Description
Pilot and navigate helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft to conduct scenic air tours, providing safe, smooth flights and passenger narration over designated routes. Requires a Commercial Pilot certificate and compliance with applicable FAA air tour rules (Part 91/135), strong local airspace and terrain knowledge, and exceptional customer service.
- • Check aircraft and safety equipment before flights; verify controls, instruments, and systems.
- • Review weather, NOTAMs, TFRs, and local tour procedures to make go/no-go decisions.
- • Calculate weight and balance, passenger seating, fuel needs, and takeoff/landing performance.
- • Brief passengers on safety, seat belts, doors, life vests, headsets, and emergency procedures.
- • Coordinate loading and unloading; secure baggage and loose items; verify doors and latches.
- • Start engines, operate controls, and fly tour routes per company SOPs and regulations.
- • Contact ATC or CTAF for clearances, advisories, and traffic information.
- • Choose altitudes, routes, and speeds to optimize views while maintaining safety margins.
- • Adhere to noise abatement, SFRA, park, wildlife, and cultural site avoidance requirements.
- • Navigate using visual references, GPS, and moving maps; maintain terrain and obstacle clearance.
- • Monitor engine parameters, fuel consumption, and aircraft systems during flights.
- • Request altitude or route changes to avoid traffic, weather, turbulence, or restricted areas.
- • Provide clear tour narration and point out landmarks while prioritizing flight duties.
- • Manage passenger comfort and airsickness; respond to in-flight issues or emergencies.
- • Coordinate with ground crews and dispatch on schedules, fueling, and maintenance needs.
- • File or activate flight plans, or request flight following, when required.
- • Write flight times, routes, fuel, and passenger counts in company and regulatory records.
- • Perform post-flight inspections; report discrepancies and arrange maintenance.
- • Maintain proficiency in normal, short-field, confined-area, and engine-out procedures as applicable.
- • Participate in recurrent training, check rides, and safety meetings.
- • Ensure cabin, windows, and headsets are clean and serviceable between flights.
- • Comply with FAA regulations and company SOPs at all times.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
