Helicopter pilot | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Helicopter pilots fly single- and multi-engined helicopters for business, leisure or emergency services.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
Contact control towers for

Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.
Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions.
Direct activities of aircraft crews during flights.
Brief crews about flight details, such as destinations, duties, and responsibilities.
Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
Record in log books information, such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption.
Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems.
Perform minor maintenance work, or arrange for major maintenance.
Test and evaluate the performance of new aircraft.
Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.
File instrument flight plans with air traffic control to ensure that flights are coordinated with other air traffic.
Conduct in-flight tests and evaluations at specified altitudes and in all types of weather to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems.
Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.
Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.
Load smaller aircraft, handling passenger luggage and supervising refueling.
Evaluate other pilots or pilot-license applicants for proficiency.

Average salary
97,608 GBP *
per year

Average salary for Helicopter pilot

103,798 GBP

Average salary for full-time Helicopter pilot

Showing:

97,608 GBP
103,798 GBP

Salary over time for Helicopter pilot

Pay for this role has decreased slightly over time

94,182 GBP
87,447 GBP
87,322 GBP
84,307 GBP
78,221 GBP
86,204 GBP
97,608 GBP
75,903 GBP
53,152 GBP

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Future outlook for Helicopter pilots

Very good outlook

8 000+ jobs available

Fair outlook

-7% yearly wage growth (on average)

Very good outlook

28% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Helicopter pilot and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

61% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
18% of people in this role have a post-secondary qualification such as a Higher National Diploma
12% of people in this role have a Master's degree

You'll need:

the ability to operate and control equipment
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
customer service skills
thinking and reasoning skills
the ability to work well with others
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
excellent verbal communication skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Helicopter pilot

Aviation

Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Leadership Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

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Helicopter pilot | Average UK Salary & Outlook

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NCFE Level 3 Introductory Diploma/Extended Diploma in Travel And Tourism - Aviation

Future outlook for Helicopter pilots

Helicopter pilot - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

Things to highlight for your Helicopter pilot interview

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