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Helicopter pilot vs co pilot

The differences between helicopter pilots and co pilots can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a helicopter pilot and a co pilot. Additionally, a co pilot has an average salary of $93,703, which is higher than the $89,418 average annual salary of a helicopter pilot.

The top three skills for a helicopter pilot include FAA, PIC and pilot-in-command. The most important skills for a co pilot are FAA, PIC, and flight operations.

Helicopter pilot vs co pilot overview

Helicopter PilotCo Pilot
Yearly salary$89,418$93,703
Hourly rate$42.99$45.05
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs4,0547,852
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

Helicopter pilot vs co pilot salary

Helicopter pilots and co pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.

Helicopter PilotCo Pilot
Average salary$89,418$93,703
Salary rangeBetween $62,000 And $128,000Between $72,000 And $121,000
Highest paying CitySanta Rosa, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyBrainerd Chemical Co-
Best paying industryTransportation-

Differences between helicopter pilot and co pilot education

There are a few differences between a helicopter pilot and a co pilot in terms of educational background:

Helicopter PilotCo Pilot
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorAviationAviation
Most common collegeUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignSUNY Farmingdale

Helicopter pilot vs co pilot demographics

Here are the differences between helicopter pilots' and co pilots' demographics:

Helicopter PilotCo Pilot
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 94.5% Female, 5.5%Male, 83.8% Female, 16.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Asian, 2.7% White, 82.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Asian, 2.7% White, 82.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between helicopter pilot and co pilot duties and responsibilities

Helicopter pilot example responsibilities.

  • Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
  • Train in robinson r22 and r44
  • Ensure compliance with all OSHA and EPA regulations.
  • Operate in IFR and marginal weather conditions between multiple states.
  • Maintain program compliance with OSHA, DOD, and other local agencies as required by regulations.
  • Ferry and sightseeing flights done at request of management in accordance with 14 CFR part 91.
  • Show more

Co pilot example responsibilities.

  • Lead performance analysis, plan test sequences, document test details, and liaise with engineers and FAA representatives.
  • Operate company-owned aircraft in compliance with all FAA regulations and international procedures.
  • Assist with all aspects of administration, logistics and equipment inventory, ensuring successful financial execution.
  • Conduct pilot proficiency and standardization evaluations in both A320 aircraft and simulator.

Helicopter pilot vs co pilot skills

Common helicopter pilot skills
  • FAA, 18%
  • PIC, 18%
  • Pilot-In-Command, 17%
  • IFR, 7%
  • Combat, 6%
  • Helicopter Operations, 5%
Common co pilot skills
  • FAA, 44%
  • PIC, 40%
  • Flight Operations, 8%
  • SIC, 3%
  • ISR, 2%
  • Corporate Aircraft, 1%

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