Helicopter pilots fly helicopters to perform specified tasks and can be sent to any nook and cranny in the world. Helicopter pilots perform a variety of specialized tasks, including:
- Agriculture
- Criminal Tracking
- Emergency Medical Services
- Firefighting
- Game Capture
- Private Service
- Search and Rescue
- Test Piloting
- Traffic Reporting
- Transporting People or Cargo
- Utility Support
All pilots are responsible for planning out flights, including selecting a route, speed, and flying altitude. They also check that cargo is properly loaded and engines, instruments, and controls are in good working condition. Take offs and landings are the most dangerous and require the most attention, although while flying, helicopter pilots must remain on high alert for obstacles, such as bridges, trees, power lines, towers, and other things that could cause a crash.
Pilots held nearly 106,000 jobs in 2004, the majority of whom worked for commercial airlines. Employment of pilots is expected to increase at an average pace through 2014. In 2004, median annual salaries for commercial pilots were $53,870. Hours can be long and varied and overnight travel is frequent.
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