Helicopter Pilot

You’ll be a key member of a niche unit within National Grid that conducts transmission powerline aerial surveys on 7000km of critical national infrastructure across England and Wales. 

Helicopter pilots have autonomy and flexibility when conducting the week’s work in the most efficient manner based on task priorities, resources and weather. You’ll be partnered with skilled observers operating optical sensors to gather high resolution stills, video and thermographic imagery on overhead lines. You’ll fly a helicopter with your observer from Turweston Aerodrome on a Monday, staying overnight in hotels local to airfields nearest the chosen work before returning the aircraft to base for maintenance on a Friday.  

As a helicopter pilot, you will be nomadic, entrusted with a multi-million-pound asset and crew with an emphasis on safety, crew resource management and thinking ahead. Flight profiles require low speed flight in proximity to powerlines so you will need to be familiar and comfortable in the low-level environment and situationally aware of hazards and constraints. For transit flights, instrument flying skills may be required using modern on-board flight management systems. Additionally, there will be the opportunity to conduct external cargo operations carrying line-workers tasked with powerline repairs. 

Requirements:

• A minimum of 1500hrs helicopter multi-engine time as flight crew with a UK CAA-issued ATPL(H) or CPL(H) pilot licence and Class 1 Medical.  
• A full current driving licence which allows you to drive in the UK.  
• Live within 90mins travel time of Turweston Aerodrome. 

Desirable 

• 250hrs flight time on type as pilot for B429 helicopters. 
• Hold a valid 'Part FCL Instrument Rating. 
• Background in Police, Air Ambulance, Military or Survey Flying with external sling-load experience.

Pay and Benefits

• A salary of circa £75,000 pa + Bonus up to 30% + Contribution Pension total up to 18% + Company Car.
• Enhanced holiday package 28 days annual leave plus eight statutory days.
• For more info on company benefits click the link - Benefits | National Grid Careers