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Helicopter Pilots

Tasks include:

• studying and preparing flight plans
• checking weather conditions before flights
• checking equipment and the condition of the helicopter
• working out the amount of fuel needed for flights
• briefing passengers on safety and flight details
• liaising with air traffic control
• writing reports and keeping a flight log.

Skills and knowledge

Helicopter pilots need to have:

• excellent flying skills
• knowledge of flight theory and flight planning
• skill in interpreting flight plans and navigation data
• an understanding of civil aviation laws
• communication skills, especially when working in the tourism industry
• planning, decision making and record keeping skills
• knowledge of helicopter mechanics.

Personal qualities

You must be responsible, calm, confident and alert and be able to:

• think logically
• work well under pressure
• make good, quick judgments
• follow procedures
• adapt to different situations
• get along with a wide variety of people.

Career progression

Helicopter pilots may be promoted to senior positions, but this may only come if they are prepared to move or wait. Senior pilots often combine flying with ground duties, such as administration, recruitment or training. Some pilots start their own businesses in industries such as tourism and agriculture.