Dale Owens RPMN: What is your current position?
I’m president of D&L Gold Coast Services Inc. and a designated pilot examiner.
in a variety of aircraft. I remember the Sandusky, Ohio.
RPMN: How did you get your start in helicopters?
I lived near Ft. Lauderdale International Airport and handed some tools to a guy working on his helicopter. He asked if I wing rating at 17, and a couple of months later I received my gyroplane rating in a McCulloch J2. (Yes, it was made by the chainsaw company.)
RPMN: When and how did you
choose you?
In 1987 I received a $2,500 grant to go to school. I had an interest in helicopters and was curious about their operation. I didn’t intend to complete the course due to the expense ($130/hour) and I really had no need for a helicopter rating, however when the fund money was gone, I was having too much fun to quit, so I pulled out my
the time working road patrol. Just prior to my checkride I was asked to assist with a drug-sting operation. My partner for the evening was none other than the commander for the aviation, marine, and a bit about each other and his parting
12 July/Aug 2017
Two weeks later, I took my commercial add- on checkride and called my old buddy. He
RPMN: Where did you get your start
banner planes at Aerial Sign Co. at North Perry Airport near Hollywood, Florida. It was run by the kindest man I ever knew, Mr. Jim Butler. I believe the skills I acquired there assisted greatly in
RPMN: If you were not in the helicopter industry, what else would you see yourself doing?
happened for me. I’m sure it would be interesting wherever I landed.
RPMN: What do you enjoy doing on
I’ve been quite busy, but a good kind of busy. During the slow periods, my wife also bought me a guitar, thinking when have all this time to learn to play it. Well, Stevie Ray Vaughn, for sure. I also have a boat and a motorcycle that get dragged out occasionally.
RPMN: What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
My greatest career accomplishment to date is staying alive. I didn’t pick the safest of employment choices, which can be very unforgiving from both the police and my tenure as supervisor of the aviation unit, we had no accidents or incidences. I had a great group of pilots, medics, and best of their ability. It is one thing to be to be responsible for a group of pilots and
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