June 2019 Student of the Month
Meet Melissa Diaz Cooper, from New York.
Melissa Diaz Cooper was awarded the Honolulu student of the month for June. Melissa is from “All over, due to Coast Guard moves. Spent my first 22 years in New York and my summers in Puerto Rico. When asked how she chose MLH, Melissa said: “MLH is highly recommended by the local aviation community.” Currently, Melissa is in her Commercial and Instrument stage, off airports, are her absolute favorite experience with MLH.
Melissa shared about the moment she knew she wanted to fly helicopters “While in the recruiting office of the U.S. Coast Guard (CG) years ago after watching recruiting videos which highlighted the use of aircraft in search and rescue, and other important missions. My eyes were glued to the screen as I am watching a pilot hover over a distressed mariner before skillfully hoisting them from the unforgiving ocean, into the safety of the helicopter. That was the moment I realized I needed to be a helicopter pilot.”
“Any helicopter I’m flying is my favorite, but I enjoy the ones with the frequencies already loaded up. My overall aviation career goal is to fly search and rescue missions in my community and my dream is to fly search and rescue for the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD).”
We asked Melissa if she had obstacles during her training, and how did overcome them “I mostly had to overcome the financial obstacles of flight training. The high cost of living in Hawai’i and flight training costs are still challenging. It’s forced me to be super resourceful and creative financially.” Advice for potential students “Read ahead, come to school prepared for the lesson. Give it your all and don’t waste this opportunity, many would kill to be in your shoes.”
Melissa, you are an inspiration, keep up the hard work!