All about the profession of a helicopter pilot

Many people thought, of course, about the "romance" surrounding the helicopter pilots. But in reality, the features of a helicopter pilot's work are somewhat different, they have strict responsibilities, and it is imperative to master certain knowledge and skills. It is equally important for those interested in such activities to find out where to get training for the profession of a pilot who controls a helicopter.

Prototypes of rotary-wing aircraft have been known (at the level of blueprints) for several centuries. However, only in the second half of the twentieth century, the technical level made it possible to massively build such machines. Today, the profession of a helicopter pilot is quite widespread, because they have to fly many thousands of aircraft. You can see a helicopter in the sky anywhere in the world, regardless of the season. And, undoubtedly, in the foreseeable future, the relevance of this method of movement will only grow.

But the paradox in this case will be that, in fact, the outwardly uniform specialization of the "helicopter pilot" is split into a number of more specific areas. And it's not just the difference between military and civilian vehicles. Even the Air Force has its own rotorcraft specialization:

• drums;
• multipurpose;
• transport;
• ambulances;
• air command posts;
• anti-submarine;
• transport and combat;
• filling stations;
• corrective artillery fire;
• intelligence;
• training helicopters;
• jammers;
• mine planners (and a number of more exotic options).

Those who are good at scouting may not be able to cope with training others or delivering urgent cargo. The crew, perfectly directing their own guns at the enemy, is rarely able to launch a missile strike at the identified position. However, one should not think that purely peaceful helicopter pilots are more homogeneous.

Some of them carry passengers. Others are busy with the transportation of various goods, including those on an external sling. Some pilots are engaged in search and rescue and rescue operations. You can also find crews cultivating fields, patrolling the streets as part of the traffic police, rolling tourists. Also, helicopter pilots can:

• work in the huntsman service (hunting and fishing control);
• carry out various aerial research and observation;
• extinguish forest fires;
• testing new machines and new types of machines;
• conduct ice patrols;
• participate in aerial construction;
• participate in the filming of various films;
• help meteorologists, surveyors;
• supply remote settlements and expedition camps;
• perform the function of "long-distance ambulance".

Of course, all this requires very special approaches. Along with a general license, a helicopter pilot must also obtain a certificate of special training. After all, all additional work (for example, filling tanks with technical fluids and water, lifting and lowering cargo, rescuing people at sea and in other situations) must be thoroughly known. Sometimes such tasks have to be performed extremely quickly, in difficult and rapidly changing conditions. Even excellent students of school training cannot always acquire special skills - they will have to constantly improve in their profession and go forward.

In general, piloting of rotary-wing aircraft is in demand and is well paid. This activity will satisfy those who love to travel. Finally, pilots take a well-deserved rest early, which is especially important in modern conditions. However, one must understand that flying in a helicopter is always a risk and stress, nervous and physical, and the danger awaits helicopter pilots more often than pilots of civil aircraft. This last moment is especially typical for the crews flying to various incidents, serving in the police and the army.

There is no guarantee of successful passage of the next medical examination. Moreover, the requirements of medical supervision will only get stricter over time. You will have to fly out regularly, and this work is not for couch potatoes. Frequent, even among pilots of regular passenger airlines, unscheduled flights - there is no need to talk about other specializations.

As it is already clear, it is possible to characterize the duties of a helicopter pilot without reference to a specific specialization only in the most general way. In any case, it will be busy:

• preparing your transport for departure;
• thinking over the main and alternate routes;
• monitoring the performance of onboard equipment;
• tracking meteorological and ornithological conditions;
• preliminary forecasting of such a situation before take-off;
• checking the literacy of fastening and distribution of goods;
• checking the seating of passengers and their compliance with safety measures;
• performing correct radio communications;
• preparation of flight documentation;
• execution of additional orders and instructions, except for those that create certain risks.

The job description of the helicopter commander specifies other responsibilities:

• prevention of collisions in the air;
• removal from work of subordinates who have rudely violated the basic rules;
• control over the preparation of flight documentation by other crew members;
• making a decision to continue or interrupt the flight when the situation changes;
• correction of the route and other flight parameters according to the situation;
• compliance with the pre-flight regime (independently or with the help of other crew members);
• radio traffic control;
• control of the remaining fuel during departure;
• Debriefing;
• checking the correctness of the work of subordinates using means of objective control;
• performing basic tasks in overtime (in accordance with labor law and other acts).

Of course, a good helicopter pilot knows physics and mathematics very well. It is on these disciplines that the main emphasis will have to be made already in the senior grades of the school. And in the process of the preparation itself, you will need to study the entire instrument panel of the aircraft. A specialist must know not only the essence of the indications of each device or the purpose of individual buttons, levers, but also how it all works at a technical level. All flight documentation is compiled independently - and this is also a whole separate area.

In addition to this, it is necessary:

• know the geography in general and especially in the area of ​​the main flights;
• own the principles of labor protection;
• understand the requirements of fire, electrical, chemical safety;
• know the specialized regulations of all states where you have to work;
• study the performance parameters and properties of your helicopter;
• be prepared to carry out search and rescue activities.

Of course, pilots of any type of helicopter must be absolutely healthy. Only such people will be able to navigate the aircraft along a given route and complete the assigned task. They will have to develop a strong character, perseverance and determination. At the same time, the slightest distrust, the desire to show his “steepness and pride” to his “neighbor in the cabin and the dispatcher on the ground” definitely does not lead to anything good. You need to ask yourself if I can follow all orders and get along with a variety of people.

Other important properties are:

• composure;
• resistance to stress;
• fast reaction;
• the ability to make decisions under time pressure and lack of information;
• the ability to instantly assess the changing environment;
• good physical form;
• excellent memory;
• good perception of colors, shapes, sizes and distances;
• verified coordination of movements.

For those wishing to become helicopter pilots, there is a choice between training in special and higher educational institutions. From the very beginning, it is necessary to decide whether the career will move along a civil or military trajectory. These are such different spheres that it is extremely difficult to rebuild. During preparation, maximum attention is paid to:

• navigation;
• laying routes;
• arrangement of aircraft;
• ways of managing them;
• organization of radio exchange;
• actions in an emergency situation;
• air traffic management.

In formal educational institutions, the training course is 3-5 years. Later, already during work, you will need to periodically improve your qualifications. Private flight schools are ready to train pilots of ultralight helicopters, but this is more entertainment than full-time work. You can apply to:

• Technical University of Civil Aviation (Moscow);
• University of Civil Aviation (St. Petersburg);
• higher aviation school (Ulyanovsk);
• Higher Military School of Pilots (Syzran);
• higher military school of navigators (Chelyabinsk).

But regardless of the chosen educational institution, you will still have to gain some experience. It is believed, of course, that formally already graduates of schools have a good touch. However, serious organizations and structures have more stringent requirements. It is very difficult to occupy prestigious positions in civil airlines.