Meet Lee, who's a HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) pilot for North West Air Ambulance. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.
The first time I went in the helicopter as a passenger, I knew that it was a career I wanted to pursue.
- Lee's job is to provide a quick mode of transport for medics to get to emergency call-outs. The helicopter can save precious time in reaching a patient, giving them a better chance of a positive outcome
- From the first time he went in a helicopter as a passenger, Lee knew that being a pilot was the career he wanted
- One of the biggest challenges is finding areas that are big and safe enough to land the helicopter to get the medics as close to the patient as possible
- Becoming a pilot is a challenging path but Lee believes it is possible if you have the determination.
What to expect if you want to be a helicopter pilot
- Helicopter pilot average salary: 拢25,000 to 拢45,000 per year
- Helicopter pilot typical working hours: 39 to 41 hours per week
What qualifications do you need to be a helicopter pilot?
You could get into this role via a university course or specialist courses run by private training organisations.
You could also join the , or as a trainee pilot.
Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service
This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.
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