At Mauna Loa Helicopters, we welcome students from across the globe, each bringing a unique story and passion for flight. But there’s something extraordinary when a student from here in Hawaii is deeply connected to the islands and their communities. We’re thrilled to highlight one such individual: Elless Domingo, a Honolulu native who has taken on the incredible challenge of balancing his duties as a firefighter with his dream of becoming a helicopter pilot.
Elless’s path to the skies began unexpectedly—a conversation at the fire station. He recalls, “One day, a battalion chief casually asked if anyone knew any civilian helicopter pilots. I didn’t know anyone at the time, but his question lit a spark in me. The thought of flying—and more importantly, the possibility of becoming a pilot for the fire department—started to take root.”
That casual conversation turned into a defining moment. Elless soon realized that flying could offer him a new way to serve his community, particularly in areas like search and rescue or wildfire response. Fueled by his fellow firefighters’ encouragement, he boldly decided to pursue flight training. “There are no guarantees,” he said, “but I wanted to give myself the chance to serve the community in a new capacity.” With that in mind, he enrolled in Mauna Loa Helicopters.
Why Mauna Loa Helicopters?
For Elless, the decision to join Mauna Loa Helicopters wasn’t just about convenience, though our Honolulu location certainly helped! “Living in Honolulu made Mauna Loa an obvious choice,” Elless said, “but beyond that, I chose this school because it’s recognized as one of the top helicopter training programs in the nation. I wanted to learn from the best.”
And learning from the best doesn’t come without its challenges. As a full-time firefighter, Elless has had to find creative ways to balance his demanding schedule with his flight training. “It’s been tough,” he admitted. “I schedule lessons and flights on every day off I get. I’ve also had to adapt to working with two different instructors after one left the island. Each had a unique teaching style, which was a challenge at first but ultimately gave me the opportunity to learn from different perspectives.”
Elless’s journey is a testament to the importance of flexibility, dedication, and resilience. “Balancing life, work, and school is no easy feat, but staying motivated and keeping a flexible schedule has made all the difference. Every flight is a new experience. I see something different, I learn something new, and it keeps me moving forward toward my goal.”
Advice for Aspiring Pilots
Elless is also quick to share his insights for those considering their own flight training journey. “If you’re thinking about flight school, go for it,” he encouraged. “Yes, it’s a significant investment, but the skills, experiences, and connections you’ll make are worth every penny. When I first started, I thought flying was just about handling the controls, but it’s so much more. You need to understand aerodynamics, weather patterns, aircraft limitations, and safety protocols. Flying isn’t easy—it takes discipline, motivation, and lots of practice. But every step is an opportunity for growth, and when you look back, you’ll see just how far you’ve come.”
Training in Hawaii: An Unmatched Experience
Elless also recognizes the unique advantage of training in Hawaii, particularly in Honolulu’s dynamic airspace. “Being based out of Honolulu is a huge advantage for me,” he said. “I get to fly in an environment that’s a mix of commercial, military, and general aviation traffic, which is perfect for getting familiar with the local airspace and airport operations. Plus, the weather here is never boring. One minute it’s clear skies, and the next, clouds roll in—it’s a great way to get used to the unpredictable weather patterns that come with flying over the islands.”
As Elless looks ahead to his dream of becoming a fire department pilot, he’s laser-focused on being fully prepared for the challenges that come with the role. “If I get the opportunity to fly for the fire department, Honolulu and the surrounding areas will be my ‘backyard.’ Learning the local terrain, understanding the weather, and getting comfortable in this environment is invaluable. It’s all about being prepared and ensuring every mission is a success.”
Proud to Be a Part of Elless’s Journey
At Mauna Loa Helicopters, we couldn’t be prouder of students like Elless. His dedication, work ethic, and passion for both his community and his flying goals are truly inspiring. Whether he’s on the ground as a firefighter or in the skies as a pilot, Elless represents the very best of what it means to serve Hawaii.
If you’re ready to embark on your own flight training journey, we’d love to help you take the first step. Contact us today to learn more about how Mauna Loa Helicopters can help you reach new heights!