National Police Air Service

Line Pilot (rotary)

Flying to more than 20,000 tasks every year, crews provide effective aerial support to ground based officers and in doing so improve operational response to incidents within the highest safety standards. Working alongside Tactical Flight Officers, NPAS Pilots have the opportunity to make good use of their skills and experience on a variety of police missions including fast-paced, dynamic tasks such as:

  • pursuit of stolen vehicles
     
  • searching for missing persons/suspects
     
  • support for firearms incidents

Pilots also fly to pre-planned tasks. This can include support for large public events such as the London Marathon, Heads of State visits and large demonstrations. On occasion, pilots are called upon to land so the crew can assist people in distress.

 

Benefits:

  • Fixed roster pattern offering a stable working routine and the ability to plan many months ahead. Pilots operate in accordance with the approved Flight Time Limitation (FTL).
     
  • 19 days annual leave per year (19 x 12 hour shifts) – on a four on, four off shift pattern means you can have 12 consecutive days off by booking four consecutive days annual leave.
     
  • Additional annual leave / overtime for public holidays.
     
  • Additional annual leave upon completion of five years’ service.
     
  • Career average revalued earnings (CARE) pension scheme.
     
  • Potential to transfer to another NPAS base across England and Wales or to touring pilot positions.
     
  • Medical expenses for maintaining Class 1 medical.
     
  • A Loss of Licence Insurance scheme.
     
  • Death in service payment.

     
Image looking out of aircraft window over the shoulder of the pilot

What you need to be considered for the role:

  • Minimum of a UK Commercial Pilot’s Licence (Helicopter) with RT Licence and Class 1 Medical (unrestricted) and English language proficiency level 6.
     
  • A minimum of 1,500 hours or 1000 military helicopter, total helicopter flying time which must include an absolute minimum of 100 hours flying at night including, 20 hours PIC at night, 500 hours PIC overland under VMC. You must also be able to evidence significant overland experience in a comparable operating environment. Those applications that do not meet the above requirements will not be progressed.
     
  • Ability to work as part of a team and be a self-starter.
     
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely to the crew while carrying out other tasks.
     
  • A full UK driving licence.
     
  • Have been resident in the UK for at least the last three years.

 

Here's some of our pilots talking about the role

 

Chief Pilot Paul Watts talking about the benefits of being an NPAS Pilot, what he's looking for in a pilot and more

 

Please note all vacancies at NPAS will be advertised on the West Yorkshire Police website.