Life After Your CPL

Once you have obtained your Commercial Pilot License (CPL), the journey doesn't end there. In fact, the CPL is often considered the beginning of a pilot's professional career. After achieving this milestone, there are several steps, certifications, and opportunities for further advancement. Here’s what typically comes next after getting your CPL:

1. Gaining More Flight Experience

Even with a CPL, most pilots will need to continue accumulating flight hours to qualify for more advanced positions or certifications. Some pilots will begin to seek employment or other opportunities to build hours in various flying environments.

  • Entry-Level Jobs:
    You may start with entry-level flying jobs, such as:
    • Aerial surveys
    • Scenic tours
    • Flight instruction (if you have an instructor rating)
    • Agricultural aviation (crop spraying or crop dusting)
    • Charter operations

These jobs help you build your flight hours and experience in different conditions, and many pilots work for smaller companies that give them the chance to log hours while earning a living.

  • Volunteering:
    Some pilots volunteer for organizations like search and rescue (SAR) or firefighting services. These opportunities not only build experience but also help to expand your network within the aviation community.

2. Flight Instructor Rating (CFI)

Many pilots pursue a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating after earning their CPL. Becoming a flight instructor is one of the most common ways to build additional flight hours and experience. It also offers the opportunity to teach and mentor new students, which can be rewarding in itself.

  • Why Get a CFI:
    • You can earn income while gaining valuable flight experience.
    • It opens the door to teaching others and learning more about aviation.
    • It's a great way to accumulate hours before moving into higher-paying flying jobs.

Becoming a CFI requires completing additional training, a check ride, and a written exam. You’ll be able to instruct other student pilots working toward their PPL or CPL.

3. Additional Ratings and Specializations

After earning a CPL, pilots often pursue additional ratings to expand their capabilities and qualify for specialized roles:

  • Instrument Rating (IR):
    An Instrument Rating allows you to fly in low-visibility conditions and perform flights relying on instruments instead of visual references (e.g., during bad weather, fog, or night flying). It is a critical qualification for pilots wanting to work in commercial aviation, as it allows you to safely navigate through different weather conditions.

  • Type Ratings:
    Some pilots pursue type ratings for specific helicopter models, which can make them eligible for jobs that require specialized aircraft, such as offshore oil rig support, emergency medical services (EMS), or other commercial operations.

  • Multi-Engine Rating:
    If you plan to fly larger or multi-engine helicopters, you'll need a multi-engine rating. This expands your opportunities and prepares you for more complex flight environments.

  • Night Rating:
    A night rating qualifies you to fly at night and is often required for certain commercial jobs, such as aerial surveys, charter operations, or firefighting.

4. Gaining Specialization and Transitioning to Advanced Roles

Once you have more experience, additional ratings, and a few hundred flight hours under your belt, you can begin to explore more advanced and higher-paying roles in aviation. Some of the most popular career paths for helicopter pilots include:

  • Offshore Oil Rig Support:
    Flying workers to offshore oil rigs or providing logistics and supply support. This work often pays well but requires multi-engine ratings and specific training due to the challenging environments and safety protocols.

  • Search and Rescue (SAR):
    Flying for government or private SAR operations, helping with emergency rescues in difficult conditions.

  • Firefighting:
    Flying helicopters for fire suppression efforts. Helicopters are often used to transport fire crews, drop water, or serve as command posts during wildfires.

  • Air Ambulance / Medical Services:
    Flying emergency medical services (EMS) helicopters. This work is critical and provides a sense of fulfillment, as it directly impacts people's lives. The hours can be irregular, and the work is often high-stress, but it can be very rewarding.

  • Charter Services:
    Flying commercial clients for travel, tourism, or specific business purposes. Some pilots fly for tour companies, providing sightseeing flights over cities, landmarks, or natural landscapes.

5. Pursuing a Rotary-Wing Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

For those who want to go further in their aviation career, especially if aiming for higher-paying jobs or roles in large organizations, the ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) is the next step. However, the ATPL is generally more relevant for fixed-wing pilots than for helicopter pilots, as it involves flying larger aircraft for scheduled airline services.

However, for helicopter pilots specifically:

  • Helicopter ATPL (H-ATPL):
    Some helicopter pilots pursue the Helicopter ATPL, which is required for pilots who want to operate as captains for commercial helicopter operations or in large, complex operations like offshore oil rigs or corporate helicopter fleets. This involves further flight experience, training, and exams.

6. Advanced Career Paths

With a CPL and additional experience, many pilots can move into more advanced and leadership roles within the aviation industry:

  • Chief Pilot or Director of Operations:
    For pilots with many years of experience and leadership qualities, roles such as Chief Pilot or Director of Operations become available. These positions typically involve managing a fleet of helicopters and overseeing operations.

  • Aviation Safety Officer:
    With experience, pilots can transition into aviation safety roles, ensuring that flight operations follow all safety regulations and best practices.

  • Flight Operations Manager:
    This involves overseeing the logistical aspects of a helicopter operation, including managing schedules, maintenance, flight crews, and more.

7. International Opportunities

As you gain experience and more advanced ratings, there may be opportunities to fly internationally. Certain regions, like Europe, the Middle East, or Africa, often have high demand for skilled helicopter pilots, especially in the fields of offshore oil rig support, emergency medical services, and firefighting.

Conclusion: Continuing to Build and Expand Your Career

After receiving your CPL, you’ll likely continue building hours, gaining additional ratings, and exploring specialized roles. Aviation is an industry that rewards continuous learning, skill-building, and gaining experience. Whether you’re interested in working for private companies, government agencies, or international aviation firms, the journey of becoming an expert helicopter pilot never truly ends.

This post-CPL journey is all about building experience, expanding your qualifications, and seeking out more exciting and higher-paying career opportunities as you continue to grow within the field. Let me know if you need more details or specifics on any of the stages!