A day in the life of a helicopter pilot is anything but average. Just ask
John Bradbury, a freelance helicopter pilot. "I've been 200 miles out
to sea in the middle of the night to MedEvac badly injured people off of a
ship. I've also transported pregnant women to hospitals from remote villages
and have worked in the military with special units for hostage rescue and
VIP protection."
Bradbury's hours are long -- you go where the work is. And when the
conditions are right, that's when you fly.
"In the summer, it's sunup to sundown, generally a maximum of 15-hour
workdays, and in the winter, eight-hour workdays. We make most of our money
in summer," he says. "You have to be ready to travel anywhere and be away
from home for long periods at first. Also, it is hard to have a normal family
life until you've built up experience and can be picky about the jobs
you take."
But there are some lighter sides to the job: "I have given Santa rides
to Christmas parties!"
Bradbury is passionate about his job because there's always a different
challenge daily. "I'd encourage others to be a helicopter pilot if they
want a job that is very interesting, challenging, and is always changing."
Although the hours can be long and the work can be challenging physically
and mentally, the lure of the sky beckons and there's always another
new, exciting job around the corner. Bradbury relishes the fond memories he's
garnered so far: "All the people I've met and the fun I had working all
over the world. It's given me an appreciation for how lucky we are to
live in a country that is peaceful and has so much."
American pilot Leroy Tatom has had brushes with adventure, as well. "In
May of 1993 I participated in the rescue of a couple from the top of their
van which was stalled in high water. We tied a rope to the skids of the helicopter
and lowered it down to them. We picked them up one at a time and flew them
to a dry area nearby.
"It offers a lot of variety. I don't know from day to day where I'll
be going or what I'll be seeing. I get a chance to fly all over the state
and see things most people don't get to see and do." Tatom encourages
others to become helicopter pilots because helicopters are more versatile
than fixed-wing aircraft.
"They can land just about anywhere and fly at a wide range of speeds. They
can do more than fly from point A to point B."
But there are also humorous adventures to be had in a helicopter. Pilot-reporter
Joy Keishian would tell her grandchildren of the times during traffic reports
when landings were scheduled for a meal of coffee and biscuits at McDonald's!
Although some think piloting a helicopter is a glamorous job, it requires
long days and good physical health. Keishian ranks 15-hour days as the norm,
not the exception.
Unpleasant weather conditions can make flights uncomfortable, too. Keishian
has had some cool experiences -- literally!
"One morning I did a three-hour shift in a helicopter whose heater wasn't
working. It was three degrees outside," she says. "You have to get the job
done despite the adverse conditions."
Because of the nature of the job, you can't count on a set schedule
-- this is the kind of job that can take you anywhere at any time. You never
know when the call will come.
"If you want to be with your family at dinner and on every holiday, then
you may not want flying as a career," says Keishian. "Flying jobs are on call,
and for the most part, your life isn't your own. You work exclusively
for the needs of someone else's schedule."
Evaluation, says Keishian, is the key. "You should evaluate your goals,
desires and requirements for your life. If you want to live in a $2-million
home with a pool and luxury cars, then this career might not get you there.
But if you're an individualist, an independent and adventurous soul,
then flying might be what the doctor ordered!
"Passion in flying comes because it is a surreal experience that most of
mankind never gets to experience. Those who fly get a perspective
of our planet and our universe in a way that groundlings never get to savor."