Helicopter Tour Pilot Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of aviation, the demand for helicopter tour pilots is soaring high.

As travel and tourism advance, the need for skilled professionals who can navigate, engage and ensure the safety of our aerial expeditions grows.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s truly expected from a helicopter tour pilot?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager designing the perfect job profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of helicopter tours,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable helicopter tour pilot job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s take off with it.

Helicopter Tour Pilot Duties and Responsibilities

Helicopter Tour Pilots are responsible for safely flying passengers on sightseeing tours, providing commentary on landmarks, and ensuring a positive flight experience.

They must maintain their aircraft, plan flights, and communicate effectively with passengers and ground crew.

The duties and responsibilities of a Helicopter Tour Pilot include:

• Perform pre-flight inspections of helicopters to ensure all safety systems are operational
• Plan flight paths and schedules, taking into account weather conditions and flight restrictions
• Operate helicopter controls during takeoff, flight, and landing to ensure passenger safety
• Provide informative commentary on areas of interest and landmarks during the tour
• Monitor fuel consumption, engine operation, and other aircraft systems during flight
• Communicate effectively with air traffic control and ground staff
• Respond to emergency situations appropriately, following established protocols
• Maintain a clean and safe aircraft, performing minor maintenance tasks and coordinating major maintenance and repairs
• Ensure passengers understand and follow safety procedures, including the use of seatbelts and emergency equipment
• Record flight information, such as fuel usage, flight hours, and any aircraft maintenance issues

 

Helicopter Tour Pilot Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled, dedicated, and safety-minded Helicopter Tour Pilot to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for operating helicopters to provide scenic tours for customers, adhering strictly to all safety regulations and procedures.

The ideal candidate should have excellent flying skills, strong communication ability and a high level of customer service.

Their ultimate goal will be to provide safe, pleasant, and unforgettable flight experiences for our customers.

 

Responsibilities

• Operate helicopters for aerial tours following all safety protocols and flight regulations
• Provide exceptional customer service, including interacting with passengers and answering their questions
• Perform daily aircraft inspections and maintenance checks
• Ensure all necessary documentation and flight logs are up to date
• Communicate with air traffic control during takeoff, flight, and landing
• Monitor weather conditions and adjust flights as necessary
• Adhere to flight schedules and keep passengers informed of any changes

 

Qualifications

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Helicopter rating from FAA
• Minimum of 1500 hours of total flight time
• Previous experience in tour pilot role or similar position
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations and stay calm under pressure
• Outstanding navigation and flight planning skills
• Strong understanding of weather patterns and ability to make quick decisions
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Uniform allowance
• Training and professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Helicopter Tour Pilot
• Work Environment: Majority of work takes place in a helicopter and outdoors. Must be comfortable with variable weather conditions and capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Chief Pilot or Operations Manager.
• Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, copies of your licenses, and a cover letter detailing your flying experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Helicopter Tour Pilot Do?

Helicopter Tour Pilots work in the tourism or entertainment industry, providing aerial tours of various locations to customers.

They are responsible for operating the helicopter safely and ensuring the comfort of all passengers onboard during the tour.

Before each flight, they perform pre-flight inspections to ensure that the helicopter is in good working order.

This includes checking the engine, controls, and other key systems, as well as ensuring that all necessary equipment is on board.

During the tour, they use their expert knowledge of the local area to point out key landmarks, providing interesting and informative commentary to enhance the passengers’ experience.

In addition to flying, they also communicate with air traffic control, adhere to flight regulations, and ensure that all safety procedures are followed.

They may also be responsible for scheduling tours, managing bookings, and performing routine maintenance on the helicopter.

After each flight, Helicopter Tour Pilots often interact with passengers, answering any questions they may have about the flight or the area they have toured.

In all, their job is to ensure a memorable, safe and enjoyable experience for their passengers.

 

Helicopter Tour Pilot Qualifications and Skills

A proficient helicopter tour pilot should possess the following qualifications and skills in accordance with the job role:

• Possessing a commercial pilot’s license and an instrument rating from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which allows them to fly in all weather conditions.
• Having excellent hand-eye coordination and physical health to manage flight controls accurately.
• Navigation skills to plot and alter routes, ensuring the safety of all passengers and taking into account changing weather conditions.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with air traffic control, keep passengers informed and deal with any emergencies that might arise.
• Problem-solving abilities to quickly assess and deal with unexpected situations during flight, such as technical issues or unexpected weather changes.
• Customer service skills to interact politely and professionally with passengers, providing a memorable experience for them.
• Meticulous attention to detail to conduct pre-flight inspections and ensure that the aircraft is in proper condition to fly.
• Knowledge of local geography and points of interest to provide informative and entertaining tours.

 

Helicopter Tour Pilot Experience Requirements

Becoming a Helicopter Tour Pilot typically requires several hundred hours of flight time.

Entry-level candidates usually have at least 150 to 200 hours of flight time, often obtained during a training program at a flight school.

This allows them to obtain their private pilot license, which is a prerequisite for working as a tour pilot.

Candidates with more flight experience, around 500 hours, may have also gained their commercial pilot license.

This license requires a substantial amount of additional flight time and training, but it significantly increases a pilot’s job prospects.

Those with over 1000 hours of flight time are often considered highly experienced and may have additional ratings, such as an instrument rating or a flight instructor certificate.

These pilots may be qualified to fly in more challenging weather conditions or to teach others how to fly.

Moreover, some companies might prefer pilots with experience flying the specific type of helicopter used for their tours.

In addition, since this role involves interacting with customers, companies might also look for pilots with excellent customer service skills and experience.

Beyond technical skills, a Helicopter Tour Pilot needs to be able to maintain their composure under stress, have excellent hand-eye coordination, and possess strong communication skills.

 

Helicopter Tour Pilot Education and Training Requirements

Prospective Helicopter Tour Pilots need to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent as the first step.

The most critical requirement is gaining a Private Pilot License (PPL) and then a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The PPL training includes a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, while the CPL requires at least 150 hours.

In addition to the PPL and CPL, they must also acquire an Instrument Rating (IR) and a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating.

The Instrument Rating allows pilots to fly in low visibility conditions, and the Certified Flight Instructor rating is essential as most pilots build flight hours by training other pilots.

Moreover, certain companies may require pilots to have a specific amount of flight time, often measured in hundreds of hours.

In addition to licensing and flight hours, pilots must have excellent communication skills, a good understanding of helicopter mechanics, and the ability to make rapid decisions in challenging situations.

Helicopter Tour Pilots must also pass a medical exam to ensure they are in good health and have excellent vision.

While not a requirement, having a degree in aviation or a related field can be beneficial.

Some pilots also pursue further education in tourism or customer service to enhance their skills and career prospects.

Continuous training is essential as technology advances and regulations change.

Hence, pilots should be dedicated to ongoing learning and improvement.

 

Helicopter Tour Pilot Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Helicopter Tour Pilot is approximately $74,100 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income can fluctuate significantly based on factors such as the pilot’s level of experience, the location of operations, and the company offering the tour services.

 

Helicopter Tour Pilot Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Helicopter Tour Pilot need?

A Helicopter Tour Pilot needs to have excellent piloting skills, with a special focus on precision maneuvering and landing.

They need to have good communication skills to interact with passengers, ground crew and air traffic control.

They also need good navigation skills, an understanding of meteorology, and the ability to work under pressure.

It’s also important for them to have good physical stamina and excellent eyesight.

 

Do Helicopter Tour Pilots need a license?

Yes, Helicopter Tour Pilots need to have a helicopter pilot’s license.

This is obtained after completing flight training and passing written and practical exams.

They may also need a commercial pilot’s license if they are being paid for their services.

In addition, some companies may require a certain amount of flight hours.

 

What should you look for in a Helicopter Tour Pilot resume?

In a Helicopter Tour Pilot resume, you should look for a valid and current pilot’s license and the required flight hours for your operation.

You should also look for any additional certifications, such as instrument rating or specific type ratings.

Previous experience in tour or passenger transport operations could be beneficial.

Evidence of good communication skills, ability to work under pressure, and customer service experience could also be advantageous.

 

What qualities make a good Helicopter Tour Pilot?

A good Helicopter Tour Pilot is calm under pressure, able to make quick decisions, and has excellent piloting skills.

They should have a friendly and professional demeanor to provide a good experience for the passengers.

Good pilots also have a safety-oriented mindset and are always alert and aware of their surroundings.

 

What are the daily duties of a Helicopter Tour Pilot?

The daily duties of a Helicopter Tour Pilot include performing pre-flight checks, flying the helicopter on the designated tour route, communicating with passengers and air traffic control, and ensuring the safety of all passengers.

They also need to keep accurate logbooks, maintain the cleanliness of the helicopter, and may also need to assist in marketing and selling tour packages.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve soared above the clouds to uncover what it truly means to be a helicopter tour pilot.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about operating the aircraft.

It’s about crafting unforgettable experiences, one breathtaking tour at a time.

With our comprehensive helicopter tour pilot job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take flight.

But why settle for the horizon?

Fly higher with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every tour is a part of a larger narrative.

Let’s craft those unforgettable journeys. Together.

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