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• Nov 25, 2021

Helicopter Pilots & Superyachts

. One of the questions we regularly get asked is whether there are specific piloting requirements for landing a helicopter on a yacht and are there particular aspects a pilot must be aware of.

The helicopter landing area on a superyacht is known as a ‘shipboard heliport’ which has unique features that can create challenges even for the most experienced pilots. First and foremost, the ‘shipboard heliport’ is hosted on a seagoing vessel which is subjected to variable winds and sea state which causes the yacht to pitch and roll and heave and yaw, so effectively it’s a moving target, so not like land-based heliports or those on offshore fixed installations, such as oil and gas rigs. In addition, the shipboard heliport will generally be a confined area, close to the vessel superstructure which can, in itself, create additional wind turbulence for the pilot to deal with.

Pilots operating to and from shipboard heliports must also ensure that the vessel has undertaken their own ‘preparations for flying’. One particular aspect of this preparation is to ensure ‘FOD plods’ have been carried out. A FOD plod means to walk round and carry out a visual inspection, removing any ‘foreign object debris’ on or around the shipboard heliport that shouldn’t be there, and which has the potential to cause damage to the helicopter.

FOD includes all loose articles, such as furniture, cushions, towels, bottles and glasses, books and papers, covers and awnings, and any other type of paraphernalia which is not bolted down, and which must be removed or mechanically secured so that the down wash from the main rotors does not draw these items up into the main rotors causing a catastrophic accident.

It's worth noting, a FOD plod is not limited to the shipboard heliport on a yacht. Other decks and open areas on the yacht must be prepared and checked as the down wash from a helicopter does not stop at the shipboard heliport where it lands and takes off, but travels down stairwells and along corridors, so it is very important to ensure other deck areas are checked to prevent damage to the helicopter as well as precious and often expensive items from being blown overboard and ending up in the water.

Should you have questions about operating helicopters on yachts, please feel free to get in touch at [email protected]

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YACHT HELICOPTER PILOT

The Helicopter Pilot on a super yacht is a professional with proven experience in aeronautics who performs flying tasks to transport the yacht owner and guests from one point to another, always ensuring safety of passengers and cargoes, by ensuring the proper functioning of the helicopter.

The Helicopter Pilot determines and executes flight plans according to a specific program, ensuring landing and taking off of the helicopter on the yacht, upon agreement with the captain and crew members.

• excellent physical and mental skills to cope with difficult conditions of a flight and landing on the yacht
• perfect mastery of air navigation charts and air navigation tools
• knowledge of the regulations for flying over areas requiring or not requiring particular attention

Helicopter Pilot on a Yacht Salary Guide

The salary can range from 60k to 150k gross a year depending on experience and tasks required

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How Much Do Helicopter Pilots Make? – 10 Jobs Discussed!

When I first became interested in becoming a helicopter pilot one of the things I wanted to know was how much do helicopter pilots make. I’ve heard the saying that if you want the money you go to the airlines, but if you want the joy of flying go to helicopters, so what exactly did that mean?

The average helicopter pilot’s salary ranges from around $80,000-$110,000 per year. Low-time pilots can expect to earn around $35/hour or around $20,000-$40,000 when starting. Experienced pilots with decades of experience and +10,000 hours of specialized flight hours can earn up to $150K-$175K per year.

I always get asked how much helicopter pilots make so I wanted to break down the industry into some of its most common sectors and study what the typical salary ranges are, what pilot certificates are needed, and what the typical minimum hour requirements are to be eligible for a position.

The data collected in this article is sourced from my extensive network of pilots within various sectors, current job postings from JSFirm, Rotorcraft Pro, and other pilot recruitment websites. The data provided in this article is a guide and each company may differ on the hourly requirements and compensation they provide.

I have focused on the low and high salaries of each job position to help give you some indication of what you can expect starting as that pilot.

Here are the 10 most common helicopter pilots’ jobs, hours, and salaries:

CFI/CFII – Flight Instructor

Responsible for teaching new students how to become pilots, adding on additional certificates and ratings, or instructing ab-initio training to company line pilots during initial recruitment or annual recurrent training, or type renewals.

Minimum Hours: 200 Hours minimum is typically required for these positions

Certificates Required: Commercial, CFI (Certified Flight Instructor), Instrument Rating, CFII (Certified Flight Instructor Instrument)

Pay: $30-50/hour (Flight & Ground Instruction), or Between $20,000-$40,000 Per Year Salary

Typical Aircraft Flown: Robinson R22, R44, Schweizer 300CBi, Guimbal Cabri G2

Typically, instructing ab-initio training to company line pilots during initial recruitment or annual recurrent training, or type renewals. Will involve training in both the aircraft and simulators.

Minimum Hours: 5,000 – 10,000+ Hours. Experienced pilots cover the high-end of flight instruction

Certificates Required: Commercial, CFI (Certified Flight Instructor), Instrument Rating, CFII (Certified Flight Instructor Instrument), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP-H)

Pay: Between $80,000-$175,000

Typical Aircraft Flown: Sikorsky S76, S92, Leonardo AW139, AW189, Airbus H125, H135, H145 H225, Bell 205, 206, 212, 214, 407, 412, 429, 505

ENG – TV/News Helicopter

Flying news and TV helicopters for news stations over metropolitan areas. Usually flown with a camera operator/reporter onboard. Early starts to catch the morning rush hour and or late evenings to cover the evening rush hour with on-standby to cover events unfolding.

Minimum Hours: 500 hours to 3000 hours depending on the company

Certificates Required: Commercial

Pay: Between $50,000-$90,000

Typical Aircraft Flown: Robinson R44, Bell 206, 407, Airbus H125

Flying paying passengers over some of the world’s most beautiful scenery and places of interest. Can involve long days of short 15 minute flights or longer flights lasting several hours with lunch or photo stops along the route. Can make some great tips off passengers!

Minimum Hours: 200 hours to 3000 hours depending on the company

Pay: 200-500 Hour Pilot – Starting around $40,000 2,500-3,000+ Hour Pilot – Between $60,000-$80,000

Typical Aircraft Flown: Robinson R44, Bell 206, 407, Airbus H125, H130

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Agricultural Pilot

Much of this work involves low-level flight applying pesticides and herbicides to crops, using the rotorwash to protect fruits and seeds from frost, harvesting trees, and vegetation via helicopter, or moving wildlife during farming and conservation activities.

Minimum Hours: 500 hours to 2000+ hours depending on the company

Pay: 500 Hour Pilot – Starting around $50,000 2,000+ Hour Pilot – Between $90,000-$130,000

Typical Aircraft Flown: Robinson R44, Bell 206, Airbus H125, Hiller 12E, Aerospatiale SA315 Lama

EMS – Air Ambulance

Flying day and night either as a single or twin pilot operation. Using the helicopter to transfer medical personnel to a scene in a short space of time or to allow a high level of patient care during transfers between facilities. EMS pilots are in short supply and companies are offering large bonuses of up to $40,00 for moving and filling positions in more remote locations at this time.

Minimum Hours: 1500 – 3000 Hours for Single-Pilot Operations depending on the company 3000 Hours For Two-Crew Captain

Certificates Required: VFR – Commercial SPIFR – Commercial, Instrument DPIFR – Commercial, Instrument, ATP

Note: SPIFR – Single Pilot IFR DPIFR – Dual Pilot IFR

Pay: VFR – Between $70,000-$115,000 IFR – Between $85,000-$115,000

Typical Aircraft Flown: Bell 206L, 407, Airbus H125, H130, H135, H145, H155, Leonardo A109, AW139, AW169, Sikorsky S76

Learn More … Try These Articles: * Helicopter Pilot Careers: 20 Jobs a Pilot Can Do? * Becoming a Helicopter Pilot: The Complete Cost Breakdown

Offshore Oil & Gas

The aerial taxi of the seas. Offshore oil and gas transport comprises of flying workers from airport/heliport terminals out to their rigs or vessels. You will also be tasked with moving workers around the field from facility to facility. A vast cross-section of aircraft is used so it is a great way to build experience in various aircraft as you progress through your career.

Minimum Hours: 1500 Hours for Two-Crew First Officer or Single-Pilot Operations 3000 Hours for Two-Crew Captain

Certificates Required: VFR – Commercial IFR – Commercial, Instrument, or ATP

Pay: VFR – Between $45,000-$115,000 IFR – Between $85,000-$150,000

Typical Aircraft Flown: Bell 206L, 407, 412, Airbus H125, H130, H135, H145, H155, H175, H225, Leonardo A109, AW139, AW169, Sikorsky S76, S92

Law Enforcement

Providing aerial services to personnel on the ground using day/night video camera technology, searchlights to illuminate large areas at night, providing overhead inspections and photography for scenes of interest, search & rescue, and providing overwatch to ensure ground crew safety.

Minimum Hours: 500 – 1500 Hours for Two-Crew First Officer or Single-Pilot Operations depending on the department 3000 Hours for Two-Crew Captain

Certificates Required: VFR – Commercial IFR – Commercial, Instrument, or ATP Pay: VFR – Between $70,000-$100,000 IFR – Between $85,000-$175,000

Typical Aircraft Flown: Robinson R44, R66, Bell 206L, 407, 412 Airbus H125, H120, H135, H145, H155, Leonardo A109, AW139, AW169, MD 500, 902

Utility & Construction

One of the widest varieties of work a helicopter can do. Moving crews and materials using the aircraft as a taxi and a crane to inaccessible locations. One minute working with archeologists scoping out an area, the next minute doing a low-level pipeline patrol, to the next minute slinging a 2000lb engine for a core-sampling drill, or moving 20,000lb tree trunks off a mountainside.

Minimum Hours: 500 hours to 4000+ hours depending on the company

Certificates Required: Commercial Pay: $50,000-$150,000

Typical Aircraft Flown: Robinson R44, R66, Bell 205, 206, 407, 212, 412, Airbus H125, H120, H135, H145, MD 500, 902 Sikorsky S61, S64

Fire Fighting

Using helicopters to apply water, foam, and retardants to wildfires to assist ground crews in controlling, steering, holding, or extinguishing wildfires. Moving fire crews, supplies, food, and camps around the fires and providing aerial oversight for supervisors and management during and after an active fire.

Minimum Hours: 1500 for USDA Carding

Pay: $50,000-$175,000

Typical Aircraft Flown: Bell 205, 407, 212, 412, Airbus H125, H225, MD 500, Sikorsky S61, S64, S70, Boeing CH-47

Corporate & VIP

Minimum Hours: 500 – 3000 Hours for Two-Crew First Officer or Single-Pilot Operations depending on the company 3000 – 5000 Hours for Two-Crew Captain

Certificates Required: VFR: Commercial IFR: Commercial, Instrument, or ATP Pay: VFR – Between $60,000-$100,000 IFR – Between $70,000-$175,000

Typical Aircraft Flown: Bell 407, 412, 429, Airbus H125, H120, H135, H145, H155, Leonardo A109, AW139, AW169, MD 902, Sikorsky S76, S92

Learn More … Try These Articles: * Skills Needed To Become a Pilot? – A Flight Instructors Perspective * How Long Does It Take To Become A Helicopter Pilot? – Your Guide

I am an aviation nut! I'm an ATP-rated helicopter pilot & former flight instructor with over 3500 hours spanning 3 countries and many different flying jobs. I love aviation and everything about it. I use these articles to pass on cool facts and information to you whether you are a pilot or just love aviation too! If you want to know more about me, just click on my picture!

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Helicopter Pilot Salary in the United States

Helicopter pilot salary.

How much does a Helicopter Pilot make in the United States? The average Helicopter Pilot salary in the United States is $106,172 as of April 24, 2024, but the range typically falls between $90,047 and $136,477 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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Experimental Helicopter Test Pilot

Supernal - CALIFORNIA CITY, CA

Supernal - California City, CA

Helicopter Pilot - HAA

Med-Trans Corporation - Portales, NM

Med-Trans Corporation - Parker, AZ

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What skills does a Helicopter Pilot need?

Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.

Communicates Effectively: Effective communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, opinions, knowledge, and data so that the message is received and understood with clarity and purpose.

Aviation: Aviation is the activities surrounding mechanical flight and the aircraft industry. Aircraft includes fixed-wing and rotary-wing types, morphable wings, wing-less lifting bodies, as well as lighter-than-air craft such as hot air balloons and airships.

Safety Procedures: Establishing and implementing rules and procedures to prevent potential hazards and risks to ensure a safe and productive working environment.

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Job Description for Helicopter Pilot

Helicopter Pilot is responsible for operation of helicopter. Ensures flight is conducted in the safest manner possible. Being a Helicopter Pilot determines flight routes, speed, and take off and landing times to fulfill scheduling requirements. Must stay current with federal and local flight regulations. Additionally, Helicopter Pilot requires 1,000 hours of helicopter flying time. May require an associate degree. Requires Commercial Pilot license for helicopters - CPL (H). Typically reports to a supervisor. Helicopter Pilot 's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)... View full job description

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• Experimental Helicopter Test Pilot Supernal - California City, CA Supernal is at the forefront of creating emerging mobility solutions that will foster the development of human-centered cities. We are designing a complete... - 2 Days Ago
• Helicopter Pilot - HAA Med-Trans Corporation - Portales, NM Job Description. If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today. We're hiring a. Helicopter P... - 3 Days Ago
• Helicopter Pilot - HAA Med-Trans Corporation - Parker, AZ Job Description. If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today. We're hiring a. Helicopter P... - 3 Days Ago
• Helicopter Pilot - HAA Med-Trans Corporation - Seminole, TX Job Description. If your passion is flying and you want to work in an environment where every second counts, contact us today. We're hiring a. Helicopter P... - 3 Days Ago

Career Path for Helicopter Pilot

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Helicopter Pilot, the first career path typically progresses to Chief Helicopter Pilot.

Additionally, the second career path typically progresses to Chief Pilot I.

What does a Helicopter Pilot do?

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Helicopter Pilot Pay Difference by Location

Helicopter Pilot salary varies from city to city. Compared with national average salary of Helicopter Pilot, the highest Helicopter Pilot salary is in San Francisco, CA, where the Helicopter Pilot salary is 25.0% above. The lowest Helicopter Pilot salary is in Miami, FL, where the Helicopter Pilot salary is 3.5% lower than national average salary.

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Level of education for helicopter pilot.

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Skills associated with Helicopter Pilot: Safety Incident Reporting , Risk Assessment , Post-Flight Aircraft Inspection , OSHA Standards & Compliance ... More

Recently searched related titles: Naval Aviator

Recently searched companies with related titles : U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot

Salary estimation for Helicopter Pilot at companies like : Jer Trs Holding Company Inc , sankara holdings Inc , Sarasota Sky Pilots

Jobs with a similar salary range to Helicopter Pilot : Air Ambulance Pilot , Line Pilot , Utility Helicopter Pilot

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Has your superyacht helicopter got you in a spin?

Serving as everything from a toy to a serious mode of transport for charter guests, a helicopter is high up on the wish-list for many yacht owners. But, playing host to the most complex of flying machines on board comes with more challenges than owners and captains might expect.

A post shared by @yachthelicopters on Oct 2, 2017 at 8:39am PDT

This is a compromise that all but the largest vessels face when trying to accommodate a landing area and the deck space it inevitably eats into (there goes your tender spot). Small yachts with a helicopter squeezed onto the aft sun deck are unlikely to pass muster for commercial flight operations due to the lack of margin for pilot error which may leave them being of little use.

The rules have changed

Nigel Watson of Luviair explains that things are changing for owners who want to fly themselves on board.

Changes in legislation recently introduced should be considered by private owner pilots flying larger helicopters to ensure that the way they have flown in the past will remain appropriate under the new rules. The trend is towards rules and regulations that are more restrictive for the private pilot flying a complex helicopter. – Nigel Watson, Luvicair

Those vessels where a helicopter is integral to daily charter operations are increasingly built with a flag state approved landing area. The upshot is a significant increase in operational capability, due to landings and take-offs being much safer, whilst the downside is an almost certain impact on the yacht’s aesthetic – it’s hard to disguise a helipad!

A post shared by Dean Harrison Videography (@theyachtchef) on May 22, 2017 at 1:29am PDT

Crew are going to need specialist training (no sh*t)

When it comes to crew, any skipper worth his salt will employ a specialist helicopter consultancy to train and equip his team in safe helicopter operations. The Squadron , founded by former US naval aviator Daniel Deutermann, provides this service as well as specialist flight training for pilots. Once trained, crew responsibility for deck operations will be with the yacht’s designated Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) whilst other crew members provide a firefighting detail and assistance to passengers- a serious training commitment for any yacht and one that must be kept current. In some cases, crew are also trained to refuel aircraft, greatly increasing the usability of the aircraft, but adding the safe bunkering of aviation fuel to the list of challenges faced on board.

The owner may want to fly it

When trained pilot owners decide they want to fly helicopters onto their yacht, the boundaries are more ambiguous. There is no legal requirement for the pilot to hold the commercial helicopter licence professional pilots must have or the landing area to be certified; regardless, the crew should be prepared.

There are three main recommendations when it comes to helicopter operations on yachts, an operations manual that has been vetted for content and evaluated for use aboard that specific yacht, formal crew training, ideally with live-flying exercises involved, and a formal risk assessment undertaken by a specialist third party. – Dan Deutermann, The Squadron

Did we mention space (it’s a big deal)?

When it comes to equipping a yacht with a helicopter and landing area, there are minimum standards to be considered too. “The deck should be of an appropriate size, free of obstacles, strong enough to take the dynamic loads of the helicopter under a heavy landing condition, and equipped for any incident that is likely to occur in the event of an accident,” explains Nigel Watson. “The helicopter should be fit for purpose, have ample power reserves, and be equipped for overwater operations.”

A post shared by @yachthelicopters on Jun 5, 2017 at 7:48am PDT

Let’s be honest, they’re handy to have

So, operational considerations tackled, helicopter purchased, landing area certified, crew trained and pilot employed; what’s on offer to the owner and guests? Well, actually quite a lot. At the top end of the market, a twin-engine aircraft (single engine models can only fly in fine weather) will be capable of flying guests up to 600nm from the vessel, in poor visibility, during daylight hours. Transfers to and from land take minutes, whilst those mid-charter arrivals between ports are a logistical nightmare for the captain no longer.

A post shared by Henry Smith (@theyachtguymonaco) on Jan 28, 2015 at 5:42am PST

Inherently complex, but indispensable to owners and guests a well-run helicopter operation takes a yacht to the next level of operational capability.

William Bruton

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Helicopter Pilot Salary in The United States

The average Helicopter Pilot Salary in The United States is $90,100 per year . Salaries range from $72,200 to $118,300 . The average Helicopter Pilot Hourly Wage is $50.00 per hour . Hourly wages range from $40.10 to $65.70 . Salaries and wages depend on multiple factors including geographic location, experience, seniority, industry, education etc.

What is the Average Annual Salary of Helicopter Pilot in The United States ?

What is the average hourly wage of helicopter pilot in the united states , where do helicopter pilots earn more in the united states , other salaries, create a resume and cover letter in minutes with professional templates.

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Helicopter Pilot

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The helicopter pilot is responsible for flying the owner to and from the vessel plus possibly other flying responsibilities. This position can be yacht based or land based depending on requirements of the yacht. You will hold the require licensing and be highly experienced, plus have experience operating by both day and night. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, respond well in a pressured environments or emergency situations and will have a courteous disposition when managing the expectations of VIP clientele.

Salary range

EUR 5000 to EUR 6000 Per Month

Qualifications, training and skills required

• Hold a full commercial helicopter pilot certificate - night/day rating
• Platform/vessel landing experience
• Well versed in Helideck operations
• Maritime experience
• Required Medical certificate
• STCW and PDSD
• Strong leadership skills
• Ability to respond in an emergency situation

Extra desired training

• Helicopter Instructors certificate
• Any advanced medical training
• Knowledge of multiple languages

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Helicopter Pilot Salary: How Much Can You Make?

John Peltier

If you’re considering a career as a helicopter pilot , one of the many aspects you’re undoubtedly wondering about is a helicopter pilot’s salary. I wish there was an easy answer for this, but the truth is that with all of the helicopter pilot jobs available, the helicopter pilot salary range is very wide. But that’s one of the things that make helicopters so cool – the wide variety of missions that you can fly!

On the low end, a commercial helicopter pilot may only earn $25,000 per year while on the high end a salary may be as much as $150,000. The website Payscale.com has surveyed helicopter pilots and found that the average helicopter pilot salary is roughly $73,000.

The Starting Helicopter Pilot Salary

If you’re a new commercial helicopter pilot , chances are you’ll have to pay your dues as a flight instructor . Some tour companies will let new pilots fly piston helicopters on tours if the flight hours for insurance minimums are met.

Flight instructors are for the most part not on “salary”; they get paid by the hour. And this varies between flight hours, ground instructor hours, simulator hours, etc. Different schools also have big swings in pay scales depending on instructor experience and operating costs of the school. If you have a lot of students at a big school chances are you’ll be doing well. At a small school with only a couple of students, you may need to take on a second job until you can build more hours. An average, full-time flight instructor can anticipate making $30,000 during the first year. It may not sound like a lot of money but is necessary for building helicopter flight time for pilot jobs with a higher salary.

The Mid-Range Helicopter Pilot Salary

Once you get somewhere over 1,000 hours you’ll be able to secure better helicopter pilot jobs , and most definitely one with a better salary than what you have been earning. Flying as a tour pilot in a turbine helicopter is usually the next progression. An entry-level turbine tour pilot usually makes somewhere around $40,000-$50,000. But again, much of this depends on location, company size, experience level, etc.

Pilots in emergency services generally make more money. A helicopter pilot salary for EMS can range from $50,000-$90,000 per year. Firefighting helicopter pilots typically only work those jobs during the fire season, somewhere around six months, and earn on average $75,000 in the six-month period.

The High-End Helicopter Pilot Salary

The high end of helicopter pilot salaries include jobs flying the offshore oilrigs, and for business executives and other VIPs. These helicopter pilots can expect to earn over $100,000 per year.

Payscale.com has also found that some of the higher-paying helicopter pilot jobs are in Jacksonville, Florida, where an average helicopter pilot salary of $108,000 was reported. Similar salaries were reported in San Diego and New York City. Some of this is compensation for living expenses in those areas. You may be earning more, but you’ll also be forced to spend more.

Bonuses may be available for jobs that require moving around (a relocation allowance) and/or for time in remote areas like the Arctic.

In Conclusion

The bottom line is, don’t expect to earn a lot of money your first few years as a helicopter pilot. This is true in any pilot job. Many people hear “pilot” and immediately see dollar signs in their head. Just like any job you’ll have to pay your dues first and it will challenge you. But it pays off , not only with a better salary later on down the road, but also with the opportunities to do things with a helicopter that fixed-wing pilots only dream of.

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