Pro Danielle Fuller RP: What is your current position?
I’m a helicopter air ambulance (HAA) pilot for Metro Aviation, assigned to the Tampa General Hospital Program in Punta Gorda, Florida. Our base operates an EC135 P2+ as our primary aircraft and a Bell 407GX as our backup.
RP: Tell me about your first experience with helicopters.
I was around 15 years old, sitting in the back seat of my parents’ car, which was at a standstill in a line of traffic due to a major car accident. I vividly recall observing a helicopter landing on the highway to airlift a patient. As the helicopter ascended and departed the scene, I was struck by a profound sense of purpose, realizing at that exact moment that my future ambition was to become a medical helicopter pilot.
RP: How did you get your start in the helicopter industry?
During my second semester at junior college, the guidance counselors were not equipped with information about my aspirations to pursue an aviation career, particularly focusing on helicopters. Consequently, I took the initiative to visit O22, the local airport in Columbia, California, where Phi Air Medical operates a helicopter base. During this visit, I had the opportunity to connect with one of the pilots at the base who became my inaugural mentor. His guidance not only solidified my ambitions but also played a pivotal role in persuading my parents that my seemingly far-fetched career goal was achievable.
RP: When and how did you choose the helicopter industry? Or did it choose you?
I chose to pursue a career in the helicopter industry at 19. I discovered a reputable Part 141 helicopter flight school in Fresno, California, but my parents insisted I finish my associate’s degree first. Since I couldn’t get approved for a $56,000 student loan back in 2006, my grandmother agreed to match my
10 May/June 2024
savings. I worked as a licensed cosmetologist and saved every penny while living at home to finish junior college as quickly as possible. I even remember sneaking out of my college courses a few times to go to the airport, where my mentor offered to do ground school if he was on shift and not on a call. I was most definitely the one choosing the helicopter industry. As much as I wish it could have chosen me or fallen into my lap, overcoming the hurdles it took to begin civilian flight school gave me a strong sense of appreciation and dedication to every lesson.
RP: Where did you get your start flying or maintaining professionally?
After completing flight school and obtaining my CFI/CFII, I started working as an instructor to gain flight hours. My first significant opportunity in the industry came in 2009 when I joined Sundance Helicopters in Las Vegas, where I flew tours to the Grand Canyon in the AS350 B2, my first turbine helicopter. I later became qualified in the EC130B4 and spent three years accumulating turbine flight hours.
RP: If you were not in the helicopter industry, what else would you see yourself doing?
I love spending time on the ocean almost as much as I enjoy being in the air. When COVID slowed down non-essential aviation activities, I obtained my USCG OUPV “6-pack” Captain’s License and worked doing some offshore fishing charters. I would say that I could see myself working towards my Master Captain’s License to operate super yachts or flying seaplanes full time.
RP: What do you enjoy doing on your days off?
I thrive on the 7-days-on, 7-days-off schedule and live by the motto “Work hard, play harder.” There’s very little that can’t be accomplished with an entire week off. I love traveling, boating, country concerts, spending the day at the beach, scuba diving,
Meet a otor
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 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
