RPMN: If you could give only one piece of advice to a new helicopter pilot, what would it be?


To learn how to just say “no” and stick with it. As pilots, we are sometimes asked to do something like push the weather because the boss or client said they absolutely had to get to their destination, when we know we need to turn around or land. Sometimes a pilot fears losing their job if they don’t keep going. In the aircraft, no one outranks you and believe me, nothing is worse than going against what you know to be the right thing


to do and disregarding the hair standing up on the back of your neck. You are the pilot in command, so be a commander and make good decisions. You can always get another job, but you and your passengers have only one life.


RPMN: What is the greatest challenge for the helicopter industry at this moment in time?


I still see a bright future in the helicopter business. There is new technology and aircraft coming out every year that are safer


and reduce pilot workload. There are still challenges facing operators today. Aircraft insurance is a huge cost factor, and clients are demanding increased liability limits. While cost goes up, flight rate charges struggle to keep pace. Manufacturers are increasing parts costs and decreasing customer service. They seem to listen only to the engineers and the board that governs their purse strings. They should remember who brought them to the dance. Manufacturers


need to start listening


to consumers and be proactive about solutions.


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


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