I am a helicopter pilot from Russia and I really want to work as a pilot in Japan. That’s why I’m looking for people who have settled there and are working. I have questions about how to do this and what is needed for this. Preferably helicopter pilots, but I will be glad of any help!
4 comments
This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.
—
**Employment in Japan**
I am a helicopter pilot from Russia and I really want to work as a pilot in Japan. That’s why I’m looking for people who have settled there and are working. I have questions about how to do this and what is needed for this. Preferably helicopter pilots, but I will be glad of any help!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/movingtojapan) if you have any questions or concerns.*
That is probably extremely niche and I’m not sure we have any helicopter pilots here. At least none that I know of but I wish you luck with your search.
This is something that you’re going to need to do a lot of research on yourself, because AFAIK we don’t have any pilots here (heli or fixed wing)
As far as a visa is concerned [you’ll need at least 250 hours](https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/3626) to qualify for the Skilled Labor visa (not to be confused with the Specified Skilled Worker visa.
In terms of places to do some research, maybe start with the [Civil Aeronautics Act](https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/4039). Also take a look at [this thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/13sy6na/helicopter_license_anyone/) on r/japanlife
You will need to undergo a ***very*** thorough medical examination. You’ll also need to have very fluent Japanese *and* English. Japanese because your employers/clients will speak Japanese, and because local air traffic control in Japan is generally conducted in Japanese. English because it’s the international aviation operating language.
You may be happy to read this article:
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20221103-68467/
But keep in mind, in order to fly alone you’ll also require a Japanese radio operators license, and the test would only be conducted in Japanese. So you’d need pretty good Japanese before it’s possible.
It’s also illegal for foreign nationals to own aircraft here.
Your main competition for employment would be ex-military guys. I can’t imagine the demand for private sector pilots outstrips the supply of ex-military pilots.
Good luck!