Many people have a desire to pursue a career in aviation but are not aware of what the options are. The most successful helicopter pilots have logged many hours in flight and have maintained a commitment to pursuing their dream.
Military
One of the best ways that people can become successful very quickly in their dream of becoming a helicopter pilot is to become a pilot in one of the branches of the military, including the Coast Guard. Different branches of the military have different prerequisites for their pilot training programs, and some may require a bachelor’s degree, so those interested should thoroughly research the opportunities.
Pilots with the military receive excellent training with a variety of aircraft and are given important responsibilities. Military pilots fly in all types of weather conditions and are stationed at bases and on aircraft carriers all over the world. Those who are not interested in the military as a long-term career may actually find that being a military pilot grants them excellent experience for future civilian pilot careers, since helicopter pilots put in a large amount of flight hours in extremely demanding situations.
Medical, Police and Fire
Helicopter pilots are needed for a variety of first responder and emergency services careers. These are some of the most well-paying jobs in the industry, and since emergency helicopter pilots’ skills are always needed, the people who land these jobs often enjoy a long and successful career in these fields.
In addition to extensive helicopter training, pilots in these careers often need to undergo training and preparation in the specific field in which they are flying. Police pilots, for example, must go through police officer training before being allowed to fly helicopters. This requirement may lessen the appeal of these careers for some candidates.
Tourism
Helicopter pilots who work in the tourism industry must be very flexible, as their jobs often depend on the rise and fall of the industry itself in a particular area. Tourism pilots may fly consistently in one area for a number of years before moving on to another job in a completely different part of the country or the world. One advantage that this industry has over some of the other options for helicopter pilots is that it is possible to start a helicopter tourism business from scratch. This field is a good one for pilot-entrepreneurs who are able to save up enough money to purchase a helicopter for themselves.
News
News stations and camera crews are always in need of good helicopter pilots who are willing to follow a good story. These pilots see a little bit of everything.
People who want to pursue a career as a news pilot need to put in a lot of flight hours before being considered for one of these jobs. They must attend helicopter flight school and often log many hours as a helicopter flight instructor. Some jobs also require specialized training for certain types of aircraft or instruments.
Becoming a helicopter pilot is very demanding but also very rewarding. Landing one of these top jobs takes persistence and commitment.
