A lot of misinformed people when they come to know that I am an Offshore helicopter pilot would ask me if this is the most boring job in the world. I can tell you defintely the anwer is NO and I am in the position to say so because I have been flying offshore for more than 27 years. It is actually moments of boredom until something happens and as professional pilots we are always prepared for the unexpected.So this means that although our bodies looks relaxed but our minds are working every minute of the flight. I always ask questions and answer them myself in my thoughts. Basic questions are:How is the weather ahead? Do I have to divert around any weather? Is it better to go lower or higher?
Who else is flying around me ? somewhere within a radius of 10 nm? However nowadays with TCAS2 we are very well informed on this matter.
What is the prevaling wind like? I want to be prepared so that in the unlikely event that I have to ditch I can point into wind. Are there any boats around me? Where was the last boat? Nice to know all these.
How is my machine humming along? Is it taking the right amount of fuel?
Does it smell right? Anything unusual? In flying one has to be very observant both in sight, smell and sound.
How are the passengers doing behind? Most of the time they sleep ..an activity that I do not encourage. Your chances of survival isl esser if you are sleeping enroute and something bad happens.
ALWAYS.. I think of a diversion if something goes wrong. Have we passed the nearest rig? What about nearest airfield?
So the typically 3 hours flight I work FULL TIME mentally!
