An opportunity is available for a Helicopter Pilot based at Bristol Airport. Each helicopter is crewed with a pilot, an observer and assistant observer, who are focused on identifying defects and faults, and they are supported by a team of inhouse engineers.
About UsWe’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.
National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.
With 72,000 km of overhead lines to be checked and maintained, our unique, Bristol Airport-based Helicopter Unit operates 5 H135 aircraft to patrol the National Grid Electricity Distribution network.
The helicopters and their crew can efficiently and effectively patrol between 45,000 and 50,000 km every year, covering large distances in relatively short times, improving response times to faults and enabling National Grid Electricity Distribution to meet our commitments to maintaining and when required restoring our customers’ power.
Main Responsibilities
All appropriate flying duties.
Liaising with customers on the services provided by the Helicopter Unit.
Maintaining appropriate records.
Liaising with Civil and Military airfields.
Dealing with any customer concerns regarding low flying / noise / damage.
Daily inspections and role changes on aircraft.
Unit Administration Tasks.
The Ideal CandidateYou will hold a valid EASA ATPL(H) or CPL(H) along with a min a minimum of 2000 Hours as PIC (including 500 hours multi engine PIC). You will be highly motivated, be able to work positively within a small team and maintain a high degree of professionalism when operating in a challenging and constantly changing environment.
You will need to live within 60 minutes of Bristol Airport (or willing to relocate) and will be required to work away from home (Monday to Friday) approximately one week in every five. Additionally you will join the weekend standby rota which again will be approximately one weekend in every five.
Ideally be qualified and instrument rated on the H135, hold a TRI and or a TRE and operated in the low level environment. A background in Police, Air ambulance or Military would also be advantageous.
Evidence of your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.
Depending on experience, you may initially be appointed at a lower salary until all relevant courses and training are complete.
National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers.
This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service, (DBS) check, depending on the role different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a triannual check.
About The CompanyJoining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:
26 days paid leave plus 8 bank holidays, up to 28 days with continuous service
Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
Annual Share Save plan
Contributory private healthcare scheme for you and your family
Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
Free on-site parking at all our main sites
Things you need to know
As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture. We anonymise all applications in our recruitment system so we can eliminate unconscious bias and be a workplace that reflects the community we serve. Hiring managers only have access to necessary information at interview stage. If you require additional support to complete your online application, please email nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.uk
Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, please check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.
