Meet a otor
Pro RPMN: What is your current position?
I currently serve as the director of training and standards for CHI Aviation. In my position I coordinate training in concert with department heads for all company employees, including pilots, mechanics, fuel truck drivers, etc. On the standards side, I participate in auditing, receiving feedback, and assisting the standardization committee in ensuring standards are created and met. I also perform duties as a captain in both the CH-47D and AS-332L1 aircraft.
My initial “nickel ride” was in February 1987 with Earl Willis, a very seasoned Department of the Army civilian instructor pilot. I remember being in awe of the way it felt to hover and take off in that tiny—but amazing—TH-55 piston-powered aircraft. replaced by a repeating mantra of “I hope I don’t die … I hope I don’t die.”
RPMN: How did you get your start in helicopters?
After completion of U.S. Army warrant orders to a UH-1H Huey unit with the 101st Airborne, located at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky.
10 Mar/Apr 2016 David Tappe
RPMN: When and how did you choose you?
As a child growing up watching people walk on the moon, I had a burning desire that in mind, during high school I oriented my course work in the hopes I could apply and receive an appointment to the Air Force Academy. However, I knew I was never going to be a math star, and with a football scholarship on the table, I elected to play college football. That endeavor lasted only a year, and before long I found myself looking at the military. Without a ever made.
RPMN: Where did you get your start
I spent nearly 11 years as an Army MH-6 helicopters. In 1997 I left the service and decided to try new challenges in the civilian world. After a few hard months of searching, I landed a job as an EMS pilot a BA AStar.
RPMN: If you were not in the helicopter industry, what else would you see yourself doing?
After nearly 30 years in aviation, I have a hard time imagining what else I would be a tough question. All I can think of are things I don’t want to do.
RPMN: What do you enjoy doing on your days off?
love of restoring classic full-size Jeeps, and when the weather permits, mountain biking. Happily, it also appears I will have to make room for grandchildren during my time off as we now have two, and probably more on the way soon!
RPMN: What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
I think my greatest career accomplishment Special Operations Aviation Regiment. There was an extremely rigorous screening and training process just to get you to the point where you could simply begin to learn the mission. It was an amazing time being immersed in a secret world where you were counted on to deliver the best our freedoms. It was an honor to serve with them.
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