FLIGHT PATH QUICK FACTS
Francisco Beltran Government of
Córdoba Province, Argentina Córdoba, Argentina
CURRENT JOB
I’m currently working as a helicopter commander and Learjet 60XR copilot for the
government of Córdoba, the second-largest province of
Argentina. We perform a variety of operations, such as
firefighting, air ambulance
services, power-line inspections, VIP transport, and more. My key responsibility is to ensure a safe and efficient operation.
FIRST AVIATION JOB
My first aviation job was in a relatively small company that did aerial photography and filming (when no gyro-stabilized cameras existed), agricultural flights, and radio coverage of sporting events such as the
Word Rally Championship. We flew the R22 and R44.
FAVORITE HELICOPTER I think the best helicopter is the one that provides you work in this awesome industry. Also, I believe all helicopters have something to give us or teach us, but the power of the H125 IS AMAZING!
How did you decide helicopter aviation was the career for you? The ability to land or operate almost anywhere, in addi- tion to the wide variety of jobs we can perform while also helping others, is quite stunning. I can be sure that every day I spend flying these fantastic machines, I fall more and more in love with this career.
How did you get to your present position? I started flying gliders at the age of 15, then transitioned to airplanes. While towing gliders and doing some other flights, I got my commercial certificate. Meanwhile, I started helping out at a small company, cleaning helicopters, trying to understand how rotorcraft fly. I spent hours reading the checklists while seated inside the helicopter, practicing [aerial] movements, not- ing where the instruments were and how I had to move the controls, and so on. Then, after some time, I started flying helicopters, and the company decided to hire me, a low- time pilot! I could never be too grateful for the opportunity and the trust they had in me.
What are your career goals? I’d like to work abroad. That’s why I got my FAA certificate, and now I’m working on my EASA license. Working in the offshore industry in the North Sea would be great!
What advice would you give someone pursuing your path? NEVER, EVER GIVE UP! If it’s your dream, go for it. Never stop studying, learning, listening to experienced pilots, and being humble. Everything comes sooner or later, so be patient and work hard.
54 ROTOR DECEMBER 2021
Who inspires or has inspired you? My first boss in the helicopter industry, with his modesty, professionalism, always helping others improve their skills. My parents and their core values were, without a doubt, also an inspiration. My mother is finishing her law studies and carries a high grade-point average. She exemplifies what it means to be a hard worker, humble, persistent, and an excellent human being.
Tell us about your most memorable helicopter ride. After 12 years flying helicopters, it’s difficult to choose just one memorable ride. But in my current job, we perform air ambulance and firefighting flights, and every time I return to the base after a successful mission, the feel- ing I have is indescribable.
What still excites you about helicopter aviation? What I like most is the fact that every day, every mission, is completely different. From
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