News Traffic Helicopter Pilot Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this fast-paced world, the demand for news traffic helicopter pilots has never been higher.

As urban sprawl increases and traffic congestion becomes a daily challenge, the need for skilled professionals who can navigate, monitor, and report from the sky is growing.

But what exactly is expected from a news traffic helicopter pilot?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the thrill of airborne news broadcasting,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s take to the skies and delve into it.

News Traffic Helicopter Pilot Duties and Responsibilities

News Traffic Helicopter Pilots are primarily responsible for operating helicopters safely and efficiently for live broadcasting of traffic and news reports.

They are also required to communicate effectively with the news team and ground control.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Operate helicopters in a safe and efficient manner, adhering to all FAA regulations
• Provide live aerial coverage of breaking news and traffic situations
• Coordinate with news directors and producers to plan and execute news coverage
• Perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections to ensure the helicopter is in proper working condition
• Monitor weather conditions and air traffic control communications
• Carry out emergency procedures when necessary
• Maintain regular contact with ground control and relay pertinent information
• Train and supervise other crew members as needed
• Perform routine maintenance and report any mechanical issues to appropriate maintenance personnel

 

News Traffic Helicopter Pilot Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled and experienced News Traffic Helicopter Pilot to safely and efficiently operate our news helicopters.

Your responsibilities will include conveying news reporters to various locations, reporting real-time traffic conditions, and ensuring the maintenance and safety of the aircraft.

Our ideal candidate has a professional pilot’s license, experience in a similar role, and a strong understanding of FAA regulations.

Ultimately, the News Traffic Helicopter Pilot is responsible for ensuring timely, accurate and safe transportation for our news team.

 

Responsibilities

• Operate news helicopter to transport reporters to various locations
• Report real-time traffic conditions from the helicopter
• Ensure the maintenance and safety of the aircraft
• Check weather conditions and airspace restrictions before flights
• Communicate with news team and ground control during flights
• Comply with all FAA regulations
• Assist in planning flight paths
• Manage any emergency situations that arise
• Coordinate with technical team for live broadcasting from helicopter
• Maintain flight logs and report any issues to management

 

Qualifications

• Professional Pilot’s license
• Experience as a helicopter pilot, preferably in a news setting
• Strong understanding of FAA regulations
• Ability to effectively communicate with team members
• Ability to manage emergency situations
• Good physical and mental health
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: News Traffic Helicopter Pilot
• Work Environment: This position requires outdoor work and exposure to varying weather conditions. Hours vary and may require early morning, late night, and weekend shifts.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the News Director or Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a News Traffic Helicopter Pilot Do?

News Traffic Helicopter Pilots are specialized aviators who primarily work for news broadcasting stations and media organizations.

They are tasked with operating helicopters for the purpose of capturing real-time footage of traffic situations, weather conditions, and various events from an aerial perspective.

They are responsible for safely piloting the helicopter while coordinating with a camera operator to capture live images or video.

They follow traffic patterns, identify congested areas and incidents affecting roadways, and report on them in real-time for morning and evening news broadcasts.

News Traffic Helicopter Pilots also work closely with the news team on the ground, providing critical information about developing stories or emergencies, such as natural disasters, vehicle pursuits, or fires.

They may be required to hover over a particular area for a significant amount of time to provide continuous coverage of an unfolding event.

Moreover, they are responsible for the routine maintenance checks of the helicopters, ensuring all the equipment is in working order before take-off.

They must adhere to all aviation safety regulations and are often required to make quick decisions in response to changing weather conditions or emergency situations.

Additionally, some News Traffic Helicopter Pilots may provide commentary for the news broadcast, describing the traffic situation or unfolding events from their unique vantage point.

In this case, strong communication skills and the ability to describe complex situations clearly and succinctly are essential.

 

News Traffic Helicopter Pilot Qualifications and Skills

A proficient News Traffic Helicopter Pilot should possess a range of specific skills, qualifications and expertise to ensure the success of their job role, including:

• Commercial helicopter license and Instrument Rating from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ensuring they are legally qualified to fly and navigate in different weather conditions.
• Strong understanding of helicopter mechanics and aerodynamics, allowing them to make quick decisions in case of emergencies.
• Experience in helicopter traffic reporting, providing timely and accurate reports on traffic conditions and other news.
• Excellent communication skills to work effectively with ground control, news teams, and other relevant personnel, ensuring clear and accurate information relay.
• Ability to multi-task under high-pressure situations, including managing controls, communicating with the team, and monitoring traffic simultaneously.
• Physical fitness and health to withstand the rigors of flying, including good vision and hearing, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Navigation skills for accurately determining the helicopter’s position and efficiently planning routes, often in busy airspace.
• Experience with news broadcasting equipment, providing the ability to collect and relay information effectively.
• Understanding of weather patterns and their potential impact on flight plans, ensuring safe and efficient flights.

 

News Traffic Helicopter Pilot Experience Requirements

News Traffic Helicopter Pilots typically need a significant amount of flight experience, often gained by flying in different conditions and situations.

They are required to have a Commercial Pilot’s License with a helicopter rating, and many employers prefer candidates with a minimum of 1000 to 2000 flight hours.

Entry-level candidates may have fewer flight hours, often accumulated through a comprehensive training program at a flight school or through military service.

These individuals often gain additional flight experience in roles such as flight instructor, tour pilot, or emergency services pilot.

Those with 3 to 5 years of flying experience often have built up their flight hours and experience in different weather conditions and airspace.

They may have also gained experience with live broadcasts and using broadcasting equipment, as this is a key part of the News Traffic Helicopter Pilot role.

Candidates with over 5 years of experience in the field likely have extensive experience flying in various situations and have honed their broadcasting skills.

They may also have leadership experience, having coordinated with a news team or led operations in their previous roles.

Such candidates may be ready for more senior positions or roles with greater responsibility.

Additional beneficial qualifications could include Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) rating, which allows pilots to fly in poorer weather conditions, and a clean flying record.

It’s also beneficial for pilots to have strong communication skills, as they are often in contact with newsrooms and traffic control.

 

News Traffic Helicopter Pilot Education and Training Requirements

News Traffic Helicopter Pilots typically require a high school diploma or equivalent as their minimum educational requirement.

After high school, individuals interested in this career path need to earn a private pilot license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This involves a minimum of 40 flight hours, passing a physical examination, and successfully passing a written and practical flight exam.

Upon acquiring a private pilot license, they need to further pursue a commercial pilot license, which involves at least 250 flight hours and passing rigorous written and practical exams.

Furthermore, to become a News Traffic Helicopter Pilot, one must obtain an instrument rating from the FAA.

This requires an additional 40 flight hours in simulated instrument conditions, and passing a written and practical exam.

Beyond these requirements, many employers prefer pilots with a bachelor’s degree in aviation, aeronautics, or a related field.

This education can offer a comprehensive understanding of aircraft systems, weather, and federal regulations.

Experience in news gathering and reporting can be beneficial, but this can be obtained on the job.

Continued training and skill development in the field is crucial due to the rapidly evolving nature of aviation technology.

Helicopter pilots must also demonstrate excellent communication and decision-making skills, as they often work under stressful conditions and have to make quick decisions for safety.

Finally, they must maintain their physical health as they are required to pass routine physical examinations to ensure they meet the FAA’s medical fitness standards.

 

News Traffic Helicopter Pilot Salary Expectations

A News Traffic Helicopter Pilot can expect to earn an average salary of $82,430 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as the pilot’s level of experience, the location of employment, and the specific news company they work for.

 

News Traffic Helicopter Pilot Job Description FAQs

What skills does a News Traffic Helicopter Pilot need?

A News Traffic Helicopter Pilot should have excellent flying skills, advanced knowledge of helicopter operations, and the ability to make quick decisions in high-stress situations.

They must be skilled in interpreting weather data and flight planning.

Communication is key as they must regularly liaise with air traffic control and their news team.

 

Do News Traffic Helicopter Pilots need a degree?

News Traffic Helicopter Pilots don’t necessarily need a degree, but they do require a commercial pilot’s license with a helicopter rating.

This involves a significant amount of training and flight hours.

Some pilots might have a degree in aviation or a related field, which could be beneficial but is not a strict requirement.

 

What should you look for in a News Traffic Helicopter Pilot resume?

The most important thing to look for in a News Traffic Helicopter Pilot’s resume is their flying experience, particularly the number of flight hours they have logged.

Check for a valid commercial pilot’s license with a helicopter rating.

Experience in a news broadcasting environment and familiarity with traffic reporting would be advantageous.

 

What qualities make a good News Traffic Helicopter Pilot?

A good News Traffic Helicopter Pilot should exhibit calmness under pressure, as they will often need to make quick decisions in difficult conditions.

They should have excellent hand-eye coordination and physical fitness.

Good communication skills are also essential as they need to effectively relay traffic information to their news team and communicate with air traffic control.

 

What are the daily duties of a News Traffic Helicopter Pilot?

The daily duties of a News Traffic Helicopter Pilot include conducting pre-flight checks, planning flights according to weather conditions and air traffic, operating the helicopter during news broadcasts, and communicating traffic updates to the news team.

They may also need to perform minor maintenance tasks on the helicopter and ensure it is refueled and ready for the next flight.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve soared above the clouds to shed light on what it truly means to be a News Traffic Helicopter Pilot.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about maneuvering a helicopter.

It’s about providing critical real-time news coverage from the skies, one flight at a time.

With our comprehensive News Traffic Helicopter Pilot job description template and real-life scenarios, you’re ready to take the controls.

But don’t just hover there!

Take flight with our job description generator. It’s your essential co-pilot for creating detailed listings or fine-tuning your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every flight you take paints a larger picture of the world.

Let’s navigate the skies. Together.

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