Explore 7 high-paying careers for helicopter pilots, from medical transport to search and rescue operations. Discover the skills and training required for these in-demand roles, and learn how to soar to new heights in the aviation industry with careers in offshore oil rig transport, firefighting, and more.
The thrill of soaring through the skies, the rush of adrenaline as you navigate through challenging weather conditions, and the sense of satisfaction as you land safely at your destination – these are just a few perks of being a helicopter pilot. But, have you ever wondered what careers are available to those with a passion for flying helicopters? The good news is that the opportunities are vast and varied, offering something for everyone. In this article, we will explore seven high-flying careers for helicopter pilots that are sure to take your career to new heights.
Offshore Oil and Gas Pilot
For those who enjoy the thrill of flying over open waters, a career as an offshore oil and gas pilot may be the perfect fit. In this role, you will be responsible for transporting personnel and equipment to and from offshore oil rigs, often in challenging weather conditions. This career requires a high level of skill and concentration, as well as the ability to work well under pressure. With salaries ranging from $60,000 to over $100,000 per year, this career is not only exciting but also lucrative.
Requirements and Skills
- Commercial helicopter pilot's license
- Instrument rating
- Multi-engine rating
- Ability to work in challenging weather conditions
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
Air Ambulance Pilot
As an air ambulance pilot, you will play a critical role in saving lives by transporting patients to medical facilities quickly and safely. This career requires a high level of skill and concentration, as well as the ability to work well under pressure. Air ambulance pilots must also be able to communicate effectively with medical personnel and make quick decisions in emergency situations. With salaries ranging from $50,000 to over $90,000 per year, this career is not only rewarding but also well-paying.
Requirements and Skills
- Commercial helicopter pilot's license
- Instrument rating
- Multi-engine rating
- Ability to work in high-stress environments
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
Search and Rescue Pilot
As a search and rescue pilot, you will be responsible for locating and retrieving people in distress, often in challenging weather conditions. This career requires a high level of skill and concentration, as well as the ability to work well under pressure. Search and rescue pilots must also be able to communicate effectively with emergency personnel and make quick decisions in emergency situations. With salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $80,000 per year, this career is not only rewarding but also well-paying.
Requirements and Skills
- Commercial helicopter pilot's license
- Instrument rating
- Multi-engine rating
- Ability to work in challenging weather conditions
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
Tour Pilot
For those who enjoy showing people the beauty of the world from a unique perspective, a career as a tour pilot may be the perfect fit. In this role, you will be responsible for flying tourists over scenic areas, such as national parks, cities, and coastlines. This career requires a high level of skill and concentration, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with passengers. With salaries ranging from $30,000 to over $60,000 per year, this career is not only enjoyable but also well-paying.
Requirements and Skills
- Commercial helicopter pilot's license
- Instrument rating
- Multi-engine rating
- Ability to communicate effectively with passengers
- Strong customer service skills
Firefighting Pilot
As a firefighting pilot, you will play a critical role in combating wildfires by flying aircraft equipped with firefighting equipment. This career requires a high level of skill and concentration, as well as the ability to work well under pressure. Firefighting pilots must also be able to communicate effectively with ground personnel and make quick decisions in emergency situations. With salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $80,000 per year, this career is not only rewarding but also well-paying.
Requirements and Skills
- Commercial helicopter pilot's license
- Instrument rating
- Multi-engine rating
- Ability to work in challenging weather conditions
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
Flight Instructor
For those who enjoy teaching and sharing their knowledge with others, a career as a flight instructor may be the perfect fit. In this role, you will be responsible for teaching students the skills they need to become licensed helicopter pilots. This career requires a high level of skill and patience, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with students. With salaries ranging from $30,000 to over $60,000 per year, this career is not only enjoyable but also well-paying.
Requirements and Skills
- Commercial helicopter pilot's license
- Instrument rating
- Multi-engine rating
- Ability to communicate effectively with students
- Strong teaching and mentoring skills
Corporate Pilot
As a corporate pilot, you will be responsible for flying executives and other corporate personnel to and from business destinations. This career requires a high level of skill and professionalism, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with passengers. Corporate pilots must also be able to work flexible hours and travel extensively. With salaries ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000 per year, this career is not only well-paying but also offers a high level of job security.
Requirements and Skills
- Commercial helicopter pilot's license
- Instrument rating
- Multi-engine rating
- Ability to communicate effectively with passengers
- Strong customer service skills
Helicopter Pilot Careers Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of the many career opportunities available to helicopter pilots. Whether you're interested in flying for a living or simply want to learn more about the world of helicopter aviation, we encourage you to explore these careers further. With the right training and experience, the sky's the limit for helicopter pilots!