Commercial Helicopter Pilot
Commanding multiengine utility helicopters for passenger and cargo transport directly overlaps with civilian commercial helicopter operations.
How to prepare: Review your military flight records with a civilian helicopter flight school to identify gaps in FAA certificates, ratings, and flight experience for charter or tour flying. Commercial pilots need the applicable FAA certificates and ratings, an appropriate medical exam, and must satisfy flight-experience, knowledge, and examination requirements.
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