Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Working Life

Helicopter pilots operate the controls to fly a helicopter. Before taking off it is their responsibility to study the flight plan, the weather conditions and to familiarise themselves with any airspace restrictions that may be in place. They also have to calculate fuel requirements and supervise refueling. During the flight the monitor the equipment and remain in radio contact with air traffic control. 

After landing they must complete their duty hours and flight log books.

Work can be varied and at times stressful. Duties can include emergency ambulance work, search and rescue or ferrying workers to and from off shore installations.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Use instrumentation to pilot aircraft when visibility is poor.
• Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight according to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
• Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
• Check aircraft prior to flights to ensure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly.
• Consider airport altitudes, outside temperatures, plane weights, and wind speeds and directions to calculate the speed needed to become airborne.
• Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
• Obtain and review data such as load weights, fuel supplies, weather conditions, and flight schedules to determine flight plans and identify needed changes.
• File instrument flight plans with air traffic control so that flights can be coordinated with other air traffic.
• Check baggage or cargo to ensure that it has been loaded correctly.
• Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.

Further Information

• Helicopter Pilot- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

There are many pathways into a carer as a Helicopter Pilot. Entrants sometimes hold a relevant degree in an area such as: engineering; mathematics; computing; aeronautical or meteorological engineering or physics.

Across Europe, all pilots are required to be licensed by the Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) before being able to fly or command an aircraft. In Ireland JAA licences are issued and enforced by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). 

To work as a professional pilot you must have:

• A commercial pilot's licence (helicopter) CPL-(H) which is only achieved through courses at an Irish Aviation Approved Training Organisation (ATO). A list of ATOs is available here.
• You must also pass a medical exam.
• You must complete relevant training hours & competencies in flight, safety checks, and  & navigation, in line with Irish Aviation authority 'How to become a pilot' 

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €70k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Erieri/ Jobted/ Salary expert/ Talent

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Marine and waterways transport operatives, Air transport operatives, Rail transport operatives, Bus and coach drivers, Train and tram drivers, Van drivers, Other drivers and transport operatives n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Van and bus/coach drivers account for the largest share of employment within this occupational group. Employment growth was above average, primarily related to growth between 2018 and 2019; employment levels in 2023 were broadly in line with levels in 2021. The new quota for employment permits for bus/coach drivers in December 2022 resulted in 216 new permits issued in 2023.

There was a relatively high share of vacancies advertised through DSP for bus and coach drivers and Skills for Growth data noted issues with recruiting bus drivers. With over a third aged 55 years and older, openings may be more frequent in coming years due to replacement demand. The NTA and operators have engaged in extensive recruitment campaigns and open days recently along with introducing an employee referral programme. Despite this, shortages of bus and coach drivers persists.

• Irish Aviation Authority

  • The Times Building, 11-12 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2
  • +353 1 603 1100
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• British Helicopter Association

  • Graham Suite, West Entrance, Fairoaks Airport, Chobham, Woking, Surrey GU24 8HX, UK
  • + 44 1276 856 100
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here