Helicopter Flight Information

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The job market for helicopter pilots is wide open. Who would have expected this following 911? I really didn't think that we in the helicopter industry would feel the blow quite as hard as the fixed wing guys, but then you just never know do you? There is a phenomenon occurring in the helicopter job market that will continue for some time to come. We have been hearing this for a long time and it is continuing - the Viet Nam era pilots are retiring and this is becoming more prevalent everyday. Remember that the Viet Nam war ended in '75 which would make a 25-year-old pilot then - 54 today. The end of that war flooded the US commercial helicopter market with well qualified pilots. The commercial helicopter market was small at that time, but it has grown significantly since as it continues to grow today. But even with this open market some simple facts still apply - you must build flight time!

The off-shore companies need pilots

The majority of the off-shore support companies such as PHI are hiring. The minimum experience necessary is 1000 hours PIC, as well as a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, and a second class medical. For more information, and other helicopter related jobs, scroll to the bottom of this page and click on the links.

Evergreen Helicopters and Columbia Helicopters

These operators occasionally hire pilots with as little as 500 hours PIC. Why? They operate large helicopters that require two pilots. You will have to fly right seat for a year or so, but you may get time in large aircraft such as the S61. I have talked to pilots who have spent time with these companies, and they were happy with the experience that they were afforded.

CFI positions for helicopter pilots

There is always a need for a GOOD CFI. Of course this is also the best way to build hours as you work toward your career goal. This is not the place for a mediocre pilot. You should always maintain a good work ethic, as well as a professional attitude backed up by good examples.

Tips for job applicants:

In most cases (other than CFI positions), as a helicopter pilot you are uninsurable for most commercial operations until you have at least 1000 hours of helicopter PIC. As a result, although it doesn't hurt to inquire sometimes (if your qualifications are reasonably close), you should not pester employers if you do not meet their minimum requirements. Also, you should include in your resume, important and relevant information such as your weight, and perhaps your altitude (Height).

Data on your resume that refers to accomplishments not yet completed (ratings etc. in progress) is irrelevant, and may even interfere with your prospect. When I hire pilots I file resumes (for later review) that require to much digging on my part. I want to know some simple things. See resume for more info. The more briefly you can present these things to me the better I like it.

School Referrals

Some commercial operators will hire students referred by schools or instructors that they know, or are familiar with. These operators will often not communicate with low time pilots directly, but will talk to school officials, and flight instructors whom they know. This can present a very good opportunity to good students.

I have recently received a request from a large commercial operator to refer some of my students to them upon completion of their commercial training. I will only refer students with good ethics, and those who have studied hard. This is a very good opportunity for some pilots.

Helicopter Pilot Job Sources

Just Helicopters

This site is all about helicopters, and at the bottom is a job search. This is the best source I have found for helicopter pilot jobs.

Climb to 350

This once good site has now gone to members only. Greed often takes over at successful sites, hopefully they will learn from other quality sites such as those others listed here. Although this source is tailored mostly to fixed wing pilots, there are also a good number of helicopter jobs listed. New listings are available only to registered users, if you scroll through those there are free and good listings that follow.

Atlas Aviation

This is another great site for pilots (both helicopter and airplane) looking for jobs. Check it out, you will be glad you did.

At this time, these are the only three job sources that I have found worthy of listing. Other proclaimed sources either charge for a search, or are bogus advertisements for schools. Other helicopter sites offer limited job postings, and you can find links to some of these sites on the links page.