Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Helicopter Co-Pilot

💰 $75,000 - $120,000

AviationFlight OperationsTransportationAerospace

🎯 Role Definition

The Helicopter Co-pilot, formally known as the Second-in-Command (SIC), is an integral member of the flight crew, playing a critical and collaborative role in the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft. Working in direct partnership with the Pilot-in-Command (PIC), the Co-pilot is responsible for a wide range of duties that extend beyond simply flying the helicopter. This position requires a high level of technical proficiency, strong judgment, and a proactive commitment to Crew Resource Management (CRM). The Co-pilot actively participates in all phases of flight—from detailed pre-flight planning and inspections to in-flight navigation and systems monitoring, through to post-flight procedures—ensuring that every mission is conducted in full compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations and company policies, all while upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • FAA Certified Flight Instructor - Helicopter (CFI/CFII)
  • Recently transitioned Military Aviator (e.g., Army, Navy, Coast Guard)
  • Commercial Helicopter Pilot with accumulated flight experience in tours or utility work

Advancement To:

  • Helicopter Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
  • Chief Pilot or Assistant Chief Pilot
  • Check Airman / Flight Instructor (company-level)

Lateral Moves:

  • Aviation Safety Officer / Manager
  • Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Act as Second-in-Command (SIC) during flight operations, providing crucial support to the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) in all phases of flight to ensure mission accomplishment and the highest standards of safety.
  • Diligently conduct comprehensive pre-flight inspections on the aircraft, including airframe, engines, rotor systems, and avionics, in accordance with the aircraft flight manual (AFM) and company standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Assist in calculating aircraft weight and balance, performance data, and fuel requirements to ensure all flights operate well within the prescribed limits of the aircraft's operational envelope.
  • Manage and operate the aircraft's navigation and communication systems, maintaining clear and professional contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC), company dispatch, and other aircraft.
  • Continuously monitor all aircraft systems, instruments, and radios during flight, promptly identifying and communicating any potential abnormalities or malfunctions to the PIC.
  • Expertly handle the flight controls as directed by the PIC, demonstrating smooth and precise control of the aircraft during various maneuvers and flight regimes.
  • Maintain vigilant situational awareness of other air traffic, terrain, and weather conditions, utilizing all available resources, including visual scanning and onboard avionics, to mitigate risks.
  • Thoroughly review and interpret weather reports, forecasts, and NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) to assist the PIC in making sound go/no-go and in-flight diversion decisions.
  • Execute and manage checklists and standard operating procedures for normal, abnormal, and emergency situations in a calm, methodical, and disciplined manner.
  • Participate actively in Crew Resource Management (CRM) by fostering an environment of open communication, questioning actions when necessary, and providing constructive feedback to the crew.
  • Professionally brief passengers on safety procedures, emergency exits, and in-flight protocols to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the duration of the flight.
  • Maintain the official flight log, navigation log, and any other required flight documentation with meticulous accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Ensure the aircraft is properly equipped for a given mission, verifying that all necessary survival gear, medical equipment, or role-specific tools are onboard and serviceable.
  • Assist the PIC in navigating complex airspace, adhering to all clearances and instructions while utilizing VFR/IFR charts and modern navigation aids.
  • Maintain strict currency in all required training, including annual flight reviews, instrument proficiency checks, and company-specific recurrent training for aircraft and mission profiles.
  • Adhere to a sterile cockpit environment during critical phases of flight, minimizing distractions and focusing exclusively on flight-related duties.
  • Manage the Flight Management System (FMS) and autopilot, programming flight plans, and monitoring the aircraft's automated flight path as delegated by the PIC.
  • Take primary responsibility for radio communications, allowing the PIC to focus on aircraft control, especially in high-workload environments like IFR approaches or emergency situations.
  • Perform post-flight inspections to identify any discrepancies or maintenance issues, and accurately document findings in the aircraft's maintenance log for the engineering team.
  • Uphold a professional demeanor and appearance at all times, serving as a positive representative of the company to clients, passengers, and external partners.
  • Contribute to a robust safety culture by proactively identifying potential hazards, submitting safety reports, and participating in safety meetings and initiatives.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with ground handling of the helicopter, including directing aircraft repositioning, participating in refueling operations, and securing the aircraft post-flight.
  • Maintain the cleanliness and professional appearance of the aircraft's cockpit and cabin, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all occupants.
  • Support administrative duties related to flight operations, such as filing flight plans, updating aircraft manuals, and managing subscription databases for avionics.
  • Participate in company-sponsored professional development programs to continuously enhance aviation knowledge, skills, and understanding of industry best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • FAA Commercial Helicopter Certificate with Instrument Rating.
  • Current FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate (First-Class preferred).
  • Proficiency in operating advanced avionics suites and glass cockpits (e.g., Garmin G1000/G5000, Helionix).
  • Thorough knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), specifically Part 91 and/or Part 135.
  • Competency in flight planning software and Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) applications.
  • Strong understanding of helicopter aerodynamics, systems, and performance limitations.
  • Experience and proficiency in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations in a crew environment.
  • Skill in calculating helicopter performance, weight, and balance manually and with software.
  • Ability to interpret complex aviation weather reports, charts, and forecasts.
  • Experience in Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations (highly desirable for EMS/SAR roles).

Soft Skills

  • Superior Crew Resource Management (CRM) and teamwork abilities.
  • Exceptional situational awareness and the capacity to process multiple information streams.
  • Decisive and calm under pressure, with robust problem-solving capabilities.
  • Excellent, clear, and concise verbal and written communication skills.
  • A high degree of self-discipline, professionalism, and personal integrity.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to handle changing schedules and dynamic operational environments.
  • A proactive and assertive approach to safety and operational matters.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aviation Management
  • Aeronautical Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

A candidate for this role typically possesses between 500 and 1,500 total flight hours as a helicopter pilot. Specifics often include a minimum of 100 hours of turbine helicopter time and 50 hours of actual or simulated instrument time.

Preferred:

We look for candidates who have experience that aligns with our specific operational needs. This could include prior experience in the specific aircraft type we operate (e.g., Airbus H145, Bell 429), or a background in a particular mission profile, such as Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA), offshore oil and gas support, or utility/long-line work. An Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate is highly advantageous.

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