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What is a helicopter pilot and how to become one
The primary role of a helicopter pilot is to pilot the helicopter. He/She ensures the helicopter is flown in the safest manner possible. He/She determines flight routes, speed, and take-off and landing times to fulfill scheduling requirements. However, he/she must stay updated with federal and local flight regulations. Helicopter pilots research relevant information on weather conditions, airspace restrictions, and destination landing facilities. They calculate fuel requirements and maximum load. Also, they communicate with air traffic control to request clearance to take-off and coordinate flight plans
To become a helicopter pilot, you may require an associate's degree. Employers require a second-class commercial helicopter pilot certificate. You will need excellent hand-to-eye coordination and spatial awareness. You must possess communication and decision-making skills. Also, you must be able to concentrate for a longer period. Helicopter pilots make an average salary of $84,713 per annum. This varies between $55,000 and $126,000.
Avg. Salary $89,418
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 6%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.26%
Asian 2.73%
Black or African American 2.64%
Hispanic or Latino 6.84%
Unknown 5.50%
White 82.02%
Genderfemale 5.55%
male 94.45%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Helicopter Pilot career paths
Key steps to become a helicopter pilot
Explore helicopter pilot education requirements
Start to develop specific helicopter pilot skills
Skills 
Percentages FAA 18.33% PIC 18.18% Pilot-In-Command 17.20% IFR 7.42% Combat 6.31% Complete relevant helicopter pilot training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New helicopter pilots learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a helicopter pilot based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real helicopter pilot resumes.Gain additional helicopter pilot certifications
More About CertificationsHelicopter pilot certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific helicopter pilot certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for helicopter pilots include Commercial Pilot (CP) and Certified Aviation Manager (CAM).
Research helicopter pilot duties and responsibilities
- Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
- Train in robinson r22 and r44
- Ensure compliance with all OSHA and EPA regulations.
- Operate in IFR and marginal weather conditions between multiple states.
Prepare your helicopter pilot resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your helicopter pilot resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a helicopter pilot resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Helicopter Pilot Resume templates
Build a professional Helicopter Pilot resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Helicopter Pilot resume.
Apply for helicopter pilot jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a helicopter pilot job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Helicopter Pilot Job
Are you a Helicopter Pilot?
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Average helicopter pilot salary
The average Helicopter Pilot salary in the United States is $89,418 per year or $43 per hour. Helicopter pilot salaries range between $62,000 and $128,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do helicopter pilots rate their job?
Helicopter Pilot reviews
Rewarding and a fair wage.
Flying over night and 365 days a year, miss plenty of holidays and family events.
for sure to travel and meet a lot of people of all kinds .
Every day at work was different. Each flight was different and flying an airplane well is challenging. When an airline pilot has completed their flight assignment they go home and do not think about the job until the next time they go to work. The FAA regulations require rest periods and days off for pilots. A normal flight schedule offers 8- 20 days off per month. A pilot can choose to fly trips that are 1- 12 days long. Most airlines have a seniority system. This means that the airplane and crew position are determined by the date you were hired. Generally speaking, Senior pilots are Captains that fly the airplane with highest pay rate. Senior pilots also have the best flight schedule. Starting pay at the major airlines in 2019 is about $85,000 year. Senior pilots flying wide-body airplanes can earn up to $600,000 year flying an international schedule
Jet-lag. Fatigue is a fact of life for an airline pilot. Domestic flying often includes trips that depart at 11:00 PM and arrive early in the morning. International trips fly all over the world at all hours of the day. Pilots learn to deal with jet-lag and fatigue, but it remains a fact of life for most aviators
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Updated January 8, 2025
