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Pilot
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Helicopters are used to:
Flying a helicopter involves both the hands and feet. The right hand controls the direction of flight. The left hand controls altitude. Foot pedals point the helicopter in the right direction.
Helicopter pilots need good eyesight to scan the instrument panel and navigate the helicopter. To navigate, they use:
While flying helicopters, pilots stay in contact with other aircraft and NAV CANADA. NAV CANADA manages Canadian airspace and provides information including weather updates.
Helicopter pilots’ duties can vary a lot from one job to another. They:
Helicopter pilots may also need to manage job logistics such as:
Helicopter pilots can work in urban or remote areas, including offshore. Those who work in remote areas often are away from home for long periods. Sometimes they work in severe weather.
Some days they may be on call. In some industries, such as fire rescue, work hours can be irregular. Other industries have set schedules, allowing pilots to have regular hours.
Some helicopter pilots work full time. Others work on a seasonal basis from spring until fall. They may work on a contract basis.
They often load and unload cargo. The work can be stressful. Flying requires constant alertness. Flight schedules can be tight with pickup or delivery deadlines.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in driving - operating fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to provide services such as search-and-rescue operations, aerial surveying and spraying and crop dusting
Interest in analyzing information to test new aircraft to evaluate performance
Interest in speaking with crews to direct their activities during flights as captain or co-pilot and in performing captain's duties as first officer, if required; in training other pilots on new equipment, and in preparing them for examinations to validate and upgrade existing licences
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Helicopter pilots need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 83 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 04, 2022 and Jul 07, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Fly fixed wing aircrafts or helicopters | 69 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 50 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 49 |
| Tasks: Maintain communications with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters and respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions | 49 |
| Work Site Environment: Commercial aviation | 48 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 46 |
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Commercial Pilot Licence - fixed wing | 46 |
| Tasks: Co-ordinate flight activities with ground crews and air-traffic control, inform crew members of flight and test procedures and direct activities of aircraft crew during flights | 45 |
| Tasks: Conduct in-flight tests and monitor functioning of aircraft equipment and systems during flights | 45 |
| Construction Specialization: Judgement | 44 |
A high school diploma is not required. However, employers consider it a definite asset.
Helicopter pilots must be licensed by the Government of Canada. The 100-hour course leading to a Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopter takes 3 to 6 months. Costs range from $50,000 to $86,000 depending on the type of helicopter used for training.
Persons holding a Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane can complete a 60-hour course. The cost of this helicopter endorsement course is usually less than the 100-hour course.
For a list of flight schools in Alberta, visit the Government of Canada website.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Helicopter pilots must be licensed by the Government of Canada. To qualify, applicants must:
Persons who hold other licences such as Private Pilot Licence - Helicopter or Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane have reduced training hour and flight time requirements.
For detailed information, visit the Government of Canada website.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
The job market for new helicopter pilots can be difficult. New pilots will log 100 hours by the time they finish training. This means all new pilots start at the same level.
It can take up to 3 years to complete the first 500 hours. As pilots gain more flight hours, they become more employable. Every added 500 hours can open opportunities in other industries.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
2016 NOC: 2271
81.6% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is generally low in this occupation but is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
New helicopter pilots generally enter higher pay brackets after 5 years. Salaries may be higher working in logging or heli-skiing.
Helicopter pilots are part of the larger 2021 National Occupational Classification 72600: Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors.
According to the 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors occupational group earned on average from $34.65 to $71.93 an hour. The overall average was $51.39 an hour. For more information, see the Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors wage profile.
Aviation, Government of Canada website: tc.canada.ca/en/aviation
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
