The Demand for Helicopter Pilots
If you’ve ever dreamed of taking to the sky, it’s the perfect time to become a pilot.
Why Is There a Helicopter Pilot Shortage?
There are a few reasons why the demand for helicopter pilots is high. For starters, many people who got their helicopter license during the Vietnam War era are gearing up to retire. As more pros retire, more jobs open up for young pilots. (Many Vietnam-era pilots currently hold positions in the medical field, which means there will be many openings for EMS pilots.)
Since the Vietnam War, there has been a steep decline in the number of military-trained helicopter pilots. Because fewer people have received military training, fewer people have their helicopter licenses when they retire from serving our country. This opens the door for more potential pilots to get their training through private schools.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that the tragic events of 9/11 made many people in the early 2000s not want to fly or pursue a pilot’s license anymore. This contributed to the shortage we face today as many pilots reach retirement.
However, the lack of pilots doesn’t diminish the need for people with helicopter licenses. A study by Boeing showed that there will be an estimated shortage of nearly 60,000 helicopter pilots through 2037. People on the fence about putting in the hours to become qualified pilots can rest assured that there will be plenty of job openings for them.
If you’re more of a numbers person, the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts a 13% growth in the overall employment of commercial pilots from 2020 to 2030, with approximately 14,500 job openings each year.
To boil it down: there simply aren’t enough qualified pilots to fill all of the jobs on the market currently.
What Different Industries Can I Work in as a Helicopter Pilot?
Many people are surprised by just how many industries benefit from helicopter pilots. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for you to find a job in an industry you’re passionate about.
Some of the careers you can pursue with a helicopter license include:
EMS Pilot
Firefighting Pilot
Search and Rescue Pilot
Law Enforcement Pilot
Heli-Skiing Pilot
Logging Pilot
Utility Pilot
Agricultural Pilot
Construction Pilot
Motion Picture Pilot
Oil Rig Pilot
TV News Pilot
Corporate Pilot
Tour Pilot
The industry you choose and your experience will determine your pay, but no matter where you work, you’ll have no problem earning a living as a helicopter pilot. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the 2020 median pay for commercial pilots is $130,440.
What Are the Perks of Being a Helicopter Pilot?
Apart from literally working in the sky, there are a lot of perks to becoming a helicopter pilot.
As we said in the last section, you can make a fair amount of money flying. The median annual wage for commercial pilots was $93,000 as of May 2020, and that number goes up to $160,970 for privatized pilots and flight engineers.
Because runways aren’t required for takeoff and landing in a helicopter, you can touch down just about anywhere where there’s enough space. The adventure never ends as a pilot.
As a pilot, you’ll have the opportunity to help people or bring joy to their lives. At the same time, you’ll find fulfillment in your own life. You’ll get to travel while you do what you love to do. We think that beats an office cubicle any day of the week.
How Can I get a Helicopter Pilot License?
1. Obtain a 2nd Class Medical Certification
Before you can enroll in a flight training program or school, you have to pass a medical exam to ensure that it’s safe for you to fly. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved physician must perform the exam to make sure that all the boxes are checked.
The doctor will check for:
Heart problems
Psychological disorders
History of drug abuse
Lapses in consciousness
Hearing conditions or issues
Vision impairments or issues
Once your doctor gives you a clean bill of health, you can get your degree or attend a flight school!
2. Get a Degree or Attend a Flight School
If you want to become a helicopter pilot for fun, then a flight school will do the trick to fast-track your training. If you already have a college degree, you might not want to return to a four-year university to change career paths, and flight school may give you all the training you need.
However, if you haven’t been to college yet and are looking to choose piloting as a career, it’s better to get a degree. Multiple schools have a degree program or a partnership with a flight school for pilots to earn their degrees while gaining experience. Additionally, it’s easier to get financial aid when you do your training through an accredited college and can submit a FAFSA application.
3. Get Your Student License to Begin Training
Get a student pilot license through the FAA so you can begin your training. They will want the results of your physical, and you have to be at least 16 years old.
4. Once You Complete Your Training, Apply for Your License
For a private license, you must:
Be at least 17 years old
Pass an FAA written test
Part 61
Log 40 hours of flight time, including:
10 solo hours of flight
3 hours of dual cross-country flying with an instructor
3 hours of dual nighttime flying
3 hours of solo cross-country flying
1 75-nautical-mile cross-country flight
3 solo takeoffs and landings
3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test, or check ride
Part 141
Log 35 hours of flight time, including:
5 solo hours of flight
3 hours of dual cross-country flying with an instructor
3 hours of dual nighttime flying
3 hours of solo cross-country flying
1 50-nautical-mile cross-country flight
10 solo takeoffs and landings
3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test, or check ride
After receiving your private license, you will be eligible for additional ratings, licenses, and courses to further your flying knowledge and qualification for careers within the helicopter industry.
These including the instrument rating, turbine transition, external load, commercial license, certified flight instructor rating, and certified flight instructor instrument rating.
5. Apply For Jobs and Live Your Dreams!
If you’ve been looking for a sign to take the first step to becoming a helicopter pilot, this is it. To learn more about how Lake Superior Helicopters can make your dreams a reality, explore our professional pilot program to learn more about our training program pathways.