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Helicopter Traffic Reporter

Career Advice on How to Become A Helicopter Traffic Reporter


Those who don’t like to fly or are afraid of heights obviously should scratch the job of helicopter traffic reporter right off of their job search or career planning list.  Much of the job centers on being able to report the traffic, while not being afraid that you are going to crash to your death.  It’s easier than it sounds.  The helicopter traffic reporter needs to be able to report quickly and clearly the state of traffic in his or her given city.

Career Facts:

The nature of the job means that the idea of a script or reading off a teleprompter is completely comical.  This is something of a rarity in today’s live television.  The helicopter traffic reporter should be able to think on his or her feet and needs to have some charisma.  Some reporters fly their own helicopters making their job quite a bit more difficult.

Career Opportunities and Job Outlook-Unknown:

The future of the helicopter traffic reporter is definitely up in the air.  Some industry insiders feel that the day of the helicopter traffic reporter may be disappearing.  However, on the bright side, there will always be traffic.

A Day in The Life:

Due to the fact that much of the job of the helicopter traffic reporter centers on the morning rush hour, helicopter traffic reporters are likely to find themselves waking up at the crack of dawn.  And when we say crack of dawn, we really do mean the crack.  Often Helicopter traffic reporters wake up about 4am.  Getting up in the dark is just something you will have to get used to.

After your shift, you probably will be heading home to go to bed at around 5pm.  This position could definitely put a damper on your social life.

Average Salary:

Local on-air new personalities in larger markets can make well over a hundred thousand dollars a year.  Salaries will vary largely on the size of the market and the television station where one is employed.

Career Training and Qualifications:

Those who learn to fly a helicopter will really have a leg up on landing that coveted helicopter traffic reporter job.  A degree in journalism can, of course, be of great assistance as well.