helicopter door, about 60 ft. above the water, I was given the go-ahead to remove my gunner’s belt. After the helicopter hoisted me down to the water, I found myself floating in the Atlantic Ocean, with the helicopter hovering above as the res- cue swimmer descended to my location. It was an awesome experience!
What still excites you about helicopter aviation? Everything excites me about helicopters. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to earn a living by jumping, hoisting, and fast roping out of helicopters, not to men- tion hanging from them. The thrill gets even better when I have the chance to explore new gear, equipment, and techniques.
What challenges you about helicopter aviation? One of the challenges I often encounter is
VAI MEMBERS Save 30% on King Courses!
a resistance to change and a persistence in sticking to “the old ways.” While those methods may not necessarily be wrong, the notion of “that’s the way we’ve always done it,” doesn’t hold true. It’s crucial for individuals, agencies, and companies to keep up with the latest and most effective techniques in rescue operations.
What do you think is the biggest threat to the helicopter industry? The impact of decision makers who sit behind desks and may not be actively engaged in field operations. It’s a recurring issue: individuals who are focused on bud- get considerations, among other things, make decisions without firsthand experi- ence of the challenges operators face in the field. This approach can have far-reaching consequences for those actively involved in rescue missions. A more holistic per- spective is needed, one that considers the
life-and-death nature of the work, even if it involves higher costs for training and equipment.
Complete this sentence: I know I picked the right career when … An HH-60 hoisted me down into the ocean. It was a vivid and powerful experi- ence. The cacophony of the helicopter’s sound, the sensation of rotor wash pelting against my face, and the precision of the hoisting operation all converged in that moment.
Complete this sentence: I love my job, but I’d rather work for a paper company in Scranton when … There is no place I would rather work. I believe every USCG rescue swimmer would say the same thing. I have one of the most amazing jobs in the world. It has been a true blessing. I’m paid to jump out of helicopters! That’s just awesome!
Airwolf STC’s now FAA Approved!! Installation of True Blue Power®
TB17 Advanced Lithium-ion battery FAA Approved for:
Airbus EC120, AS350/H125, AS355, EC130/H130 Bell 206A/B, 206L, L1, L3, L4 Hiller UH-12E Enstrom 480B MD 369/500
Also FAA STC Approved! TB20 Next Gen - AS350/AS355
rotor.org/benefi ts
AIRBUS TRIM TAB TOOL KITS HIGHLY ACCURATE - HIGHEST QUALITY
TB17 AS350 baggage area
Airwolf -
the leader in Helicopter installation STC’s
VISIT US AT HELIEXPO BOOTH 6327
HELITOOLING.COM +
HELILADDER.COM
15369 Madison Rd Middlefield, OH 44062 P: 440-632-1687
info@airwolfaerospace.com
airwolfaerospace.com
MARCH 2024 ROTOR 83
HAI HELI-EXPO BOOTH 3418
SEE US AT
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 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100
