December 2018 Student of the Month
Meet Paul Waltl, age 23, from Austria, a small city named Leibnitz. Currently in IFR/CFII training.
At what point in your life did you know you wanted to fly helicopters?
I got addicted to it the first time I’ve sat in a helicopter in Austria about 3 years ago but I always knew I wanted to work in aviation.
What is your favorite helicopter to fly?
I haven’t had the chance to fly many different ones. I love Robinson’s, but my dream helicopter is the AS 350B3.
What obstacles have you had to overcome to get where you are today?
Gaining the courage to leave my family and friends and moving to a country I’ve never been before at the age of 21 without knowing when or if I’m going to come back.
Where do you hope your training will take you? Goals?
At the very end of my career I’d love to land on the highest helipad on earth doing emergency operations on Mt Everest.
What advice would you give to people just starting out in their training?
Always have a positive attitude and keep your goals in mind.
What has been your favorite experience while flying with MLH?
Doing a high-density altitude off-airport landing at almost 7000 ft with a beautiful view!
What is your favorite thing about training in Hawaii at MLH?
Being able to learn how to fly in high wind environments, seeing all the different climates on the island, having the opportunities to do High DA/ Slingloading/ Bravo Airspace/ seeing all the other islands.
Congratulations to Paul on being awarded HNL December 2018 Student of the Month, keep up the good work!