Commercial Helicopter Pilot
Commanding utility and observation helicopters while transporting passengers and cargo directly overlaps with civilian commercial helicopter operations.
How to prepare: Review your military flight records with a civilian helicopter flight school to identify gaps toward the appropriate FAA commercial certificate and ratings. Certification requires meeting flight-experience and knowledge requirements, passing the appropriate medical exam, and passing written and practical flight exams.
What the civilian work involves
- Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
- Co-pilot aircraft or perform captain's duties, as required.
- Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
- Aeronautical charts