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Heli-Skiing Careers
A few students who come through our doors have their sights set on doing heli-skiing. It’s probably one of the most exciting flying opportunities available. Jon Schick of High Mountain Heli-Skiing in Jackson Hole was kind enough to offer more information about this type of flying. The standard helicopter in the US is either a B3 A-Star or Bell 407. Paying attention to weight and balance is crucial, as pilots fly fully loaded to altitudes reaching 10,000 feet. Since weather in the mountains is rarely perfect, expect to encounter wind and reduced visibility. When hiring pilots, the more experience the better. Winter mountain flying experience is particularly valuable. Heli-skiing pilots tend to be employees of helicopter companies that contract out to ski operators. Companies usually work with the ski operators in order to provide them with experienced pilots, or pilots they have worked with before. Good, experienced heli-ski pilots are in demand, and typically stay long term with the operators. Check out HMH’s website
Limited Power Operations
Like practicing autorotations, learning about limited power operations is an important safety tool. In AOPA’s online article, the author addresses the fact that even if you’re within weight and balance boundaries, limited power operations can prove to be invaluable if unforeseen circumstances should arise such as tailwinds or equipment malfunction.
Browse this in-depth article.
HAI's Civil Helicopter Database
While you can research accident reports off the NTSB’s website, the Helicopter Association International’s website offers a database that narrows searches down to civil helicopters. Reading about probable causes, relevant human factors, etc., can be good learning tools for a student pilot.
Visit Database
Helicopter Photos!
Arguably, Airliners.net has the best aviation photo database on the web. If you’ve never checked it out, click on their Photo Database. Simply enter the criteria for photos you want to see. Many of the photos are available for sale, and they also make great wallpaper for your computer.
Interested in flying for law enforcement? The Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) has photo galleries featuring helicopters from around the world that are involved with police forces.
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