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A career flying off-shore oil support helicopters can be filled with excitement and challenge. Off shore oil support flying refers to flying in support of the oil and gas industries. Off shore helicopter pilots transport equipment and personnel to and from oil rigs from strategically located shore bases. Off- shore flying is the biggest employer of helicopter pilots worldwide and as the need for energy increases the need for more pilots to support the energy industry will also increase.
The major areas for off shore helicopter operations in the United States are the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska but many regions of the world have off shore rigs operating and use helicopters for support. A wide variety of different helicopters are used to include Bell 407s, Sikorsky S-76s, Eurocopter EC-135s, Bell 430s and the new Sikorsky S-92.
Off shore helicopter operators on the US Gulf Coast typically operate under VMC (visual meteorological conditions) while those in Alaska spend a lot of time operating under IMC (instrument meteorological conditions). If you want to do this type of flying as a career you're entering at a good time.
There is currently a lack of pilots that is only going to widen as increasing numbers of veteran pilots retire. This pilot benefits the pilots in many ways. First it allows pilots to be more particular when choosing a company to work for. Second it puts upward pressure on salaries, raises, bonuses, and benefits in order to attract and retain qualified pilots. Third it forces employers to improve working conditions particularly at shore bases where pilots spend most of their time when not flying.
Presently, at least in the Gulf of Mexico, helicopter operators require new pilots to have approximately 1000hrs of PIC time as well as an instrument rating. With the increasing demand for pilots operators are developing ways to decrease the numbers of hours needed to qualify for a position.
The work schedules involved in off shore oil support operations vary widely. You'll fly approximately four hours during an 8 hour shift. Some companies use a one week on one week off rotation. Others use two weeks on two weeks off, and still others use different variations.
For pay most U.S. operators pay between $50,000 and $80,000 per year. Volunteering to fly overtime can increase pay.
As the worlds appetite for energy increases the energy companies will respond by tapping new sources of oil. This creates a bright future for anyone who's interested in flying off-shore helicopters.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
