XP316 - NPAS Line Pilot **External**
XP316 - NPAS Line Pilot **External**

XP316 - NPAS Line Pilot **External**

Birmingham Full-Time 58000 - 72000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
Go Premium
West Yorkshire Police

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join NPAS as a Line Pilot, providing vital air support for police operations across England and Wales.
  • Company: NPAS is dedicated to keeping communities safe with a national network of 14 bases.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a stable roster, generous leave, pension scheme, and medical expense coverage.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by saving lives and tackling crime in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.
  • Qualifications: Must hold a UK Commercial Pilot's Licence, Class 1 Medical, and significant flying experience.
  • Other info: Applications close on 27th July 2025; selection includes simulator testing and interviews.

The predicted salary is between 58000 - 72000 Β£ per year.

XP316 – NPAS Line Pilot **External**
Location
NPAS Barton, NPAS Benson, NPAS Birmingham, NPAS Husbands Bosworth, NPAS Lippitts Hill , NPAS Redhill
Salary
Β£68,568 to Β£72,147 (plus Β£14,000 Market Factor for Pilots outside of London and Β£24,000 Market Factor for London Pilots).
Role Profile Attachment
Job Advert
THIS VACANCY HAS BEEN ADVERTISED EXTERNALLY
Line Pilot (Rotary)
National Police Air Service
NPAS Lippitts Hill (London), NPAS Redhill, NPAS Benson, NPAS Husbands Bosworth, NPAS Birmingham, NPAS Barton
37 hours
Here at the National Police Air Service (NPAS) we\’re looking for helicopter pilots to join our team which provide air support across England and Wales, 365 days a year. On a daily basis, NPAS help save lives, tackle criminality and keep people and communities safe.
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:
β€’ pursuit of stolen vehicles
β€’ searching for missing persons/suspects
β€’ 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.
What we can offer you:
β€’ 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).
β€’ 19 days annual leave per year (19 x 12hr shifts) ) – on a 4 on, 4 off shift pattern means you can have
12 consecutive days off by booking 4 consecutive days annual leave.
β€’ Additional annual leave / overtime for public holidays
β€’ Additional annual leave upon completion of 5 years\’ service
β€’ Career average revalued earnings (CARE) pension scheme
β€’ Potential to transfer to another NPAS base across England and Wales or to touring pilot
positions.
β€’ Medical expenses for maintaining Class 1 medical
β€’ A Loss of Licence Insurance scheme
β€’ Death in service payment
In order to be considered for the role you must have the following:
β€’ Minimum of a UK Commercial Pilot\’s Licence (Helicopter) with RT Licence and Class 1 Medical
(unrestricted) and English language proficiency level 6.
β€’ 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.
NPAS is an operator of Single Pilot Aircraft conducting commercial operations. In line with UK Aviation Regulation all pilots must hold a UK CAA Class 1 medical for Single Pilot Commercial Operations Carrying Passengers, which has an upper age limit of 60 years.
β€’ Ability to work as part of a team and be a self-starter
β€’ Ability to communicate clearly and concisely to the crew while carrying out other tasks
β€’ A full UK driving licence
β€’ Have been resident in the UK for at least the last 3 years.
Applicants should be aware that it is not always possible to carry out adequate vetting checks on persons who have not been resident within the UK for the last three years. Therefore, where this applies, applicants may be refused on the grounds that it was not possible to vet them to the appropriate standard.
These posts are suitable for job share. The application process will close at 23:55 hours on the 27th July 2025. As part of the recruitment process, applicants will be required to fly in a 135 simulator and pass an interview panel. Selection will take place on 19th & 20th Aug 2025 at Gloucester Airport.
This recruitment is aiming for various start dates in 2026.
About NPAS:
NPAS provide borderless air support to all police forces of England and Wales, 365 days a year, from a national network of 14 bases. NPAS exists to keep communities safe and tasks which pose the highest risk to communities are prioritised in line with local police and crime plans. All requests for air support are managed through our national Operations Centre.
NPAS was formed in October 2012 following the national review of air support conducted by the Home Office in 2009. We are the first and only collaboration of all police forces in England and Wales, regulated by law.
NPAS is delivered by West Yorkshire Police on behalf of British Policing and governed by a National Board made up of nine elected Police and Crime Commissioners and nine Chief Constables each representing their policing regions. It is funded through the collaborative agreement of participating police forces to each pay a proportionate contribution toward this overall cost of delivery which corresponds to their service use.
West Yorkshire Police is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
For a detailed description of the Competency and Values levels required please refer to the http://www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/Development/competency-and-values-framework/Documents/Competency-and-Values-Framework-for-Policing_4.11.16.pdf (This link may be copied and pasted into your browser). This document will assist you in completing the Evidence of Achievement section of the application form. Please note: the Evidence of Achievement section will not be visible until the employment section has been completed.
All NPAS staff and officers have access to an in-house peer support scheme. All peer supporters are fully trained and will listen and help staff during difficult times.
The post is suitable for job share.
West Yorkshire Police is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) is proud to serve all communities across England and Wales. We are committed to building a service that reflects a wide variety of skills, perspectives and backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Backgrounds, females, and those with disabilities who are currently under-represented within West Yorkshire Police and NPAS. Disability is not necessarily a bar to application or success in this role and all applications are assessed individually. By addressing and improving our representation we can better reflect all the communities we strive to serve. Please contact our Resourcing team if you have any questions relating to this, or you wish to discuss reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process or beyond into role. All applications will be fairly and rigorously assessed by West Yorkshire Police / NPAS.
Applicants should be aware that it is not always possible to carry out adequate vetting checks on persons who have not been resident within the UK for the last three years. Therefore, where this applies, applicants may be refused because it was not possible to vet them to the appropriate standard.
For a detailed description of the Competency and Values levels required, please refer to the (this link may be copied and pasted into your browser). This document will assist you in completing the Evidence of Achievement section of the application form. Please note: the Evidence of Achievement section will not be visible until the employment section has been completed.
Shift Allowance
No Shift Allowance

XP316 - NPAS Line Pilot **External** employer: West Yorkshire Police

At the National Police Air Service (NPAS), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for helicopter pilots to make a real difference in communities across England and Wales. With a stable working routine, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee growth through potential transfers and career development, NPAS fosters a supportive work culture that values teamwork and diversity. Join us in our mission to save lives and tackle criminality while enjoying competitive benefits and a fulfilling career in aviation.
West Yorkshire Police

Contact Detail:

West Yorkshire Police Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land XP316 - NPAS Line Pilot **External**

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific operational environment of NPAS. Understanding the types of missions they undertake, such as pursuits and public event support, will help you demonstrate your relevant experience during the interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former NPAS pilots to gain insights into their experiences and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that you can use to tailor your responses in the interview.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the simulator assessment by practising in similar flight simulation environments. Familiarity with the equipment and scenarios you might encounter will boost your confidence and performance.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the Competency and Values Framework for policing. Aligning your skills and experiences with these competencies will help you articulate how you fit into NPAS's mission and values during the interview.

We think you need these skills to ace XP316 - NPAS Line Pilot **External**

UK Commercial Pilot's Licence (Helicopter)
RT Licence
Class 1 Medical Certification
English Language Proficiency Level 6
Minimum of 1,500 hours total helicopter flying time
100 hours flying at night including 20 hours PIC at night
500 hours PIC overland under VMC
Significant overland experience in a comparable operating environment
Teamwork and collaboration skills
Clear and concise communication skills
Full UK driving licence
Ability to work independently as a self-starter
Adaptability to dynamic operational environments
Experience in high-pressure situations
Commitment to safety standards

Some tips for your application 🫑

Understand the Role Requirements: Carefully read through the job description for the NPAS Line Pilot position. Make sure you fully understand the qualifications, experience, and skills required, such as the minimum flying hours and medical certifications.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant flying experience, particularly your helicopter flying hours and any specific missions that align with NPAS operations. Emphasise your teamwork and communication skills, as these are crucial for the role.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you want to join NPAS and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Mention your passion for public service and your commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Prepare for the Evidence of Achievement Section: Refer to the Competency and Values Framework provided in the job advert. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your competencies and values, as this section is critical for your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Police

✨Know Your Aircraft

Familiarise yourself with the specific helicopter models used by NPAS. Be prepared to discuss their capabilities, limitations, and any recent upgrades or changes in technology that may affect operations.

✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills

As a Line Pilot, you'll be working closely with Tactical Flight Officers and other crew members. Highlight your experience in team settings and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated in high-pressure situations.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about past experiences where you had to make quick decisions or handle emergencies, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions taken.

✨Understand NPAS's Role and Values

Research NPAS's mission and values thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of keeping communities safe across England and Wales.

XP316 - NPAS Line Pilot **External**
West Yorkshire Police
Location: Birmingham
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>