Helicopter pilots are highly trained professionals who transport passengers
or freight, conduct aerial searches, provide transport of critically injured
patients, fight fires, provide law enforcement and much more. From herding
animals to aiding television crews with gathering news, being a helicopter
pilot is anything but boring.
And that means plenty of people want to do it.
Piloting is only a part of the job. A successful pilot can handle a unique
blend of both physical and mental challenges. Helicopter pilot John Bradbury
says the hardest part of his job is "dealing with the pressures of flying
safe and still getting the job done for the client."
Helicopter pilots can fly for a variety of employers or clients, from companies
with just one helicopter to large companies that employ hundreds of pilots.
The industry is very competitive. Although pilots may need certification to
work in certain areas, their skills are recognized all over the world. This
gives them the chance to work internationally.
Duties include filing flight plans, checking aircraft structure, making
sure flight systems and instruments work properly, maintaining contact with
the control tower and filing a flight report after landing.