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Helicopter pilot

Alternative titles for this job include

Helicopter pilots fly single and multi-engined helicopters for business, leisure or emergency services.

Average salary (a year)

£30,000 Starter

to

£55,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • courses run by private training organisations

University

Although not essential, you could do a university degree in air transport or aviation, which includes helicopter pilot studies with an approved flight training organisation.

To start a course, you'll need:

You'll need to apply for the higher level Class 1 medical certificate during your course to get your Commercial Pilot's Licence. If you wish, you can apply for the Class 1 certificate before your course starts.

As well as standard university fees, you will need to fund the flight training part of your course. Universities can advise you about this.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

Other Routes

You can apply to join a course with a flight training organisation to get your Commercial Pilot Licence CPL(H). You'll need the CPL(H) to fly helicopters commercially.

Entry requirements vary though you'll usually need:

  • to pass skills tests and a thorough medical assessment
  • a minimum of 155 hours' flying time

The number of flying hours needed may be lower for trained aeroplane pilots.

As a first step, you could train for a Private Pilot's Licence PPL(H) which allows you to fly for personal use and build up your flying hours. The flight training school would assess your skills, and could ask you to take some pre-course training to prove that you have the level of ability and skills needed for commercial training.

Training is expensive and you'll usually have to fund it yourself.

You can also join the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force and become a trainee pilot.

More Information

Career tips

If you're thinking of a career as a helicopter pilot, it's strongly recommended that you consider taking a pilot Aptitude Assessment before you start training.

You could also do a trial lesson with a flight school to make sure this is the right career for you.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the The Honourable Company of Air Pilots, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a helicopter pilot from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of geography
  • observation and recording skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a helicopter pilot, you could:

  • check weather conditions and airspace restrictions to plan routes
  • work out fuel requirements and maximum loads
  • file flight plans with authorities
  • carry out pre-flight safety checks on equipment and instruments
  • speak with air traffic controllers, crew and passengers during flights
  • control navigation, speed and altitude along routes, using flight instruments
  • complete paperwork after landing

As a pilot, you might:

  • take passengers on charter or leisure flights
  • transfer staff working in the offshore energy industry
  • operate search and rescue aircraft
  • assist police and emergency services
  • carry out aerial photography and filming
  • support training and combat operation in the armed forces

Working environment

You could work on an aircraft or at an airport.

Your working environment may be at height and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could take further training to expand your skills, such as night flying, low altitude flying or navigating through mountainous terrain.

You might also start your own company, providing recreational or business charter flights, freight services or flying instruction.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a helicopter pilot right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a helicopter pilot?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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