Helicopter Company safety course when I was in flight school, it was always a goal to one day become part of the team and work alongside some of the legends in our industry. I can’t believe it’s already been over four years since joining and working with such a great group of pilots, all of whom are legendary in my opinion. Special thanks to Bob Muse and Tim Tucker. They helped make this all become a reality.
RPMN: Have you ever had an “Oh, crap” moment in a helicopter? Can you summarize what happened?
Yeah, that’s pretty much every time I step into a helicopter with a new student! Jokes aside, I have fortunately not had any that have caused serious damage or injury. I must credit that to staying in the training market for so long and constantly reminding others and myself of the fundamentals of safe piloting.
RPMN: If you could give only one piece of advice to a new helicopter pilot or mechanic, what would it be?
Don’t look at your first job as an instructor as an entry-level job. Teaching may not be for everyone, but it’s what will shape the pilot that you’ll become and it will open so many doors. Treat it as the most important opportunity you’ll ever have, as you’re shaping the perception of the next generation of pilots. If you don’t take it seriously, how can you expect them to?
RPMN: In your view, what is the greatest challenge for the helicopter industry now?
Our industry needs to do a better job of promoting itself and finding ways to access more financial resources so we can address the pilot shortage. Salary incentives and better access to more modern technology will help small and large operators thrive.
Chief Pilot James Baker and fellow crew members of Rogue Aviation prepare for a formation flight and photo shoot over the Orange County coastline.
Do you know someone who would be a good subject for Meet a Rotorcraft Pro? Email your suggestion to the editor-in-chief:
lyn.burks@rotorcraftpro.com
rotorcraftpro.com
13
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78
