situations, as they can quickly and safely transport personnel or supplies to the affected areas.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement for helicopter pilots.
Enroll in an FAA-Approved Training Program. In order to become a certified helicopter pilot, you must complete an FAA-approved training program. These programs are typically offered at flight schools and can range from a few weeks to several months in duration.
Obtain an FAA Medical Certificate. All aspiring helicopter pilots must obtain an FAA medical certificate before they can begin flying. This certificate can be obtained from an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
Pass the Written Exam. After completing an FAA-approved training program, you must pass the FAA written exam in order to receive your private pilot certificate.
Gain Flight Experience. After passing the written exam, you must gain flight experience in order to become a certified helicopter pilot. You must complete at least 40 hours of flight time, including at least 20 hours of dual instruction and 10 hours of solo flight.
Pass the Practical Exam. Once you have gained the required flight experience, you must pass the FAA practical exam in order to become a certified helicopter pilot. This exam consists of an oral and a flight test.
Obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate. In order to become a professional helicopter pilot, you must obtain a commercial pilot certificate. This can be done by completing an additional 35 hours of flight time, passing a written exam, and passing a practical exam.

To maintain a successful career as a helicopter pilot, it is essential to stay ahead of the curve and remain qualified. Keeping up with new regulations and industry standards is critical in order to remain safe and operate efficiently. staying current on new technology, aircraft models, and safety protocols is essential.

Keeping up with the necessary certifications and qualifications is also an important factor in continuing to progress in the aviation industry. Staying ahead of the game requires attending regular training, participating in continuing education programs, and completing any refresher courses necessary. The effort put into staying up-to-date with industry standards will pay off in the long run as it will help ensure potential employers that the applicant is experienced and qualified.

You may want to check Drone Pilot, Aerial Survey Pilot, and Corporate Pilot for alternative.

Job Description

Ensure that aircraft complies with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Prepare aircraft for flight by performing pre-flight inspections, checking fuel levels and loading passengers and cargo.
Monitor aircraft performance and make mid-flight adjustments as necessary.
Plan and execute flight plans according to customer requests or company needs.
Monitor weather conditions, air traffic control instructions, and other potential hazards.
Operate aircraft using various instruments, gauges, and controls.
Verify aircraft weight and balance calculations prior to flight.
Perform emergency procedures as needed in the event of engine failure, instrument malfunctions, or other emergencies.
Maintain accurate flight records, including logs, charts, and other documentation.
Monitor aircraft maintenance and repairs to ensure safety and efficiency.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Airspace knowledge
Weather forecasting and analysis
Aircraft systems and operations
Navigation and flight planning
Instrumental flight rules
Radio communication
Helicopter and engine maintenance
Emergency procedures
Safety regulations and protocols
Creative problem solving
Attention to detail
Adaptability
Stress management
Decision making
Teamwork
Physical fitness
Visual acuity
Leadership

Being a helicopter pilot requires a unique set of skills, but the most important skill is situational awareness. By understanding the environment around them, helicopter pilots are able to anticipate potential hazards and adjust their flight path accordingly. When a pilot is aware of the conditions, they can make decisions that help them stay safe and maintain control of the aircraft.

In addition to having a good understanding of the environment, pilots must also possess excellent communication skills to be able to effectively relay information to other pilots in the area. This can help them avoid dangerous and unexpected situations. Finally, pilots must have strong technical and mechanical knowledge in order to operate the helicopter safely and efficiently.

Having these skills is important in order to ensure the safety of both the pilot and the passengers.

Air search and Rescue Pilot, Flight Attendant Pilot, and Airline Pilot are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a helicopter pilot?
What methods do you use to ensure the safety of your passengers?
How do you handle emergency situations while flying a helicopter?
Describe a difficult situation you faced while flying a helicopter and how you overcame it.
How comfortable are you with performing pre-flight and post-flight checks?
Have you ever had to perform a mid-air maneuver? If so, how did you do it?
Describe the most challenging flight you have ever piloted.
Do you have experience flying in bad weather and low visibility conditions?
What steps do you take to maintain currency as a helicopter pilot?
How do you stay up-to-date with aviation regulations and best practices?

Common Tools in Industry

GPS Navigation System. Used to track and map a route for the helicopter. (eg: Garmin G1000)
Radio Communication System. Allows for communication between air traffic control and the pilot. (eg: Garmin GTR 225B)
Avionics System. Used to monitor aircraft systems. (eg: Aspen Avionics EFD1000 Pro PFD)
Helicopter Autopilot System. Automates pitch, heading, and altitude control. (eg: S-TEC System 55X)
Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Chart. Contains information on airspace and landing sites. (eg: Jeppesen VFR Chart)
Flight Management System. Used to plan, monitor, and execute flights. (eg: Honeywell Primus Epic FMS)
Weather Radar. Monitors weather conditions to ensure safe flight. (eg: Honeywell RDR-4000)
Altitude Alert System. Audible alert to ensure the pilot is maintaining the proper altitude. (eg: BendixKing KA-44 Altitude Alert System)

Professional Organizations to Know

Helicopter Association International
National Business Aviation Association
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
International Civil Aviation Organization
Professional Helicopter Pilots Association
Airline Pilots Association
Air Traffic Control Association
Experimental Aircraft Association
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems International
Airline Dispatchers Federation

We also have Air Traffic Controller Pilot, Test Pilot, and Firefighting Pilot jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Rotorcraft. A type of aircraft that uses rotors to generate lift and thrust, commonly known as helicopters.
Autorotation. A technique used by helicopter pilots to safely land a helicopter in the event of an engine failure. The rotor blades use the airflow to generate lift and the pilot can guide the aircraft to a safe landing.
VFR. Visual Flight Rules, which are rules and regulations governing the operation of aircraft in visual meteorological conditions.
IFR. Instrument Flight Rules, which are rules and regulations governing the operation of aircraft in instrument meteorological conditions.
Hovering. The act of maintaining a stationary position in the air, typically accomplished by a helicopter using its rotor blades.
Hover Check. A pre-flight procedure used to check the operation of the rotor system and controls prior to takeoff.
Translational Lift. An increase in lift generated by increasing speed forward, allowing a helicopter to take off and climb.
Yaw. The rotational movement of an aircraft around its vertical axis, causing the nose of the aircraft to move left or right.
Tail Rotor. The propeller on the tail of a helicopter, which is used to counteract yaw.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum requirements to become a Helicopter Pilot?

To become a Helicopter Pilot, you must have a private or commercial pilot license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and a minimum of 40 hours of flight time.

What type of training is necessary to become a Helicopter Pilot?

To become a Helicopter Pilot, you must obtain your private or commercial pilot license from the FAA, and must complete a training program that includes ground school classes, flight training, and practical testing.

What are the physical demands of being a Helicopter Pilot?

It is important for Helicopter Pilots to have good physical and mental health. The job requires long hours and mental alertness, and Pilots must be able to make quick decisions in emergency situations.

What are the risks associated with being a Helicopter Pilot?

The risks associated with being a Helicopter Pilot include mid-air collisions, mechanical failure, and weather conditions. Pilots must be aware of these risks and take adequate measures to ensure their safety.

What is the job outlook for Helicopter Pilots?

The job outlook for Helicopter Pilots is positive. The demand for pilots is expected to increase in the coming years due to the increased use of helicopters in emergency services, transportation, and other industries.