Six Tips for an Expatriate Helicopter Pilot


An “expat” is a person residing in a country other than their native country. Here are some pointers for U.S. helicopter pilots considering a career as an expat working abroad:


1.Do you have support at home? This is one of the most critical components of success in international flying sectors. With typical schedules being 6 weeks on / 6 weeks off, one must consider not only the logistics of maintaining your home, but also how it might impact your spouse and family members. According to David Tibbals, retired TAS pilot and speaker at the HeliSuccess Career Development Seminar, “A quality relationship with your significant other is vital. You cannot use a 6 week on / 6 week off schedule as a ‘fix’ for a poor relationship.”


2.Can you disassociate yourself from your surroundings? Some countries where international flying occurs have second- and third-world components that can create a psychological burden if one has not experienced them before.


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3.Are you accepting of other cultures? Being able to accept and respect different cultural norms, while at the same time being able to perform your job at a high level, can be challenging. The biggest mistake pilots may make is thinking that they can change certain aspects of the culture they are living and working in. Not only is it rare to make macro- changes to culture, but attempting to do so may upset your employer.


4.Can you work with fellow pilots who have English as a second or third language? Communication for pilots is critical, and U.S. pilots may take for granted that they work solely with pilots who communicate the same way they do. In other countries though, coworkers may speak many languages with English being broken or limited. Learning to effectively communicate will take time and patience.


5.Are your immunizations up to date? Diseases that are not present in the U.S. may be a risk factor when flying in other countries.


6.Are you familiar with taxes and exchange rates? Pilots will have to pay taxes, but depending on how long they are working overseas, they may not have to pay taxes at home. Also, use caution if salary is to be paid in the work-host country. As exchange rates fluctuate, pilots may be getting a pay raise or pay cut depending on the direction of the currency as it relates to the U.S. dollar. One suggestion is to negotiate pay to be made in U.S. dollars since this will lend stability to personal finances. The bottom line is that pilots should educate themselves on tax implications and exchange rates.


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