Oskar Andreas Olsen is a 24-year-old aspiring helicopter pilot from Norway. “My fascination with helicopters began during my childhood, watching EMS operations at the local hospital in my hometown.” Daily, Oskar would see helicopters take off and land just one mile from where he grew up, sparking a lifelong interest in aviation.
After completing his required one-year military service in the Norway Army, he was accepted into the Air Force pilot academy. However, Oskar’s journey took an unexpected turn when he was cut from the Norway Air Force Academy. Despite this setback, his determination to become a pilot never wavered. Redirecting his focus and enrolled at the European Helicopter Center in Norway, where he completed his commercial pilot rating.
Oskar shares why he chose Mauna Loa Helicopters, “the competitive nature of the pilot market in Europe, where securing a position with fewer than 200 flight hours can be challenging. The opportunity to convert my EASA license to an FAA license, work, and accumulate flight hours in the U.S. seemed like a fantastic opportunity, particularly in the stunning setting of Hawaii. The beautiful scenery here offers a stark contrast to the landscapes of Norway, making the experience even more enticing.”
Currently, Oskar just passed his IFR checkride. He is now in stage 3 of his COM/CFI training, with a final checkride on the horizon the excitement of his graduation is near.
Looking ahead, Oskar’s long-term plan is to return to Europe and pursue a career in Offshore flying to gain more instrument time. Ultimately, his goal is to work in the EMS for the Norwegian Air Ambulance, combining his passion for aviation with a desire to contribute to critical medical services.
Congratulations to Oskar on his hard work and being awarded student of the month for June 2024. We look forward to being a part of the next successful chapter in his aviation career.