hobbies like cycling and golf. In addition, I create and share content on our social media channels, providing practical and safe information to help other pilots fly more efficiently and confidently.
RPMN: What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
My greatest accomplishment in the helicopter industry has been producing a high-quality documentary video to showcase the operations we carry out in Chile. For my wife, myself, and our company, it was deeply rewarding to present it in the United States, share it with other pilots, and demonstrate what we do in this far corner of the world with the R66 and what it can achieve. We are proud that companies from around the globe have seen and recognized our work.
RPMN: Have you ever had an “oh, crap” moment in helicopters? Can you summarize what happened?
My most challenging moment happened during a heli-ski operation with two groups of clients. Near the end of the day, I heard a strange noise and the starter generator warning light came on, indicating the battery was no longer charging. I had to halt the operation, leave one group on the mountain, fly the other down, and then return for the first group — executing all emergency procedures without ever shutting down the turbine. Thanks to quick decision-making and coordination, everyone was evacuated safely, although the mechanical failure was severe. The helicopter could not be restarted until it was repaired.
RPMN: If you could give only one piece of advice to new pilots, mechanics, or support personnel, what would it be?
What has helped me the most is
maintaining constant safety training, continuing to practice, and asking many questions
to understand helicopter after every detail.
I pay particular attention to inspecting the
maintenance —
something that might occasionally annoy mechanics, but I consider it essential for a pilot. Recently, I earned my instructor’s license, which has motivated me even
rotorpro.com 11 FIGHTING FIRES WITH
STRENGTH RELIABILITY
& AROUND THE GLOBE
more to keep studying and investing in
specialized books such as “Keep
Your RPM in the Green” by Richard Mornington-Sanford, which I highly recommend. My advice is simple: stay trained, stay current, and always fly calmly, never in a rush.
RPMN: In your view, what is the
greatest challenge for the helicopter industry at this moment in time?
I believe one of the main challenges today is staying relevant in the face of emerging technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence, which in some cases could
replace certain types of helicopter work. As members of this industry, we have a responsibility
to inform and educate
others about the true value of helicopter operations. They
are By essential, communicating save
time, and in many cases have no direct competition.
this
importance, we can not only maintain our place but also improve it by integrating technology and new ideas that strengthen and evolve the market.
Do you know someone who would be a good subject for Meet a Rotor Pro? Email your suggestion to the editor-in-chief:
lyn.burks@rotorpro.com
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