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:
| Starting | $21.81 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $33.15 |
| Top | $52.04 |
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
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 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.
Helicopters are used to:
Helicopter pilots’ duties and working conditions can vary a lot from one job to another. In general, they:
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.
Good eyesight is needed to scan the instrument panel and navigate the helicopter.
Helicopter pilots who work in remote areas often are away from home for long periods. Sometimes they work in severe weather. Their work hours can be irregular. Some days they may be on call.
They often load and unload cargo. The work can be stressful. Some clients can be difficult. Flying requires constant alertness. Flight schedules can be tight with deadlines.
Helicopter pilots need to possess:
They should enjoy:
Helicopter pilots must be licensed by Transport Canada. The 100-hour course leading to a Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence takes 3 to 6 months. Costs range from $50,000 to $86,000 depending on the type of helicopter used for training. The cost of a 60-hour course for a helicopter endorsement can be less. This is for candidates who already have a Commercial Fixed Wing Licence.
A high school diploma is a definite asset but not required. Applicants for a commercial licence must be at least 18 years old. Some trainers prefer trainees to be older. Applicants must be able to read and write in English. Student pilots are required to pass a Transport Canada aviation language test (in English or French), written exam and flight test. They must also pass a Transport Canada Category 1 Aviation Medical exam (administered by a doctor who is certified by Transport Canada). This medical exam confirms fitness to fly and is required to be a commercial helicopter pilot.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. However, helicopter pilots must be licensed by Transport Canada.
Some helicopter pilots work full time. Others work on a seasonal basis from spring until fall. They may work on a contract basis.
Helicopter pilots are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2271: Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the Transportation and Warehousing [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the C171: Air Pilots, Flight Engineers and Flying Instructors occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.9% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 57 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
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.
Salaries may be higher working in logging or heli-skiing.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $12.20 | $47.09 | $21.81 | $19.23 |
| Overall | $23.22 | $62.50 | $33.15 | $28.87 |
| Top | $28.85 | $75.00 | $52.04 | $50.00 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Public Administration | $104,882 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $64,265 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $62,736 |
| Educational Services | $42,816 |
Transport Canada website: www.tc.gc.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. 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.