Helicopter Pilot

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

comprehensive medical aid

retirement savings plan

generous annual leave

type ratings & advanced pilot training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an accomplished Helicopter Pilot to join its Upington operations in the Northern Cape. The role requires extensive flight hours, a current CPL with a helicopter rating, and an Instrument Rating, with emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance.

You will lead diverse missions from aerial surveying to EMS and utility support. The ideal candidate has 1500+ total hours (1000 PIC), relevant type ratings, and a proven track record of safe operations.

Qualifications

• A valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with a Helicopter rating issued by SACAA or equivalent.
• Minimum 1500 total flight hours, with at least 1000 hours PIC.
• Specific type ratings and experience for fleet (e.g., Bell 206, AS350) advantageous.
• Instrument Rating (IR) required.
• Proven experience in operations relevant to service offerings (e.g., survey, EMS, utility).
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of aviation regulations, meteorology, and navigation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent health and ability to pass a Class 1 Medical examination.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Pilot helicopters safely and efficiently in accordance with flight regulations and policies.
• Conduct pre-flight inspections of aircraft, systems, and equipment.
• Plan flight routes considering weather, terrain, and operational requirements.
• Operate aircraft systems and equipment during flight.
• Maintain situational awareness and respond to changing conditions.
• Communicate effectively with air traffic control, ground crew, and passengers.
• Perform specialized operations as required (e.g., winching, sling loads, EMS).
• Maintain accurate flight logs and records.
• Adhere to safety management systems and participate in recurrent training.

Skills

Decision-making

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier provider of specialized helicopter services, is seeking an accomplished and safety-focused Helicopter Pilot to join their esteemed team in Upington, Northern Cape . This role demands exceptional piloting skills, a strong commitment to safety protocols, and the ability to operate in diverse and often challenging environments. You will be responsible for conducting a range of operations, which may include but are not limited to, aerial surveying, cargo transport, emergency medical services, or utility support. The ideal candidate will possess extensive flight hours, a current commercial helicopter pilot license with relevant ratings, and a proven track record of safe and efficient operations. Our client is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of aviation excellence and offers a dynamic work environment. This is a unique opportunity for a skilled pilot to contribute to critical operations in the Upington, Northern Cape region and beyond. You will be an integral part of a professional team, operating state-of-the-art helicopters. Our client supports continuous professional development and opportunities for type ratings on various helicopter platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Pilot helicopters safely and efficiently in accordance with all flight regulations and company policies.
• Conduct pre-flight inspections, including checks of the aircraft, systems, and equipment.
• Plan flight routes and itineraries, considering weather conditions, terrain, and operational requirements.
• Operate aircraft systems and equipment effectively during flight.
• Maintain situational awareness at all times and respond appropriately to changing conditions.
• Communicate effectively with air traffic control, ground crew, and passengers.
• Perform specialized flight operations as required by the mission profile (e.g., winching, slinging, medical evacuations).
• Maintain accurate flight logs and records.
• Ensure adherence to all safety management system procedures.
• Participate in recurrent training and skill development programs.

Requirements

• A valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with a Helicopter rating, issued by the SACAA or an equivalent authority.
• Minimum of 1500 total flight hours, with at least 1000 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
• Specific type ratings and experience relevant to the company's fleet (e.g., Bell 206, AS350) are highly advantageous.
• Instrument Rating (IR) is required.
• Proven experience in operations relevant to the company's service offerings (e.g., survey, EMS, utility).
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of aviation regulations, meteorology, and navigation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent health and ability to pass a Class 1 Medical examination.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package for this role based in Upington, Northern Cape , commensurate with experience and flight hours.

• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a retirement savings plan, and generous annual leave.
• Opportunities for type ratings and advanced pilot training are provided, fostering career growth.
• Our client is committed to a strong safety culture and provides a professional, supportive work environment in Upington, Northern Cape .

This role offers the excitement of piloting advanced helicopters and contributing to vital services.