Day in the Life of a Helicopter Pilot

Feb 21, 2019 | Liberty, The Helicopter Company News & Events

Flying a helicopter is a dream come true. While piloting a helicopter over New York City is a lot of fun, it also comes with the tremendous responsibility of making sure that safety is always the highest priority. Our helicopter pilots are all highly trained and they love being able to guide customers through one of the most amazing events of their life. To help you get to know your helicopter tour pilot, here is an idea of what they do every day to make your aerial adventure extra special.

Assess the Manhattan Flying Conditions

Our helicopter tours fly specific routes that are all approved by the FAA. Our pilots must stay aware of the current flight conditions before each flight since they can change within minutes. Before every flight, pilots get a weather briefing and try to anticipate potential issues that could occur during the flight so they can make the proper preparations. Occasionally, pilots have to make judgment calls regarding inclement weather that limits visibility, requiring them to delay the flight or reschedule.  

Pre-Flight Helicopter Preparations

The majority of the safety checks of the helicopter are performed by on-ground members of the flight team that includes professional mechanics and inspectors. However, pilots still check to make sure that all of the visible components of their aircraft are in working order. Your pilot will also receive a passenger manifest that helps them ensure the helicopter is loaded properly. Just before takeoff, they’ll introduce themselves and get an idea of how they can make your flight truly special like pointing out your child’s favorite building.

Play the Part of a Perfect On Air Tour Guide

With all of the critical safety tasks out of the way, your pilot now gets to move into the best part of their day. All our pilots love having the chance to show off New York City, and they view it as an honor to get to play this important role in your experience. As your pilot shares fun facts and laughs you’ll understand why this is why they do what they do every day.

The life of a helicopter pilot may mean going to bed early and waking up before the sunrise, but there is nothing better than watching the sense of amazement on people’s faces as they see New York from an entirely new perspective.