Julien Gfeller

Pilot, Access Helicopters
Alberta, Canada
Who are you flying for currently?
I am a Pilot at Access Helicopters in Alberta, Canada
Where are you flying and for what company?
I attended MLH in 2012 for hour building and FAA commercial license in the same time. I returned 5 years later to complete the professional program.
What ratings do you hold?
COM, CFI, IR, CFII
What type of work are you doing now?
Geophysical surveys (bird tows & Lidar) and mining support
What kind of helicopter(s) do you fly?
AS350
What do you find unique, challenging, or fulfilling about your job?

I had the pleasure of flying tours on Kauai for a year, was able to get very comfortable in the 44, and learn a lot about my personal limits, especially when it comes to weather. I left Kauai a few months early because of the pandemic. Access Helicopters in Canada was looking for a 44 pilot to tow birds at the time and luckily I got the job.

It was a great introduction to a 100ft long line and I was able to fly jobs anywhere between BC and Ontario. At the same time, I started flying Astars slinging propane, diesel, JetA etc to mining camps. Meanwhile, I have flown surveys with 100ft and 200ft longlines on both the 44 and Astar. Currently, I’m getting more and more exposed to precision longlining and drill moves which are heaps of fun!!

What other positions have you held?
Access Helicopters is my first stop since instruction and tours with MLH. I’m looking forward to improving my skills in precision longlining and mountain flying here in Canada.
Julien Gfeller in a helicopter
a helicopter lifting some equipment
Julien Gfeller next to a helicopter