Have you ever asked yourself what jobs can you get with a helicopter license? Well, as it turns out, there are actually a lot of different jobs that require this type of qualification. In this article we will take some time to go over them in more detail.
There are a lot of jobs you can get with a helicopter license.
You can become a pilot, of course. That’s one of the most common jobs for people who have helicopter licenses, but it’s not the only one. You can also be a flight instructor or a maintenance technician for helicopters. And if you want to work in a field that requires more than just flying the helicopter and maintaining it, you can become an aviation safety inspector or an air traffic controller.
What jobs can you get with a helicopter license
Introduction
Getting a helicopter license is a major accomplishment, but then what? Can you get a job with it? The answer is an emphatic yes. There are so many different career paths you can follow, from working on movie sets to putting out fires. We’ll show you some of the most common careers and tell you how much they pay.
Flight Instructor
If you’re a qualified pilot and also a trained instructor, then this could be the job for you. Flight instructors are responsible for teaching new pilots how to fly and experience the world from above. You need to have the right qualifications in order to qualify as an instructor; this includes being able to instruct others on the basics of flying and teaching them how to stay safe while airborne.
- Know your stuff: As well as having all the necessary qualifications, it is important that you know how everything works on board a helicopter so that you can fully explain it to other people. It’s also vital that you know about safety procedures so that no one gets hurt whilst learning how to fly.
- Get motivated: Part of being an instructor is motivating your students into wanting more knowledge about flying helicopters – otherwise they won’t want anymore lessons!
Traffic Report Pilot
A traffic report pilot works for a local news station or national television network. These pilots fly small helicopters and use their knowledge of the city to help viewers find the best routes. Traffic report pilots also help to keep motorists informed about potential dangers on the road, such as accidents or road closures.
Traffic Report Pilots might:
- Pilot traffic reports for local news stations
- Pilot traffic reports for the National Weather Service
- Pilot traffic reports for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Pilot traffic reports for the National Transportation Safety Board
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies use helicopters to track down criminals and assist in search and rescue missions. If you’re interested in working as a law enforcement helicopter pilot, there are a few things you should be aware of. First, the job is physically demanding and can involve long hours flying over rough terrain in all kinds of weather conditions. Second, you might have to work nights or weekends without overtime pay due to no fault of your own (a contract with the Federal Aviation Administration). Thirdly, it’s important that you have excellent communication skills because most of your communication will be done over radio rather than face-to-face with people on the ground. Finally, this job requires good analytical skills because crucial decisions must be made quickly as circumstances change constantly during flights from one location to another.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
If you have a helicopter license, it means you have the skills and experience to be an emergency medical services (EMS) pilot. This job is a great fit for those who want to care for others, but it’s not for everyone.
It may seem like an obvious profession choice if you are already a pilot—but there are more specific requirements than just having your certificate. If you’re interested in becoming an EMS pilot, make sure that your employer has certified training programs and equipment dedicated specifically to this kind of work.
Air Ambulance Pilot
As an air ambulance pilot, you would be responsible for transporting patients to medical facilities. Your primary job would be to provide medical care during flight, but you may also have additional responsibilities such as flying search-and-rescue missions or performing training exercises with other pilots.
Air ambulance pilots need to be trained in trauma medicine and possess a high level of expertise in aircraft mechanics and maintenance. They must also pass certification exams before they are allowed to fly commercially. A minimum of 1500 hours of flight experience is required before becoming a certified air ambulance pilot; however, most employers prefer candidates who have more than 2000 hours under their belts. Air ambulances must be able to fly safely in all kinds of weather conditions; this requires extensive training that includes simulated emergencies like engine failure at night or bad weather conditions (such as fog or heavy rain). Finally, the ability to land quickly and safely on short runways is essential—many airports used by air ambulances will only allow them through because they’re equipped with special landing lights that allow helicopters easy access onto the ground even when visibility is poor due to darkness or other factors like dust storms
Power Line Inspection Pilot
Power Line Inspection Pilot
The power line inspection pilot role is a specialized one that requires an advanced understanding of the power lines they are inspecting. As part of this job, you’ll be tasked with reading maps and identifying the different types of lines you see, including transmission lines and distribution lines. You’ll also need to be able to identify hazards on those same power lines so that you and your crew can avoid them. This job also requires knowledge about how to inspect maintenance issues on these power lines; for example, if there are broken poles or loose cables, you will know what needs repair.
Search and Rescue Pilot
If you’re looking to make a living as a search and rescue pilot, you must have an FAA license and be prepared for some serious training. You need to know how to fly in the dark and in bad weather, how to navigate your helicopter in the terrain of your area, how to land it on small spaces and how to communicate with people who can help those stranded who may not be able to help themselves.
Fire Fighting Helicopter Pilot
If you’re interested in flying and saving lives, becoming a helicopter firefighting pilot is a great way to combine the two. This type of pilot flies helicopters that are equipped with tanks full of water or fire-retardant chemicals, and drops them on fires. The job requires extensive training—not only for obtaining your license but also for maintaining it—and can be extremely dangerous. However, if you have a passion for aviation and want to help people who are at risk from wildfires or other disasters, this could be the perfect career choice for you!
To become a helicopter firefighting pilot:
- Complete an FAA-approved flight school or apprenticeship program
- Earn your private helicopter license (also known as an airman certificate)
Photojournalist with a Helicopter License
Photojournalists are the people who take photographs for newspapers, magazines and other media. If you have a helicopter license, that means you can get to the right spot quickly. Many photographers use helicopters to get to the right spot.
Corporate or Charter Pilot
As a corporate or charter pilot, you will fly for one company and be paid a salary. However, your duties may vary depending on the size of your employer. For example, if you work for a small company that only has one helicopter and one pilot, you will likely be flying all day long (sometimes even overnight). On the other hand, if you work for a larger company that has multiple helicopters and pilots in its fleet, then there may be periods of time when it is not possible for you to fly because another crew member is already assigned to that flight.
In general terms: Corporate/charter pilots are responsible for keeping their helicopters in top condition so they can complete their scheduled flights safely while delivering passengers to their destinations on time. They also need good interpersonal skills since they interact with many different people throughout their workday ― from passengers who are waiting patiently at an airport terminal or ground station until their turn comes up; baggage handlers who unload cargo boxes filled with food items; mechanics who repair broken parts after each mission has been completed successfully without any problems occurring along the way! This career path might be right up your alley if this sounds appealing; however keep in mind though that competition will always exist within this industry as there’s no shortage of qualified professionals willing to fill these roles as well!
Having a helicopter pilot’s license opens up a range of possibilities for you.
If you have a pilot’s license, it will open up multiple opportunities for you. This can include being a pilot or flight instructor, or even become a traffic reporter or law enforcement officer.
Conclusion
These are just a few jobs you can get with a helicopter license. Do your research and find the job that’s right for you.
