Pro Tyler Carver RPMN: What is your current position?
I am the assistant director of operations for Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters. We are the world’s largest and longest- operating helicopter tour company with 57 years of experience. Papillon currently operates a fleet of 47 helicopters including the Bell 206L, Airbus AS350 B3e, EC130 B4/T2, and an MD 900. We employ over 60 pilots in seven locations across Nevada and Arizona. In addition to tours, we also have a robust utility division with helicopters working on contracts anywhere from Alaska to Florida.
RPMN: Tell me about your first experience with helicopters.
My first helicopter flight experience, like many other pilots, was in an R22. Before flying, most things in life had come relatively easy to me. I thought that flying a helicopter would be just the same. I took my first flight and what a humbling experience it was! However, I also knew at that moment what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
RPMN: How did you get your start in helicopters?
I earned my certificates and ratings from a busy flight school in Utah. The field elevation was 4,500 feet. The school was based in a Class Delta airport with a Class Golf airport only four miles southeast. Just north was Class Bravo. My experience there exposed me to multiple airspaces as well as high decision altitudes.
RPMN: When and how did you choose to fly or work on helicopters? Or did they choose you?
My career in helicopters didn’t begin in a traditional path. I had a successful career in property and casualty coverage with a major insurance company. I had insured many airline pilots and was familiar with the progression in that field, but it held no draw for me. It wasn’t until one of my insured clients called to verify that they would be covered while away going to helicopter flight school that I learned of such a thing. I only knew of pilots learning to fly helicopters in the military, which by that time in my life was no longer an option for me. I searched the internet and
12 Nov/Dec 2022
found a few flight schools near me. I then called my wife to ask if I could spend a lot of money. Oh, and change my career. She said yes, and the rest is history.
RPMN: Where did you get your start flying or maintaining professionally?
In the traditional sense, the flight school where I received my flight training is where I got my first job. I found that I really enjoyed flight instructing so I stuck around longer than most. After five years of instructing, I finally decided that it was time to move into the Part 135 world. That’s when I went to Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters. In Papillon I found that there were many opportunities for me to grow. I began as a line pilot, then progressed to lead pilot, training director, chief pilot, and now assistant director of operations.
RPMN: If you were not in the helicopter industry, what else would you see yourself doing?
It’s safe to say that if I didn’t find helicopters, I would still be in the insurance business. Having experienced the aviation industry firsthand, I would now focus on the aviation side of insurance instead of property and casualty.
RPMN: What do you enjoy doing on your days off?
During my time off I enjoy being outdoors. As a now “retired” competitive soccer coach, I find myself involved in league play or pick-up games. I also enjoy hiking, hunting, and camping.
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
