Mauna Loa Helicopters was honored to host Tim Hunter as a guest speaker during the first week of May. Tim, a seasoned former USMC pilot with 14 years of flight experience, shared his incredible journey and invaluable insights with our students and staff.
On June 8th, 2022, Tim was piloting a Bell 407 tour helicopter in Hawaii when the unthinkable happened and his tail boom detached mid-flight. Thanks to Tim’s skill and quick thinking, all six on board survived the crash. However, Tim faces a challenging road to recovery before he is able to return to the skies.
Tim captivated our students with his story, emphasizing the critical importance of safety procedures. “Life is like surfing,” he said. “Sometimes you miss the wave or wipe out, but keep going because of the thrill of catching a great wave. As we rack up the hours, we can start to think we’re invincible.” His analogy resonated deeply, reminding us all that complacency has no place in aviation.
Tim stressed the need for diligent training: “As an industry, we’ve become lax. We need to take our fundamentals seriously, from flying square traffic patterns to frequently practicing autorotations. Solid training builds the foundation for operating machines safely, whether it’s a helicopter, an airplane, a boat, or anything else. Training instills the knowledge and confidence to react quickly and decisively.”
Tim’s talk was more than just a recount of his experience; it was a masterclass in aviation safety and best practices. He shared several key tips to enhance safety and preparedness:
- Regular Practice of Emergency Maneuvers: Ensure these skills remain sharp.
- Simulator Training: Utilize simulators to practice maneuvers too risky for real-life training.
- Encouragement of Peer Training: Motivate others to refresh their emergency procedures, especially those you might rely on in a crisis.
- Seeking Help: Address any obstacles that hinder your proficiency in emergency situations.
- Never Give Up: In the event of an incident, continue to aviate, navigate, and communicate, just as Tim did to mitigate the crash’s impact and save lives.
Tim’s passion for aviation and his resilience in the face of adversity were truly inspiring. His open and heartfelt session left a lasting impression on our students, reinforcing the importance of thorough training and unwavering dedication to safety.
At Mauna Loa Helicopters we are dedicated to fostering these values in every student and CFI we have passed through our doors. Our training program is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to handle any situation. If you are ready to take the next step in your aviation journey, contact us today. The sky awaits.