Q Your current role?
In addition to being a pilot, I manage aircraft scheduling, plan routes, and ensure FAR/GOM compliance for on-demand charters to ensure optimal business output.
Q Your most memorable helicopter ride?
My most memorable flight was the first time I flew into New York City and circled the Statue of Liberty. Being from a small town in the heartland, New York City was a place I had only seen in movies, and I never imagined I would end up flying here.
Q What still excites you about helicopter aviation?
Walking out to the helicopter each day still excites me. The quick pace and challenge of using noise/traffic abatement routes, calling FBOs, hovering between parallels, calling out traffic, and getting a landing clearance all at the same time is something I never would’ve imagined myself capable of in a solo pilot environment. Now it’s all in a normal day’s work.
Q What advice would you give to someone pursuing your career path?
Shake as many hands and make as many friends as possible. The people you meet will be your network of colleagues and friends throughout your career. The rotorcraft community is very tight-knit and getting
Q Your current role? I am currently a base mechanic, which means
I work a single home base where our aircraft reside, or sometimes up to four other bases at a time. I do daily checks on the aircraft, talk with my crew, and schedule maintenance. Previously, I was based at the Presidential Squadron HMX-1 in Quantico, Virginia.
Q What advice would you give to someone pursuing your career path?
Your happiness is what makes the aviation community safe. There is a sense of pride knowing you are an important factor in keeping people in the air safe. Take that to heart and keep your head focused. Remember, honesty is all that really matters in the end.
Q What do you think is the biggest threat ot the helicopter industry?
I’d say complacency and/or dishonesty. You have to have respect to survive in this industry — respect for your license. You will be filtered out if you cannot pay attention to what you do day-to-day.
Q. How did you get to where you are now?
When I left the Marines I had to figure out life without the service. It wasn’t the easiest transition, but I knew I had great experience under my belt. I went down to Bakersville School of Aeronautics in Nashville, Tennessee, and got my airframe and powerplant license. I worked with a couple different aviation companies before I figured out that the fixed-wing and helicopter worlds are completely different.
