| Helicopters are one of the most versatile vehicles ever | | | | governments offer a wealth of flying opportunities. On |
| invented. Their unique ability to hover in mid-air, fly | | | | the Federal level agencies such as the FBI (Federal |
| sideways, backwards and being able to land in a | | | | Bureau of Investigation), DEA (Drug Enforcement |
| space no bigger than a tennis court make them | | | | Agency), ICE (immigration and customs enforcement), |
| uniquely suited to perform a wide variety of tasks. | | | | NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric |
| If you're thinking about a career as a professional | | | | Administration), DHS (Department of Homeland |
| helicopter pilot now is the time. Helicopter use is at an | | | | Security) as well as others offer flying opportunities |
| all time high and the imminent retirement of many | | | | that are diverse and wide-ranging. On the state levels |
| veteran pilots means increased opportunity for those | | | | state departments of transportation and wildlife. |
| who want to fly helicopters as a career. | | | | IV. Military- Military flying can be one of the most |
| These are some of the many professional helicopter | | | | rewarding types of flying. In government and military |
| pilot positions that are available now and will continue | | | | flying money is less of an issue. Excellent training is the |
| to be available into the foreseeable future. | | | | norm and you could be flying some of the most |
| I. Emergency Medical Services (EMS)- These are the | | | | advanced helicopters on some of the most exciting |
| helicopters that respond to life threatening | | | | missions. |
| emergencies on our nations interstates, highways, and | | | | V. Law Enforcement- Flying for state and local law |
| local roads. EMS helicopter pilots usually fly as a single | | | | enforcement can also be very rewarding. In most law |
| pilot and sometimes in weather that is less than | | | | enforcement agencies they hire pilots from within the |
| favorable. The flight time requirements differ but for | | | | ranks of ground officers. So, if you want to fly for a |
| the most part you will need a minimum of 2000 hrs of | | | | state or local law enforcement agency you can |
| pilot in command (PIC) flight time in order to be | | | | expect to be an officer on the ground for a few years |
| considered a competitive candidate. As far as who | | | | VI. Petroleum Support- Petroleum support pilots fly |
| you'll be working for...most EMS helicopters are owned | | | | workers and equipment from on shore locations to off |
| by a company that is separate from the hospital. The | | | | shore oil rigs. They usually stay at bases strategically |
| company leases out the pilots and the helicopters to | | | | located near the rigs and will work an extended |
| the hospital. Notice that I said most. There are hospitals | | | | number of days and than have an extended number |
| that directly employ EMS helicopters and their pilots. | | | | of days off. (for example 7 days on and 7 days off). |
| II. Electronic News Gathering (ENG)- Pilots who fly | | | | In the United States most of these pilots work along |
| Electronic News Gathering missions report on traffic | | | | the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and some work in |
| conditions, cover local events like parades and festivals | | | | Alaska. |
| and also give us that wonderful coverage of high and | | | | These helicopter pilot careers are available to anyone |
| low speed police chases. These pilots usually work a | | | | who desires a career as a professional pilot. They all |
| split shift that corresponds with the morning and | | | | offer challenge, adventure, excitement, and financial |
| evening rush hours and are on call in case of | | | | rewards. If any of these positions interest you, |
| developing stories. | | | | research what skills you need to acquire the position. |
| III. Government Agencies- The federal, state, and local | | | | Put a plan of action in place and act on that plan. |