RPMN: Have you ever had an “Oh, crap” moment in a helicopter? Can you summarize what happened?
Yes, when I realized I left the aircraft keys in a hotel that was two hours by car from the heliport! You only do that once.
RPMN: If you could give only ONE piece of advice to a new helicopter pilot, what would it be?
Work hard and ask for the support of both your school, your family, and friends.
It is a very challenging but highly rewarding
process. Surround yourself around great people in the industry and don’t be afraid to ask for help. And ask a lot of questions!
RPMN: In your view, what is the greatest challenge for the helicopter industry at this moment in time?
There are many. The cost for those entering the industry is defi nitely one challenge. Financial institutions are just now coming back to the table after the train wreck that occurred in our economy in 2008. Financial assistance and lenders are what is needed, especially for civilians. Veterans are again dominating the industry, especially those who are eligible to utilize their GI Bill benefi ts for vocational training and education. Until 2008, we had more than 95 percent civilians and less than 5 pecent veterans in our programs. Now, it’s 80 percent veterans and 20 percent civilians. We are working hard to fi nd ways to re-create funding mechanisms for our private-pay students.
We also need more females in the industry. We are missing out on so much of the intellectual resources and talent that females represent. There was a time early in Guidance Aviation’s history
that the majority of our instructor pilots were female. Now that number is insignifi cant. We need to change that. These large fl uctuations in the female helicopter pilot population tell me the industry needs support. That’s why we began a multi-year support program and scholarship package, working the Whirly- Girls International. The details of this program will be announced at the Whirly-Girls banquet in March 2015 during HAI’s Heli-Expo in Orlando, Florida.
John Stonecipher’s accomplishments and background
With nearly 9,000 accident-free hours as a pilot in command, Stonecipher is rated in both helicopters and airplanes and has served the aviation community as a designated pilot examiner for more than seven years. Throughout a career committed to education and aviation, he has maintained his fl ight instructor certifi cate for 30 years. Stonecipher has held aviation positions as director of operations, chief pilot, chief and asst. chief instructor, and check airman for both Part 141 and FAA-approved pilot schools, and Part 135 unscheduled air carriers.
Stonecipher has worked as a manufacturer’s test pilot, and noteworthy is his dedication to community. Guidance Aviation recently donated a helicopter to the Yavapai County (Arizona) Sheriff ’s Offi ce. Stonecipher is a founding member of, and currently serves on, Helicopter Association International’s Flight Training Committee while also holding the distinction of adjunct professor at Yavapai Community College for the Associate of Applied Science - Professional Helicopter Pilot degree.
Visit HELI-EXPO BOOTH 5304
rotorcraftpro.com 11
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