Hilo, Hawaii
Who are you flying for currently?
I am a Lead Pilot at Safari Helicopters in Hilo, Hawaii
Where are you flying and for what company?
2016-2017
What ratings do you hold?
PVT, COM, IFR, CFI/CFII
What type of work are you doing now?
I am mostly flying 135/136 tours over Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcano, as well as Hamakua valleys tours. We also contract out to USGS or University of Hawaii for charter and survey work as needed. I am working towards my instructor pilot rating within the company and will hopefully complete the rating on my next checkride!
What kind of helicopter(s) do you fly?
AS350 B2
What do you find unique, challenging, or fulfilling about your job?
Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on the planet, and Kilauea is the most active of any volcano in the world. The weather is constantly changing on the east side of Hawaii, so I have to be prepared to make quick decisions regarding safe routes and altitudes and understand how the weather can build and change. The biggest lesson I’ve learned flying in Hilo is to never take the mauka (mountain) route if it’s not 100% clear along the shoreline because the weather can build in and trap you against the mountain. The solid training I received at MLH enabled me to be able to make a precautionary off-airport landing on the side of the mountain when weather deteriorated too quickly for me to be able to safely make it back down to the airport. The magnetism of the volcano area can also cause compass fluctuations. Every flight is unique and I enjoy sharing the history of our island with guests and seeing the changes in lava flows and the creation and destruction that it brings.
What other positions have you held?
While attending MLH, I worked at Paradise Helicopters as ground crew which allowed me to understand the logistics of a tour operation and I was also able to ferry the Bell 407. After graduating from MLH, I was hired on as an instructor at the Kona base. I flew 135/136 tours in Maui, Molokai and Lanai in the R44 before being hired on at Safari in the A-Star.
Do you have any other comments or suggestions for those just beginning in the industry?
I’m a member of the Whirly Girls, 99s and Women in Aviation, and enjoy mentoring students and volunteering at STEM events. I received several scholarships including the Fly Now Award, Part 133 Aloha Scholarship Award, Foreflight scholarship, Airbus IIMC factory training, and CHC Safety Summit course. I was also recognized as an outstanding instructor by Helicopter Association International (HAI).
