Congratulations to our Helicopter Training Student of the Month for August, Alwin Schneider! Get to know Alwin and hear about his journey through helicopter training here at Mauna Loa.
Name?
Alwin
Age?
25
Current ratings?
COM, CFI
Where are you from?
Austria
What point in your life did you know you wanted to fly helicopters?
Since I was very young. At the age of 5, I got the chance to fly in a helicopter to a mountain hut, and since then I was always fascinated by them. Later on as I started to be part of the mountain rescue team in my hometown, I came in contact with helicopters more often. From then on I knew that I didn’t want to be just a passenger.
What is your favorite to fly?
I really like to fly through the valleys of Kauai and Big Island. I also enjoy long-lining and high altitude training is really challenging.
Where do you hope your training will take you?
My dream is to get a job back home in Austria. I would take any chance I could to get there and get enough experience to fly such amazing aircraft.
What obstacles have you had to overcome to get where you are today?
It was hard to leave home and my friends. But it was my dream and I wanted to make it real. So I decided to come to Hawaii and I don’t regret it. After arriving here at MLH, I got such a warm welcome and met great people, which makes it even easier.
What advice would you give to people just starting out in their training?
If helicopter training is your dream, do everything you can to make that dream real. When you have a hard time, and you are not progressing like you planned, don’t give up. Maybe go on a fun flight and remind yourself why you started in the first place.
What has been your favorite experience while flying with MLH?
I like the experience. When my flight instructor shows me something new and I am able to perform it well after some training.
The location here is perfect to learn to fly helicopters. The weather is great, and it’s possible to fly nearly every day. Also, being able to fly over the ocean, high altitudes and in the valleys all in close proximity to the airport.
MLH is great because the instructors and the students are like a big family. You can get help from everybody if you ask. A lot of great people!!!
