Dan Heath

Utility/Charter Pilot, HNA Capital Helicopters
Beijing
Who are you flying for currently?
I am a Utility/Charter Pilot at HNA Capital Helicopters in Beijing
Where are you flying and for what company?
Started Professional program Early 2010 – Completed CFI August 2011.
What ratings do you hold?
PPL(H), CPL(H) , CFI and (written IR and CFII), returning for IR and CFII 2013.
Tell us about your career path.
Currently working at HNA Capital Helicopters (Beijing) – China (Training / Flight Standards and Tours) – Flying R22 in Training and EC350 B3 for tours and utility work. I was recently given the responsibility to build the tour business for HNA Capital – initially for the Great Wall of China Helicopter tours. We are now looking at other famous locations in China to expand the business. Previously at GA Link Aviation – Hunan Province – PR China flying 300Cbi , EC120 and R44. General Aviation is still so new in China. We are really building our company from the ground up and each day we are helping shape the industry. There is no EMS, no ENG and limited tour operators in China today. If you have imagination, the will to succeed and a lot of patience China is an amazing place to work. We are expanding into offshore transfer business this year and I am excited at the prospect of flying twins if the opportunity comes my way!
Was there anything in particular that you learned at MLH that made you especially ready for a situation you have encountered since attending?
Thorough pre flight inspections and attention to safety – disciplines instilled in us at MLH are now taught to students and other pilots in our company in China. Every day I am reminded of how good our training was in Hawaii.
What did you like best about MLH?
Truly an extended family. You are treated like an individual not just another number. Its becoming a large school that maintains its small school character.
Do you have any other comments or suggestions for those just beginning in the industry?
TO perspective students I would say – ….what are you waiting for. There are many good helicopter schools in the USA – but only a handful of great schools and MLH is top of the class. To current students I say take your time and enjoy your training and your time in Hawaii….. because the hard work begins when you leave……
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