Pro Alex Garcia RP: What is your current position?
I’ve been working as the assistant chief pilot of Metro Aviation Inc. in Shreveport, Louisiana, an instructor and check airman for the EC135 and EC145, and an instructor on the Bell 407 for our programs. I flew the line for five years, and three years ago I was invited to the Helicopter Flight Training Center. I’ve also worked as director of training at Night Flight Concepts Inc. in Waco, Texas, and as an NVG Instructor pilot for the last 10 years. I’m very happy with both companies. They’ve been like family since I came to the U.S., which is my new homeland.
RP: Tell me about your first experience with helicopters.
I had the honor and opportunity to join the Mexican air force academy, and served in the Mexican armed forces for 15 years. I had my first solo in a Stearman PT-17 on Feb. 26, 1993 as a first-year cadet. After graduating from the academy and flying fixed-wing two years later at the air force base in Acapulco, I was assigned to helicopter flight school. I have been flying helicopters since 1997. And yes, my first flight trying to hover that Bell 206 got me hooked!
RP: How did you get your start in the helicopter industry?
I was a Pilatus PC-7 instructor pilot and a second lieutenant when I got my orders to go to helicopter flight school. I was shocked because I was enjoying being an instructor pilot. As soon as I got that first session of trying to hover on the Bell 206 transition aircraft, I knew I was going to love it. Now, I say that change was the best thing that happened to me in my career.
RP: When and how did you choose the helicopter industry, or did it choose you?
Well, like I said I got ordered into helicopters, but being a helicopter pilot has given me so much satisfaction and opportunity to travel to different countries and meet great instructors, brethren, mentors, friends and professionals during the past 27 years of my helicopter career.
10 July/Aug 2024
RP: Where did you get your start flying or maintaining professionally?
My first job as a civilian pilot was at the Mexico State Government Air Rescue Unit. That gave me the opportunity to fly VIP. but also to be part of the best helicopter air ambulance and search and rescue unit in Mexico at the time. I had some of the best training in my early experience. Our unit became so known for what we did, we even had a reality show on the state television channel. That show was called Relampagos Unidad de Rescate Aereo.
RP: If you were not in the helicopter industry, what else would you see yourself doing?
Since I was a little kid, I used to fly my Eagle 2 remote-control plane in my hometown where this Mexican army general used to fly his own models. He became a great mentor and friend to me, so maybe If I wasn’t a helicopter pilot I would be an army guy working for the IC.
RP: What do you enjoy doing on your days off?
I like to spend time with my family, love to travel, have a good book to read, smoke a nice cigar from time to time, and be thankful to God and life for everyday blessings.
RP: What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
On the personal side, the goal is to raise my kids to the best of my ability to make them good Americans, but most importantly good and honest human beings. On the professional side, having the opportunity to transmit knowledge and experience to young helicopter pilots, or to those transitioning from the military to the civilian world, is something that makes me happy to come to work every day.
Meet a otor
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