Category Archives: Helicopter Pilot

Careers, Helicopter Pilot, Podcast, Women In Aviation

ACP326 Brandi Rector Helicopter Pilot and Owner of Skyhunter Outfitters

March 29, 2021 CarlValeri Leave a comment

Helicopter Pilot

Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent Aviation Careers Podcast. Today I am speaking with helicopter pilot Brandi Rector owner of Skyhunter Outfitters who has taken her passion for flying helicopters into an industry many of us may never have realized existed.

Before we begin a quick shout out to our sponsor.

Sponsor:

https://planeenglishsim.com

App-based aviation radio simulator is an easy way to gain radio proficiency in both VFR and IFR.

PlaneEnglishSim.com is giving away 10 scholarship guides so act fast. Use the coupon code PlaneEnglishSim for free one-year access to the Aerospace Scholarships guide. The scholarship guide has over 120 million in scholarships and is updated monthly.

Visit https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/scholarships/ to find out more.

Talking Points:

Brandi’s path to the flight deck.
Why she loves helicopter flying.
How she discovered her unique career in aviation.
What is Sky Hunter Outfitters?
Advice for those seeking a career in helicopters.
Advice for women who are looking at pursuing a career as a helicopter pilot.
- Challenges and rewards that might be unique for females entering this career.
What she likes most about her job.
What are the challenges of her job?
Resources for female pilots.
What is next for Brandi.

Links:

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/resources/

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/free/

https://www.facebook.com/skyhunteroutfitters/

https://sky-hunters.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWhp6Vx-8c5FyhuxzoM1kRg/featured

https://www.instagram.com/helichic1/

https://www.womenmilitaryaviators.com/

Careers, Helicopter Pilot, Pilot, Podcast

ACP301 The Rotor Break with Stephen Ryan

September 21, 2020 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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ACP301 The Rotor Break with Stephen Ryan. Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Today we have a special guest Stephen Ryan of TheRotorBreak.com where you will read “day in the life” stories from career pilots.

Before we begin a few announcements.

Questions, comments, or inspirational stories please write to us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.

Announcements:

Please consider becoming a patron. Every dollar we raise goes towards giving away a scholarships guide through our Pay It Forward Campaign. Please visit:

https://www.patreon.com/ValeriAviation

The recent 2020 Scholarships Guide is available with over 120 million in scholarships. August guide is up! This month we’ve got 52 new scholarships and 50 updates

The video describes the pay it forward campaign.

https://www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/pay-it-forward/

Our latest video:

Where Is The Final Approach Fix on the ILS?

Talking Points:

Stephen Ryan and his passion for aviation.
The idea behind TheRotorBreak.com
Law enforcement flying.
How it will help the reader.
What type of stories do you focus on?
How things have changed since the latest challenge in the industry.
What is next for Stephen and Rotor Break?

Links Mentioned in This Podcast:

TheRotorBreak.com

http://aerossurance.com/

Corporate Pilot, Helicopter Pilot, Podcast

ACP220 Corporate Helicopter Careers with Pam Landis

April 29, 2019 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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Today on the show I have occasional co-host Pam Landis, who is our resident Helicopter Careers Resource. Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. If you have questions, comments, inspirational stories, or announcements please contact us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.

Today Pam will give us an industry update and help us answer your career questions. Pam is the Assistant Editor of RotorCraft Pro Network, Flight School Manager at University Air Center in Gainesville, FL, and a sales and leasing consultant at Touchstone Helicopters. Needless to say Pam loves helicopters and is passionate about helping you obtain your helicopter career goals.

Before we get started a few announcements.

Announcements:

The April 2019 Version of the Scholarships Guide is live with 6 additional scholarships and 12 updates. Click on the scholarships tab to find out more.

At AviationCareersPodcast.com You can find the Scholarships Guide, Career Coaching, and various technical courses online. Don’t forget to sign up for our e-mail newsletter and visit the website for special listener coupons.

On June 7-9 I will be at the Flight Sim Expo in Orlando FL. Please look for me in the Aviation Careers Podcast blue shirt and come say hi. Even if I am busy interviewing someone please wave and say hello. You can also wait until I am done since most interviews are not very long.

In This Episode We Discuss (Helicopter Careers with Pam Landis):

Industry Update.
Listener Mail:

Hey Carl,

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed listening to all the great information and inspiration on your podcasts! Congrats on your recent 1 million download mark. I’ve been listening to your stuff nonstop for the last couple weeks while at work. I now work construction and am working towards a career as a helicopter pilot.

I have a wife and two young children age 2 and 4. I’m 31 and like many others I am slowly, but surely working towards the first big step of getting my private. It’s stressful and financially tough, as I have saved for a year before starting lessons, and will hopefully have enough to get my first 40-55 hours in.

I feel blessed to live so close to what I think is a great company with an extremely experienced instructor whom I have heard great things about from other pilots I have talked to in the area. We get along well and he tells it to me straight while teaching, which I appreciate. I’m about 12 hours in, and aside from one hard lesson that was slightly discouraging, I’m loving every minute of it!

Sorry for the lengthy email, but on to my question. I have somewhat of an idea of the direction I’d like to head, that is EMS. I know things may change as I get along, evidenced by my curiosity of corporate flying. I’ve heard interesting things about it while listening to you.

I’m open to getting fixed wing rated eventually, but I feel my true passion is helicopters. I’m wondering how much of the corporate world involves helicopters? Obviously being dual rated would be a huge benefit, but just how much helicopter time do you think there would be? I’m not exactly sure what my path will be after I get my private as finances play a big part, but I know talking to pilots and networking will give me insight and possibly opportunities to go in the right direction. Both ems and corporate flying appeal to me as being home with my family is important.

Thank you so much in advance for reading my email! What your doing is an amazing thing, bringing pilots and ideas together for so many to hear. It’s helped me to realize I’m heading in the right direction by chasing my dream of going to work every day LOVING what I do! Keep up the good work brother!!

Thanks,

Links Mentioned in This Podcast:

How To Be A Guest On Aviation Careers Podcast

http://www.uac.aero

http://www.justhelicopters.com

Rotor.org

Whirlygirls.org

Airline Pilot, Helicopter Pilot, Podcast, Questions Answered

ACP180 Rotor Transition Programs and Listener Mail

May 14, 2018 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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Today I discuss these new rotor transition programs and answer your questions. Before we begin a few announcements.

Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Things sure have changed for military helicopter pilots wanting to work for the airlines. In the past airlines didn’t even consider rotorcraft time. Now airlines are creating rotor transition programs designed specifically towards military aviators.

Announcements:

Many of you ask about our resume services which we provide through signing up for our coaching services. Before you sign up for our coaching please review the free trial of the Pilot Jobs book to help form your resume. After signing up for your first hour of coaching send us your resume for our review which we will return with comments and suggestions. During our one on one coaching session we will discuss your resume and your career goals. To find our more go to:

AviationCareersPodcast.com/Courses

AviationCareersPodcast.com/Coaching

We have dramatically reduced the online price for our scholarships guide to $10 for a year access. If you purchased the e-book version through Amazon, please send us your electronic receipt by following the instructions in the book. Of course the best way to receive updates is to purchase one year access to our guide for only $10 by clicking on:

AviationCareersPodcast.com/Scholarships

Rotor Transition Programs and Listener Mail:

Rotor Transition Programs.
First Flight Fears Of Air Sickness.
Free Flight Instructor Certificates.
Aviation Medical Issues.

Links Mentioned in This Podcast:

http://www.skywest.com/skywest-airline-jobs/career-guides/rotor-transition-program/

Aviation Medicine Advisory Service

DON JACKSON-WYATT

Careers, Helicopter Pilot, Podcast

ACP179 Helicopter Careers Update With Pam Landis of Rotorcraft Pro

May 7, 2018 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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Today we have a helicopter careers update with Pam Landis of Rotorcraft Pro. The airline industry has changed over the past decade causing a hiring spree at the airlines. In the past, helicopter time was not even considered by the airlines as flight time. Fast forward to today and we now see rotor transition programs at many of the regional airlines Some are even paying for your ratings.

Through our coaching services I have worked with many helicopter pilots in formulating the best path towards a career with the airlines. Most who I work with are transitioning to the fixed wing due to the job opportunities and the financial benefits of being an airline pilot. But what if being a helicopter pilot is your passion and your life’s ambition.

Joining me today is Pam Landis, Assistant Editor of Rotorcraft Pro Media Network. Pam and I will discuss the career outlook for helicopter pilots and things to consider when choosing between a fixed wing job and a helicopter job.

Announcements:

Some of you have asked if we can help you with creating your aviation resume and cover letter. Both through our career coaching and and our online courses we provide information on how to create a cover letter and resume. You can find more at:
AviationCareersPodcast.com/Courses
AviationCareersPodcast.com/Coaching

Pam Landis was last on the show in October of 2015 in episode 92 where we discussed how to become a helicopter pilot. Much has changed since that episode and she is here now to discuss the status of the helicopter industry as it relates to careers.

Helicopter Careers Update With Pam Landis of Rotorcraft Pro:

The state of the helicopter industry as it relates to careers.
The many jobs to include: pilots, mechanics, flight nurses and medics, and managers.
Is the airline pilot shortage affecting the helicopter industry?
Why you should choose a career as a helicopter pilot.
The future of the helicopter industry.
University Air Center Flight School – helicopters
Helicopter scholarships – many are found in our online scholarships guide.

Links Mentioned in This Podcast:

University Air Center

http://www.justhelicopters.com

HeliSuccess Career Development Seminar
https://youtu.be/EgPe6j9DYAA

https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/helicopter-pilot-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm

https://www.rotor.org

http://www.touchstonehelicopters.com

Photo Credit:
Photo by Casey Horner on Unsplash

Careers, Helicopter Pilot, Law Enforcement, Podcast

ACP150 California Highway Patrol Pilot Jan Sears

August 14, 2017 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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CHP Pilot Jan Sears

In this episode, we interview California Highway Patrol Pilot Jan Sears. Jan is passionate about aviation and has a unique path towards his career goal and will share with us.

Announcements:

Facebook.com/AviationCareersPodcast page is great for learning about new episodes, asking questions and discussing careers in aviation. I am also going to be adding announcements for quick meet ups for cities I am going to be in. If you would like to meet up for a cup of coffee or lunch let me know under those posts!

Jan and I Discuss his journey to becoming a Pilot for the California Highway Patrol Pilot:

His passion for aviation and how it began at the young age of 10. His attempt to fly fighters and the challenges due to a medical issue as well as life as an EMT.
Hired by California Highway Patrol.
Moving to air operations with CHP.
The aircraft and missions of CHP.
His advice to aspiring pilots.

Pick Of the Week:

CHP Air Operations, Golden Gate Division

Links:

California Highway Patrol on Wikipedia

California Highway Patrol Aviators Division in Action

CHP Aviation Vehicles San Francisco from a CHP Cockpit CHP performing a rescue

Helicopter Pilot, Podcast

ACP096 Air Ambulance Helicopter Pilot Sal Fragoso

October 30, 2015 CarlValeri 2 Comments

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When someone is injured and in need of assistance, the first thing many people think of is an ambulance to rush them to the airport. What happens when the victim is in a remote location or stuck in heavy traffic, or the hospital is too far away? This is where the Air Ambulance comes in.

Sal Fragoso is an Air Ambulance pilot working in New York City, where traffic jams can put a patient’s life in mortal danger. He has also worked in the Southwestern US, where the distance to a hospital, even without traffic, could be life-threatening for a patient. He is here to speak with us about working as a helicopter pilot in the tour and medical industries.

In This Episode we discuss:

How to become an Air Ambulance Pilot as a civilian.
How Sal was able to obtain his career goal.
Ways to build time as a helicopter pilot.
Job Prospects for Helicopter Pilots.
The rewards and challenges of becoming a Helicopter Pilot.
Advice to those looking to move forward with a career as a Helicopter Pilot.

Helicopter Pilot, Podcast

ACP092 How to Become a Commercial Helicopter Pilot with Pam Landis of Ocean Helicopters

October 2, 2015 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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pamaward

Many times I dreamed of hovering above the Earth looking down upon my home, where I went to school, or simply watching dolphins play in the azure waters below. One way I have realized this dream is by flying a helicopter.

The helicopter is a unique aircraft; transporting people to unique locations, allowing us to view the world from a point in space, and playing a key role in helping save lives. If this sounds like fun you should consider a career as a helicopter pilot.

In past episodes, we spoke with Police, Army, and Coast Guard helicopter pilots and you can find those episodes linked below. Joining us today is a pilot who will help us understand how to become a commercial helicopter pilot.

Pam Landis is Vice President and Chief Flight Instructor of Ocean Helicopters in West Palm Beach, Florida. Pam is truly passionate about helicopters and teaching people how to fly. Pam is also on the training committee with Helicopter Association International.

As a testament to her commitment to aviation education, she was instrumental in Ocean Helicopters being awarded the 2014 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) ‘Flight Training Excellence Award ‘ for Outstanding Flight School. Only 10 flight schools from around the country were selected for this award, and Ocean Helicopters was the only helicopter flight school featured.

Pam and I discuss:

The joy of flying helicopters.
Why you should consider a career flying helicopters.
Various jobs you can look forward to as a commercial helicopter pilot.
How to become a commercial helicopters pilot.
Things you should do before you begin your training.
Costs of training and how to make your training more efficient.
How to become a helicopter pilot if you are a fixed wing pilot.
Ocean Helicopters and how they prepare pilots for a career as a
commercial helicopter pilot.

Links:

Ocean Helicopters

Whirly Girls

Helicopter Association International

RotorcraftPro Magazine

Helicopter Salaries

Past Episodes With Helicopter Pilots

Scholarship of the Week:

Helicopter Foundation International Commercial Helicopter Rating Scholarship

In answer to the helicopter industry’s need for qualified pilots, and in an effort to attract new talent to the industry, HFI is sponsoring four Commercial Helicopter Pilot Scholarships.

Candidates who currently holds a private helicopter pilot license to obtain a commercial helicopter rating. A primary determinant will be evidence of the applicant’s skill and ability to be a commercial helicopter pilot and interest in pursuing a career as a pilot in the helicopter industry.

Typical scholarship open date: September 1, closing date November 30. A total of 4 scholarships is available each valued at $5,000 each.

Army Aviator (Low Flyer), Helicopter Pilot, Military, Pilot, Podcast

ACP066 – US Army Aviation and Military “Low Flyers”

August 22, 2014 CarlValeri Leave a comment

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The job of helicopter pilot (low flyer) is exciting, rewarding, and of great benefit to our society. I have had a long interest in flying helicopters and have only a few hours but can tell you the most amazing thing in the world is being able to hover above the ground as if you are floating in the air. It is truly magical. Today I have with me someone who enjoys this “magical” experience as part of his job.

Captain Ross McClure is a United States Army helicopter pilot and is going to help us understand what it is like to be a career Army Helicopter pilot. Captain McClure is second in command of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) Aviation Company. His job includes planning, coordinating, and directing employment of aviation assets to support the Egypt-Israeli peace treaty, civilian observer units and distinguished visitors. His job entails assisting the Unit Commander in the management of logistics, administration and operation of over ninety million dollars in assets and over fifty personnel including aviation aircraft and component repairmen, rotorcraft aviators, flight operations specialists, fuel supply technicians and technical supply specialists.

We discuss:

What type of flying he is doing now.
What is the mission of the MFO ?
What flying jobs are available in the Army.
How to become an Army Aviator and “Low Flyer”.
Advice on what you should do now if you want to join the Army and become a helicopter pilot.
What other jobs are there in the Army related to Aviation?
How Unmanned Systems will affect the job opportunities for pilots.
Any websites people can view now to get more information about Army jobs.

Links:

Helicopter Pilots in Past Episodes

ACP021: Adventures Of A Police Helicopter Pilot; Interview with Darryl J. Kimball

ACP039 – Coast Guard Helicopter Pilot Steven Vigus

U.S. Army website

Multinational Force & Observers

ACP020 Land That Job: Successful Interviews and Resumes with Amanda Myers of JSfirm.com

Scholarship Of The Week:

Bauer-Bisgeier Memorial Scholarship

Coast Guard, Flight Instructing, Flight Instructor, Helicopter Pilot, Navy, Podcast

ACP039 – Coast Guard Helicopter Pilot Steven Vigus

September 20, 2013 CarlValeri 2 Comments

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USCGphoto by SN Kevin Bland Welcome to episode 39. Today I have with me former Coast Guard helicopter pilot and Navy flight instructor Steve Vigus. Steve has a varied background and many interests including a passion for automobiles. I am really excited to listen as Steve takes us inside the cockpit of a Coast Guard Helicopter pilot on a rescue mission.