helicopter-pilot/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — helicopter pilot

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 53-2011.00 (Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers).

Task statements

• [Core] Use instrumentation to guide flights when visibility is poor.
• [Core] Respond to and report in-flight emergencies and malfunctions.
• [Core] Work as part of a flight team with other crew members, especially during takeoffs and landings.
• [Core] Contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions, and other information, using radio equipment.
• [Core] Steer aircraft along planned routes, using autopilot and flight management computers.
• [Core] Monitor gauges, warning devices, and control panels to verify aircraft performance and to regulate engine speed.
• [Core] Start engines, operate controls, and pilot airplanes to transport passengers, mail, or freight, adhering to flight plans, regulations, and procedures.
• [Core] Inspect aircraft for defects and malfunctions, according to pre-flight checklists.
• [Core] Check passenger and cargo distributions and fuel amounts to ensure that weight and balance specifications are met.
• [Core] Monitor engine operation, fuel consumption, and functioning of aircraft systems during flights.
• [Core] Confer with flight dispatchers and weather forecasters to keep abreast of flight conditions.
• [Core] Order changes in fuel supplies, loads, routes, or schedules to ensure safety of flights.
• [Core] Choose routes, altitudes, and speeds that will provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flights.
• [Core] Direct activities of aircraft crews during flights.
• [Core] Brief crews about flight details, such as destinations, duties, and responsibilities.
• [Core] Record in log books information, such as flight times, distances flown, and fuel consumption.
• [Core] Make announcements regarding flights, using public address systems.
• [Core] Instruct other pilots and student pilots in aircraft operations and the principles of flight.
• [Supplemental] Coordinate flight activities with ground crews and air traffic control and inform crew members of flight and test procedures.
• [Supplemental] File instrument flight plans with air traffic control to ensure that flights are coordinated with other air traffic.
• [Supplemental] Perform minor maintenance work, or arrange for major maintenance.
• [Supplemental] Conduct in-flight tests and evaluations at specified altitudes and in all types of weather to determine the receptivity and other characteristics of equipment and systems.
• [Supplemental] Evaluate other pilots or pilot-license applicants for proficiency.
• [Supplemental] Plan and formulate flight activities and test schedules and prepare flight evaluation reports.

Detailed work activities

• Arrange maintenance activities.
• Choose optimal transportation routes or speeds.
• Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
• Coordinate flight control or management activities.
• Evaluate performance of applicants, trainees, or employees.
• Inspect aircraft or aircraft components.
• Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition.
• Meet with coworkers to communicate work orders or plans.
• Monitor engine operation or functioning.
• Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
• Monitor work environment to ensure safety or adherence to specifications.
• Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards.
• Pilot aircraft.
• Plan flight operations.
• Provide transportation information to passengers or customers.
• Record operational details of travel.
• Report vehicle or equipment malfunctions.
• Resolve issues affecting transportation operations.
• Respond to transportation emergencies.
• Test performance of aircraft equipment.
• Train transportation or material moving personnel.