RP: What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
My greatest career accomplishment so far is getting to work with MD Helicopters. The history of this product is undeniable. Getting to put on a flight suit with the MD logo on my chest is me simply getting to stand on the shoulders of giants in this industry who came before me. We may not be the largest manufacturer in the industry, but our history from back in Vietnam is second to none. The sacrifices that were made in this helicopter to support human lives on the ground, whether in the military or our police forces, is unmatched. The amount of infrastructure our utility pilots have created in every weather condition on this planet to support families in towns and cities across this world is absolutely remarkable. The maintenance personnel that have supported our endeavors as pilots and made it possible for us to do what we do are the key to the whole industry. Long story short, I wouldn’t want to work with another group of pilots. As mentioned, coming from the Marine Corps, I was in need of a new type of brotherhood and the MD brotherhood is as strong as they possibly can come.
RP: Have you ever had an “Oh, crap” moment in helicopters? Can you summarize what happened?
Have I ever had an “Oh, crap” moment? Let’s just say that I have simply just had quite a few learning experiences in my time as a pilot, and others have gotten a good laugh and good stories to tell at the expense of my learning.
RP: If you could give only one piece of advice to new pilots, mechanics, or support personnel, what would it be?
My biggest piece of advice I would give to new pilots coming up in this industry is a piece of advice I got from a great mentor just recently. Never ever stop being curious. Ask questions! Know the industry you are going into, inside and out. One thing about people in this aviation world is, everyone loves to talk and share. Every time you have the ability to learn, do it. You will only develop into the best leader and mentor for other new aviators one day, and we all owe that to the industry we call “home.”
RP: In your view, what is the greatest challenge for the helicopter industry at this moment in time?
I think labor shortages right now between flying and non-flying air crew in our industry is massive. I think it has brought a huge halt to a lot of key parts to the helicopter and aviation world in general: pilot shortage, mechanic shortage, skilled labor workers at manufacturers. I think this was predicted for years and it’s been something whispered for about 10 years now. I just think we are in the eye of it currently. Everyone from EMS, airlines and manufacturers have all taken a major hit. The bonuses have never been higher, the pay has increased for all jobs. Across the board, I am not sure what the fix is. I just know as a pilot working for a manufacturer, we get a bird’s eye view of the ebbs and flow of the aviation industry and it doesn’t look too good right now in any field.
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
rotorpro.com
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