Commercial Helicopter Pilot
Operating rotary-wing aircraft to transport heavy equipment, combat troops, and supplies transfers directly to civilian helicopter transport work.
How to prepare: Have a civilian helicopter flight school review your flight records and identify gaps toward the appropriate FAA commercial certificate and ratings. Certification requires meeting applicable medical, flight-experience, and knowledge requirements and passing written and practical 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