FLIGHT PATH QUICK FACTS
Eugene Reynolds Coupeville, Washington, USA
CURRENT JOB Assistant chief pilot for
Life Flight Network, a medical transport company in the Pacific Northwest
FIRST AVIATION JOB UH-60 Black Hawk pilot for the US Army
FAVORITE HELICOPTER MH-47G Chinook (military); AW139 (commercial)
How did you decide helicopter aviation was the career for you? I knew I wanted to fly since I was in high school. After graduation, I obtained my private pilot’s license (ASEL) by working at an airport and trading my paycheck for flight time and instruction. I applied for the US Army Warrant Officer Flight Training Program, where I was introduced to the wonderful world of helicop- ters. Mastering these magnificent flying
networks, keep your character and reputation clean, help others … and treat your mechan- ics, teammates, coworkers, customers, supe- riors, subordinates, and all others with respect.
Who inspires you? One deserves special mention, Randy Mains. Randy is probably one of the premier voices for helicopter CRM and air medical resource management in the United States, and the impact he’s had on helicopter and air med- ical crews throughout the industry is immeasurable.
What still excites you about helicopters? Going to work every day and flying these amazing machines. Seeing others succeed and grow profession- ally. Performing compli- cated tasks and operating well in chal- lenging environments.
machines and helping others master them has been my life’s passion.
How did you get to where you are now? I’d like to think it’s been because of hard work, learning from my mistakes, building and main- taining positive relationships, and always trying to be better today than I was yesterday.
“I like to say that
there’s a difference between 20 years of experience and one year of experience repeated 20 times.”
What are your career goals? My career goals include continuing to have fun doing what I love, serving as a chief pilot and a mentor, and continuing to teach and promote crew resource management (CRM) and safety throughout the industry in all I say and do.
What advice would you give someone pursuing your career path? Study, practice, read, trust but verify, never stop learning, foster strong relationships and
What do you think are the biggest threats to the helicopter industry? One of the biggest threats is pressure from organizations or customers that tempt opera- tors to compromise on safety, operating prac- tices, or training … to keep profits high. Lack of strong CRM programs and policies, using one pilot and one engine in operations where there probably should be two of both, and using old methods to train and employ new technology and procedures are other threats.
Complete this sentence: I know I picked the right career when … I wake up each day excited to go to work, my students become safe and effective pilots, my crew members are happy to fly with me, my customers ask for me by name … and I know I’m truly happy doing what I’m doing.
2020 Q2 ROTOR 57
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