Helicopter Pilot (Air Force Reserve)

INTRO

Have you thought what it would be like to fly a military helicopter? Or are you a former pilot looking to work on a part-time basis? If you’re looking for adventure, excitement and a challenge, this is for you!

OVERVIEW

The primary responsibilities of a Pilot are to plan, communicate, coordinate and execute tactical missions in support of civil authority or military objectives, such as humanitarian and disaster relief, and air intercept operations. They work with sophisticated technology for precision tactical navigation systems, advanced communication systems, sensor systems, counter-measure systems and weapons delivery systems.

Aircrew Selection Centre – the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) requires that all Pilots attend and successfully complete the Aircrew Selection. The Selection Centre is located in Trenton, Ontario, where candidates are tested over a two-day period with computer-based scenarios designed to validate those skills and aptitudes required by the RCAF. Success at Aircrew Selection is a necessary step in order to continue to be processed for this occupation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Pilots work in a variety of areas, ranging from northernmost parts of Canada to duties supporting the Royal Canadian Navy. Search and Rescue Pilots are deployed anywhere in Canada to rescue people in distress and emergency situations. Tactical Helicopter Pilots support aid distribution and peacekeeping missions. Maritime Patrol Pilots protect Canadian coasts.

Basic Military Officer Qualification

After enrolment, they start basic officer training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks. Topics covered include general military knowledge, the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), basic weapons handling and first aid. Opportunities will also be provided to apply these newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. A rigorous physical fitness program is also a vital part of basic training. Basic officer training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training.

Following basic officer training, second official language training may be offered. It can take from two to nine months, depending on their level of proficiency in their second language.

Available Professional Training

Pilots attend Primary Flying Training at the Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. This course introduces them to the military flying environment and procedures. Continued training depends on successful completion of this course.

The next phase is the Prerequisite Training Course, which introduces them to the various effects of flying on the human body, air safety procedures and basic survival techniques in the event of an emergency on land or over water. The course includes:

Aeromedical Training:

• The effects of high “G” forces
• The effects of high altitudes
• Operation of oxygen supply
• Operation of ejection seat

Basic Land Survival

Basic Sea Survival:

• Parachute landing techniques
• Water entry
• Sea survival skills

Basic Flying Training takes place at the NATO Flying Training Centre in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, for eight months. Pilots are trained to fly aircraft in a military environment through classroom, simulator and in-flight instruction. As well, they will receive leadership development training to prepare them for their responsibilities to and for their aircrew. Based on flying performance, academic standing and leadership evaluation, they may be assigned to the following Advanced Flying Training path:

• Rotary Wing Training: offered at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Here, they will complete the Basic Helicopter Course on the Jet Ranger helicopter.

At the end of the Advanced Flying Training, they will receive their Pilot’s Wings and proceed to an Operational Training Unit for training with the aircraft and in the role they have been assigned before being posted to an operational squadron.

Required Education

If they already have a university degree, the CAF will decide whether their academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place them directly into the required on-the-job training program following Basic Training. Basic Training and Basic Military Officer Qualification training are required before being assigned.

Corrective Surgery for Vision

Applicants who wear glasses or contacts, or have had certain types of laser refractive surgery to improve their vision may apply for the Pilot occupation. However, pilots have more stringent visual requirements than other CAF applicants and must pass additional ophthalmology screening. Radial keratotomy or corneal reshaping procedures are not approved for pilots.

Serve Part Time with the Reserve Force

This position is available for part-time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada, including Edmonton (Alberta), Petawawa (Ontario), Saint-Hubert (Quebec) and Gagetown (New Brunswick). To note: Relocation costs for Reserve Force members are not normally covered, however, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Reserve Force members usually serve part time at an Air Force wing in their community and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. They are paid during their training. They are not posted or required to do a military move. However, they can volunteer to move to another base. They may also volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada.

Reserve Force Training

This occupation has a limited enrolment in the Reserve Force for unskilled applicants and is greatly dependent on previous flying experience. For successful candidates, following basic officer training, Primary Flying Training for the Pilot qualification begins at the Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, and continued training to achieve Wings standard depends on successfully completing this course. Many Pilots who are employed part time are former members of the Regular Force with a Pilot qualification who component-transferred to the Reserve Force. All training is fully funded and completed while receiving a competitive salary.

Reserve Working Environment

Air Reserve members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts and are employed in the same unit and perform the same job. Air Reserve members usually serve up to 12 days per month in a regular work day, with opportunities to serve full-time for short durations as needed. Reserve Force members are paid 92.8% of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package and may qualify to contribute to a pension plan.

Join the CAF

To learn more about becoming a Helicopter Pilot with the Air Force Reserve, visit: https://forces.ca/en/career/pilot/.

Explore over 100 different career opportunities at www.forces.ca/en/careers.

Job Type: Part-time