Helicopter Line Pilot

About us: 

Beon Aerial Services (BAS) is part of the CitiPower, Powercor (collectively known as Victoria Power Networks or VPN) and United Energy (UE) group of companies who are responsible for the safety, quality and reliability of our customers’ power supply. Bushfire is the biggest risk to safety within our network and our vegetation management activities are our most critical control to help mitigate this threat. This is when our Beon Aerial Services team plays a key role. 

Our Beon Aerial Services team operates Bell 505 & 407 helicopters to carry out aerial inspections of our electricity network, gathering data through Airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) which is critically used across our business for asset inspection and safety purposes. 

About the Role: 

We are currently seeking an experienced commercial pilot to join our flight operations team based at Avalon Airport in a full time and permanent capacity. 

Reporting to the Head of Operations (Chief Pilot) this role will be responsible for the safe and efficient conduct of flights in line with company policies, federal regulations, and industry best practices.

The flight operations of this role will provide the business with aerial data primarily for vegetation inspection using LiDAR technology across over 80,000 km of powerlines each year. In addition, the BAS team also supports CitiPower/Powercor and United Energy group via aerial asset inspections post major events such as storms and floods.

The nature of the role requires extensive travel throughout regional Victoria with an approximate 50/50 split between Avalon and regional bases. Applicants will be required to work a Monday to Friday roster and be willing to relocate to within 45 minutes travel time to Avalon Airport. 

What you’ll deliver: 

• Pilot BAS helicopters across the distribution network conducting aerial surveys.
• Perform pre-flight planning, including route analysis, weather checks, fuel calculations, and other related activities.
• Operate helicopters in challenging environments such as mountainous terrain, urban areas, and remote locations.
• Conduct thorough pre-flight checks and inspections of the aircraft, ensuring all systems are functioning correctly and safely.
• Maintain accurate flight logs and ensure all flight records are documented and submitted as per regulatory requirements.
• Perform minor maintenance tasks, including checking aircraft systems and ensuring proper condition for flight.
• Provide mentorship and training to junior pilots as needed.

To succeed in this role, you’ll have:

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a helicopter pilot, with a proven record of safety and proficiency in flight operations.
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulations, flight planning, and navigation techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially in emergency or stressful situations.
• Ability to work in a team environment and maintain a professional attitude under pressure.
• Ability to work in varied weather conditions and challenging environments.
• Experience in conducting aerial surveys using LIDAR technology – desirable

Education/Qualifications

• Commercial Helicopter Pilot License or higher
• Current Class 1 Medical Certificate with no Restrictions
• 2000 Hours Total Time Helicopters
• 1500 Hours as PIC SEH
• 500 hours Gas Turbine experience 
• Current Dangerous Goods Certificate
• Current CASA DAMP
• Current First Aid Certificate
• Flying in the wire’s environment Course Certificate
• Full Driver’s License
• Bell 505 and 407 experience - desirable
• Sling Rating - desirable
• Fire Rating - desirable
• HUET - desirable

Your career with us:

We have a diversity of teams across our business, all contributing to great customer and community outcomes. Our people are our most important asset, and we continually invest in nurturing their capability.

We proudly strive to provide a safe, inclusive and sustainable environment where all our people feel respected, valued and supported to bring their whole selves to work and be the best they can be. 

With an embedded Inclusion & Diversity Strategy and initiatives like our Women in Power networking group, and Sparkle, our LGBTIQ+ allies pride network, we’re committed to equal opportunities for all employees.  

We are proud to be recognised as a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for all women. Click here to check out our benefits.   https://work180.com/en-au/for-women/employer/powercor/benefits

Our greatest priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our people and the communities we operate within. This includes their physical safety – ensuring everyone gets home safely everyday – as well as their psychological safety, by ensuring everyone has the resources and support needed to achieve a work-life balance and be the best they can be.    

What’s next? 

Please submit your application via our career’s website by 20 December 2024.   

For the full Position Description, please reach out to Tom Ferdinands via tferdinands@powercor.com.au. 

Please note that we will be in contact with candidates in January 2025. 

Beon, CitiPower Powercor and United Energy recognise Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge their ancient and continuing connection to Country.

We work hard to ensure our organisation is inclusive and diverse. This means everyone can feel valued, trusted, authentic and safe at work.