Top 12 Helicopter Pilot Skills to Put on Your Resume

Crafting a compelling resume as a helicopter pilot requires not only showcasing your flight hours and certifications but also highlighting a set of specialized skills that demonstrate your proficiency and readiness for any aerial challenge. This article delves into the top 12 skills that will make your resume stand out to employers, ensuring you capture attention in the highly competitive aviation job market.

Helicopter Pilot Skills

1. Navigation
2. Autopilot (specific models, e.g., Garmin GFC 700)
3. Weather Radar (e.g., Honeywell Primus)
4. Emergency Procedures
5. Flight Planning (e.g., ForeFlight)
6. Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
7. Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
8. Crew Resource Management
9. Risk Assessment
10. Night Vision (e.g., ANVIS)
11. Turbine Engines (e.g., Rolls-Royce M250)
12. Hoist Operations

1. Navigation

Navigation for a helicopter pilot involves planning, executing, and monitoring the helicopter's flight path from one location to another, using instruments, landmarks, and navigational aids to ensure safe and efficient travel.

Why It's Important

Navigation is crucial for a helicopter pilot to ensure safe and efficient travel, allowing for precise location determination, route planning, and obstacle avoidance, while ensuring timely arrival at the intended destination.

How to Improve Navigation Skills

To improve navigation as a helicopter pilot, focus on mastering the following key areas:

1. Pre-flight Planning: Ensure thorough planning before taking off. Use tools like SkyVector for route mapping and weather checks.

2. GPS Proficiency: Become proficient with GPS equipment. Manufacturers like Garmin offer tutorials and manuals for their aviation products.

3. Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Mastery: Enhance skills in visual navigation. The FAA’s VFR navigation tips are a great resource.

4. Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Training: For poor visibility and complex routes, IFR skills are essential. IFR training resources provided by the FAA can be invaluable.

5. Emergency Procedures: Be prepared for unexpected situations. Regularly review emergency procedures and ATC communication guidelines to stay sharp.

6. Continuous Learning: Aviation technology and regulations evolve. Engage in continuous learning through courses and certifications from reputable organizations like AOPA.

By focusing on these areas, you can enhance your navigation skills and ensure safer, more efficient flights.

How to Display Navigation Skills on Your Resume

2. Autopilot (specific models, e.g., Garmin GFC 700)

The Garmin GFC 700 is an advanced autopilot system designed for fixed-wing aircraft, offering precise flight control by automatically managing pitch, roll, and yaw axes. It integrates with flight navigation systems to execute a wide range of autopilot modes and functions, such as altitude hold, vertical speed, and approach navigation, enhancing safety and reducing pilot workload. While primarily for fixed-wing aircraft, the principles of autopilot systems like the GFC 700 contribute to the development and functionality of helicopter autopilot systems, which also aim to automate flight control for safety and efficiency.

Why It's Important

The Garmin GFC 700 autopilot is important for helicopter pilots because it enhances flight safety by providing precise control and stability, reduces pilot workload, and enables more efficient navigation through automated flight path management.

How to Improve Autopilot (specific models, e.g., Garmin GFC 700) Skills

Improving the performance and functionality of an autopilot system, such as the Garmin GFC 700 in a helicopter, involves several key strategies. While the GFC 700 is primarily found in fixed-wing aircraft and might not be directly applicable to helicopters, the general approach to enhancing autopilot systems in aviation shares common principles. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Software Updates: Regularly update the autopilot system's software to ensure the latest enhancements and bug fixes are applied. Garmin frequently releases updates that can improve functionality and compatibility (Garmin Support).

2. Pilot Training: Enhance pilot understanding and proficiency with the autopilot system through certified training programs. This ensures optimal use and integration of the system's features in flight operations (FAA Safety Team).

3. System Integration: Ensure seamless integration with other avionics, including navigation and communication systems, for improved situational awareness and system efficiency. Consulting with avionics integrators can provide tailored solutions (Aircraft Electronics Association).

4. Regular Maintenance: Conduct regular maintenance checks to identify and rectify any hardware issues that may affect performance. Adhering to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule is crucial (Garmin Manuals).

5. Feedback and Customization: Provide feedback to the manufacturer regarding the system's performance and any desired features. Garmin and other manufacturers often consider user feedback for future updates or custom solutions.

Remember, while the Garmin GFC 700 is not typically used in helicopters, the above recommendations are applicable for improving autopilot systems in general within aviation. For helicopter-specific autopilot systems, always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and consult with aviation professionals for tailored advice.

How to Display Autopilot (specific models, e.g., Garmin GFC 700) Skills on Your Resume

3. Weather Radar (e.g., Honeywell Primus)

Weather radar, such as the Honeywell Primus, is an onboard system used by helicopter pilots to detect and display weather conditions ahead, including precipitation, thunderstorms, and turbulence, aiding in navigation and flight safety.

Why It's Important

Weather radar, such as Honeywell Primus, is crucial for helicopter pilots as it provides real-time information on weather conditions ahead, enabling them to navigate safely around severe weather, avoid turbulence, and plan routes more effectively, ensuring the safety and comfort of all on board.

How to Improve Weather Radar (e.g., Honeywell Primus) Skills

Improving weather radar systems like Honeywell Primus for helicopter pilots involves enhancing radar sensitivity, resolution, and user interface for better weather detection and interpretation. Key improvements can include:

1. Software Upgrades: Update the radar's software to improve its algorithm for weather pattern recognition and clutter reduction. Honeywell Aerospace often releases updates that enhance radar performance.

2. Hardware Enhancements: Invest in hardware upgrades, such as more sensitive antenna arrays and improved transceivers, to enhance the radar's ability to detect weather phenomena at longer distances and with greater accuracy.

3. Training and Simulation: Utilize advanced training programs and simulation tools to better understand radar imagery and its application in real-world flying conditions. This can help pilots in making more informed decisions based on radar data. CAE provides comprehensive training solutions that could be tailored to include weather radar operation.

4. Integration with Other Systems: Enhance the radar system's integration with onboard and external information systems. This could include linking the weather radar with satellite weather data and ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) information for a comprehensive weather overview. The FAA ADS-B site provides resources on this technology.

5. User Interface Improvements: Improve the radar's user interface for easier interpretation and manipulation of weather data. This can involve more intuitive controls, better display resolution, and customizable settings to suit individual pilot needs.

By focusing on these areas, helicopter pilots can significantly improve the effectiveness and utility of weather radar systems like the Honeywell Primus, enhancing safety and operational efficiency during flights.

How to Display Weather Radar (e.g., Honeywell Primus) Skills on Your Resume

4. Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures for a helicopter pilot are standardized, immediate actions taken to manage critical or unexpected situations during flight, ensuring the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.

Why It's Important

Emergency procedures are crucial for helicopter pilots because they provide structured responses to critical situations, ensuring safety by minimizing risks and potential harm to passengers, crew, and the aircraft during unforeseen events or malfunctions.

How to Improve Emergency Procedures Skills

Improving emergency procedures for helicopter pilots involves a multi-faceted approach that focuses on training, preparation, and equipment readiness. Here's a concise guide:

1. Regular Training: Engage in regular, comprehensive emergency procedure simulations. Flight Safety offers various courses tailored to helicopter pilots.

2. Pre-Flight Preparation: Always perform thorough pre-flight checks and risk assessments. The FAA Safety Team provides resources and checklists.

3. Equipment Familiarity: Ensure you are fully familiar with all your helicopter's emergency equipment. The Helicopter Safety Advisory Council offers guidelines and best practices.

4. Emergency Procedure Manuals: Keep emergency procedure manuals up to date and easily accessible. Manufacturers like Bell and Airbus provide specific manuals for each model.

5. Mental Preparedness: Mental rehearsal of emergency scenarios can improve reaction times and decision-making under stress. Resources like The Inner Art of Airmanship can help develop these skills.

6. Stay Informed: Continuously update your knowledge on new emergency procedures and technologies. Vertical Magazine often features articles on the latest in helicopter safety.

By focusing on these areas, helicopter pilots can significantly improve their readiness and response to emergencies.

How to Display Emergency Procedures Skills on Your Resume

5. Flight Planning (e.g., ForeFlight)

Flight planning, such as with ForeFlight, involves preparing a comprehensive plan for a helicopter flight that includes route selection, fuel management, weather considerations, and regulatory compliance to ensure safety and efficiency.

Why It's Important

Flight planning, using tools like ForeFlight, is crucial for helicopter pilots as it ensures safe and efficient navigation by providing detailed weather updates, airspace information, optimal routing, and emergency landing sites, thus enhancing situational awareness and operational safety.

How to Improve Flight Planning (e.g., ForeFlight) Skills

Improving flight planning, especially for helicopter pilots using tools like ForeFlight, involves a focus on specific aspects that cater to rotorcraft operations. Here are concise steps with resources:

1. Utilize Helicopter-Specific Features: ForeFlight offers helicopter-specific charts and routes. Ensure you're familiar with these by checking ForeFlight's helicopter resources.

2. Weather Awareness: Use the app's comprehensive weather tools for real-time updates and forecasts. This includes cloud tops, icing potential, and turbulence, crucial for low-altitude rotorcraft operations. More details are available in ForeFlight's weather features guide.

3. Weight and Balance Calculations: Accurately use ForeFlight’s weight and balance feature, tailored for your helicopter, to ensure safety and compliance. This tool's specifics can be found in the Weight & Balance section.

4. Flight Hazard Assessment: Leverage ForeFlight’s hazard awareness capabilities such as terrain, obstacle, and traffic information systems, which are vital for low-flying helicopters. Explore these features in the Hazard Avoidance category.

5. Route Planning: Plan your route with attention to helicopter routes and landing zones, not just airports. ForeFlight provides detailed airspace and obstacle information which is essential for navigating urban and complex terrains. Learn about route planning at ForeFlight's Route Planning guide.

6. Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with ForeFlight's tools for emergency situations, including nearest landing spots and quick access to critical flight details. This aspect is discussed in various tutorials on the ForeFlight support page.

7. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with ForeFlight’s latest features and updates, as they frequently add new tools and functionalities that can further enhance flight safety and efficiency for helicopter pilots. Keep an eye on the ForeFlight blog for updates and tips.

By focusing on these areas, helicopter pilots can significantly enhance their flight planning process, leading to safer and more efficient flights.

How to Display Flight Planning (e.g., ForeFlight) Skills on Your Resume

6. Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) for a helicopter pilot refer to a set of regulations requiring pilots to operate and navigate the aircraft using cockpit instruments and navigation systems, rather than visual references outside the cockpit, typically used in conditions of poor visibility or inclement weather.

Why It's Important

IFR is important for helicopter pilots as it allows them to operate safely in poor visibility or cloud cover by relying on instruments for navigation and flight control, ensuring safety when visual references are not available.

How to Improve Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Skills

Improving Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) skills as a helicopter pilot involves focused practice, continuous learning, and the effective use of simulation and technology. Here’s a brief guide:

1. Simulator Training: Utilize flight simulators to practice IFR procedures in various weather conditions and emergency scenarios. It's cost-effective and risk-free. FAA on simulation

2. Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC): Regularly undergo IPCs with a certified instructor to sharpen your skills and address any weaknesses. FAA on IPC

3. Online Courses and Webinars: Engage in online IFR courses and webinars offered by reputable aviation training organizations. AOPA IFR resources

4. Aviation Apps: Use aviation apps that offer real-time weather updates, chart access, and flight planning tools to enhance situational awareness. ForeFlight

5. Mentorship: Connect with experienced IFR pilots or instructors who can provide insights, share experiences, and offer guidance.

6. Read and Study: Stay updated with the latest IFR regulations, procedures, and best practices by reading FAA handbooks and industry publications. FAA Handbooks

7. Join Pilot Communities: Participate in forums and social media groups focused on IFR flying to learn from the collective experience of the community.

By integrating these strategies into your training regimen, you can significantly enhance your IFR proficiency as a helicopter pilot.

How to Display Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Skills on Your Resume

7. Visual Flight Rules (VFR)

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for a helicopter pilot refer to a set of regulations under which a pilot operates the helicopter by visual reference to the environment, maintaining clear visibility and distance from clouds to ensure safe flight.

Why It's Important

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) are important for a helicopter pilot because they enable safe navigation and operation by relying on visual cues to maintain spatial orientation, avoid obstacles, and ensure separation from other aircraft, particularly in unpredictable or complex environments.

How to Improve Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Skills

Improving Visual Flight Rules (VFR) skills for a helicopter pilot involves enhancing situational awareness, weather knowledge, and navigation proficiency. Here's a concise guide:

1. Enhance Situational Awareness: Constantly scan the environment, use all available resources (e.g., GPS, visual landmarks) to maintain awareness of your position and potential hazards. FAA Safety Team.

2. Weather Knowledge: Improve your understanding of weather patterns and learn to interpret weather reports and forecasts accurately. This is crucial for VFR flying. National Weather Service Aviation Weather.

3. Navigation Skills: Practice using both visual landmarks and navigation instruments to maintain orientation. Familiarize yourself with VFR sectional charts. SkyVector for online charts.

4. Flight Planning: Always prepare a thorough flight plan, considering alternate routes and emergency landing zones. AOPA's Flight Planner.

5. Practice Emergency Procedures: Regularly practice emergency procedures for different scenarios to ensure readiness for unexpected situations. Helicopter Association International Safety.

6. Continuous Learning: Stay informed about the latest VFR guidelines and techniques through courses and materials. FAA Wings Program.

By focusing on these areas, helicopter pilots can significantly improve their VFR flying skills, enhancing safety and efficiency during flights.

How to Display Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Skills on Your Resume

8. Crew Resource Management

Crew Resource Management (CRM) for a helicopter pilot involves utilizing all available resources - equipment, procedures, and people - effectively and safely to enhance decision-making, communication, and risk management during flight operations.

Why It's Important

Crew Resource Management (CRM) is crucial for helicopter pilots as it enhances safety by improving communication, decision-making, and teamwork among crew members, reducing the risk of human error in complex, dynamic flight environments.

How to Improve Crew Resource Management Skills

To improve Crew Resource Management (CRM) as a helicopter pilot, focus on the following key areas:

1. Communication: Ensure clear, concise, and assertive communication with all crew members. Practice active listening and encourage feedback. FAA Communication Strategies

2. Situational Awareness: Constantly assess and understand your environment, flight conditions, and crew status to make informed decisions. Enhancing Situational Awareness

3. Decision Making: Employ a structured approach to decision-making that involves evaluating options, risks, and implications. Encourage crew input to leverage diverse perspectives. Decision Making in Aviation

4. Leadership: Exhibit strong leadership skills by setting clear expectations, leading by example, and fostering a positive team culture. Leadership and Team Behavior in High Workload Situations

5. Adaptability/Flexibility: Be prepared to adapt to changing situations and unexpected events. Flexibility in plans and approaches ensures resilience and safety. Adaptability in CRM

6. Conflict Resolution: Address and resolve conflicts swiftly to maintain team cohesion and focus on the mission. Conflict Resolution Techniques

Continual training and practice in these areas, along with participating in CRM training sessions and workshops, will significantly enhance CRM skills.

How to Display Crew Resource Management Skills on Your Resume

9. Risk Assessment

Risk assessment for a helicopter pilot involves systematically identifying, analyzing, and evaluating potential hazards and safety risks associated with flight operations to implement measures that minimize dangers to crew, passengers, and the aircraft.

Why It's Important

Risk assessment is crucial for a helicopter pilot as it helps identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential safety hazards, ensuring the well-being of crew and passengers and the successful completion of the flight mission.

How to Improve Risk Assessment Skills

Improving risk assessment for a helicopter pilot involves several key steps, focusing on enhancing situational awareness, continuous learning, and adopting a proactive safety culture. Here's a concise guide:

1. Enhance Situational Awareness: Always stay informed about weather conditions, NOTAMs, and terrain. Use resources like the FAA Weather Camera Service for real-time visuals.

2. Continuous Training: Regularly participate in flight simulation training and emergency procedure drills. The FAA Safety Team offers valuable resources and training sessions.

3. Use of Risk Assessment Tools: Implement standardized risk assessment tools like the Helicopter Association International’s pre-flight risk assessment checklist to evaluate potential hazards systematically.

4. Maintenance Checks: Ensure thorough pre-flight inspections and adherence to maintenance schedules. The Helicopter Maintenance Magazine provides insights and best practices.

5. Learn from Incidents: Analyze and learn from past incidents. The NTSB Aviation Accident Database is a comprehensive resource for studying aviation safety incidents.

By integrating these practices into daily operations, helicopter pilots can significantly improve their risk assessment capabilities, enhancing overall safety and operational efficiency.

How to Display Risk Assessment Skills on Your Resume

10. Night Vision (e.g., ANVIS)

Night Vision, such as ANVIS (Aviator's Night Vision Imaging System), is technology used by helicopter pilots to enhance visibility in low-light conditions or darkness. It amplifies available light (including infrared) to create a clearer image of the environment, aiding in navigation and obstacle avoidance during night flights.

Why It's Important

Night Vision Systems (e.g., ANVIS) are crucial for helicopter pilots because they significantly enhance visibility in low-light conditions, enabling safer navigation and mission execution during nighttime operations.

How to Improve Night Vision (e.g., ANVIS) Skills

Improving Night Vision (ANVIS) for helicopter pilots involves both equipment enhancements and personal adjustments. Here are concise strategies:

1. Equipment Calibration and Adjustment: Regularly calibrate and adjust the Aviator's Night Vision Imaging System (ANVIS) to match specific mission requirements and personal comfort. Ensure the helmet and mount are correctly fitted to maintain the optimal line of sight and reduce neck strain. FAA Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Operations.

2. Environmental Adaptation: Adapt to low-light environments by allowing eyes to adjust naturally to darkness before using night vision goggles (NVGs). This physiological adjustment enhances the effectiveness of ANVIS by improving the pilot's natural night vision alongside technological assistance. Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate - U.S. Army.

3. Regular Maintenance and Updates: Ensure that ANVIS goggles are regularly maintained and updated with the latest technology and software. This might include upgrading image intensifier tubes or incorporating digital enhancements to improve image quality and clarity under various operational conditions. ANVIS Maintenance - Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.

4. Training and Simulation: Participate in night flight simulation training to improve familiarity with ANVIS under various scenarios. Continuous training helps in refining the skills needed to interpret night vision imagery effectively and react to real-world conditions swiftly. U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence.

5. Health and Wellness: Maintain good eye health and overall physical condition. Proper diet, hydration, and rest can significantly impact night vision capabilities. Avoid substances that impair vision or cognitive function before flying. FAA Pilot Safety Brochure - Vision in Flight.

By focusing on these areas, helicopter pilots can enhance their use of ANVIS, ensuring safer and more effective operations during night flights.

How to Display Night Vision (e.g., ANVIS) Skills on Your Resume

11. Turbine Engines (e.g., Rolls-Royce M250)

The Rolls-Royce M250 is a turboshaft engine used in helicopters, transforming fuel energy into mechanical power by compressing and igniting air/fuel mixture to spin a turbine connected to the rotor blades, providing lift and thrust.

Why It's Important

Turbine engines, like the Rolls-Royce M250, are crucial for helicopter pilots because they provide high power-to-weight ratios, enabling greater payload capacity, reliability in various flight conditions, and efficient fuel consumption for extended range and endurance.

How to Improve Turbine Engines (e.g., Rolls-Royce M250) Skills

Improving turbine engines, such as the Rolls-Royce M250, for helicopter pilots involves focusing on efficiency, reliability, and power-to-weight ratio. Here are concise strategies:

1. Enhance Thermal Efficiency: Utilize advanced materials like ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) to withstand higher temperatures and reduce cooling requirements, thereby improving engine efficiency.

2. Incorporate Advanced Aerodynamics: Implement blisk technology for compressor stages to reduce weight and enhance aerodynamics, resulting in lower fuel consumption.

3. Adopt Digital Engine Control Systems: Use Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC) to optimize engine performance in real-time, ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability.

4. Implement Predictive Maintenance: Leverage machine learning and data analytics for predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime and extending engine life.

5. Focus on Noise Reduction: Integrate advanced noise reduction technologies such as optimized blade spacing and active noise cancellation to enhance pilot and passenger comfort.

By focusing on these areas, enhancements in turbine engine performance, efficiency, and reliability can be achieved, directly benefiting helicopter pilots in their operations.

How to Display Turbine Engines (e.g., Rolls-Royce M250) Skills on Your Resume

12. Hoist Operations

Hoist operations for a helicopter pilot involve using a cable and winch system to lift and lower personnel or cargo while the helicopter is in hover, often used for rescue missions, cargo delivery, or personnel deployment in areas where landing is not possible.

Why It's Important

Hoist operations are crucial for helicopter pilots as they enable precise, vertical lift and placement of loads or personnel in environments where landing is impossible, ensuring safe, efficient rescue, and cargo handling in diverse and challenging situations.

How to Improve Hoist Operations Skills

Improving hoist operations, especially for helicopter pilots, involves enhancing safety, efficiency, and communication. Here are concise strategies:

1. Regular Training and Simulation: Continuously update skills through regular training sessions and realistic simulations that cover various scenarios, including emergency situations.

2. Pre-mission Planning: Conduct thorough pre-mission planning, including weather checks, equipment inspection, and clear definition of roles and responsibilities.

3. Effective Communication: Establish clear and effective communication protocols between the crew, including the use of standard terminology and hand signals.

4. Equipment Maintenance: Ensure rigorous maintenance of hoisting equipment, checking for any wear and tear and ensuring all components function correctly before each mission.

5. Safety First Approach: Prioritize safety by adhering to established safety guidelines and procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment and conducting risk assessments before operations.

By focusing on these areas, helicopter pilots can significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of hoist operations.

How to Display Hoist Operations Skills on Your Resume