What would you do if you had only 56 seconds to live? Far too often, that is the final countdown for helicopter pilots who do not make sound aeronautical decisions during all phases of VFR flight.
This course provides proven tactics to help both fixed wing and helicopter pilots avoid deteriorating weather as well as learn how to respond as viable options run out. Experience a simulated accident scenario, then wind back the clock to reveal how smart decisions made at the right time are the key to survival.
This month's MentorLIVE is sponsored by Gleim
Director of Safety, Helicopter Association International (HAI)
Chris began his flying career as a US Army attack helicopter pilot (AH-1F Cobra) eventually serving as a maintenance officer and maintenance test pilot. He then went on to fly commercial helicopters (B206B, B206L-1, B206L-3) in the Gulf of Mexico before transitioning to the US Coast Guard where he retired after completing 20-years and 5,000 flight hours. Among other assignments during his Coast Guard career, he served as an MH-65 (AS365) and MH-68 (AW109) instructor pilot, instrument flight examiner, flight standardization officer, and flight safety officer.
He holds a helicopter ATP and an instrument airplane rating (SEL). He earned a BS and Master of Aeronautical Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In 2018 Chris was named Director of Safety for Helicopter Association International (HAI), where he also serves on the Steering Committee of the US Helicopter Safety Team.
Owner, Palisade Aviation, LLC & Vice Chair, HAI Training Working Group Lead Author, Narrator
Scott, an outspoken advocate for improved aviation safety, is a veteran Part 135 instructor/check pilot, and was one of the first FAA Aircrew Program Designees for a part 135 helicopter air carrier. Currently an IFR pilot in command in the EC135, part-time production test pilot, and vice chair of the HAI Training Working Group, Scott holds rotorcraft ATP/CFII certificates as well as commercial privileges in single engine airplanes.
Scott started his aviation career in the US Army, and has since worked in the off-shore oil and gas industry, electronic news gathering, and helicopter air ambulance sectors of the industry. Scott launched Palisade Aviation, LLC in 2019 in the hopes of bringing an intentional approach to aviation operations and training.
Nick is the Industry Co-Chair of the US Helicopter Safety Team (USHST). A veteran of both Gulf Wars, he served for 28 years in the Royal Navy mainly as a Sea King anti-submarine and SAR instructor pilot. Nick has experience as an EASA Flight Examiner, holds both EASA and FAA Commercial and Instructor rotorcraft qualifications and is HAI's 2017 Instructor of the Year.
Bruce is the Director of Aviation Education for Airbus Helicopters. He believes that the key to improving aviation safety is through a better understanding of human behavior.
Bruce's interest in aviation began in High School where he attended an aerospace course as a sophomore and then attended a vocational A&P School as a junior and senior. He went on to complete his Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois while concurrently pursuing his FAA Rotorcraft Helicopter Pilot Certificates. He co-owned and operated an FAA approved part 135, 137, and 145 helicopter operation in the Chicago area for more than six years.
He flew medical helicopters (VFR and IFR BK-117's) for more than four years in Nebraska, Ohio, and North Carolina. He came to Airbus (Eurocopter) in 1999 as a pilot and quickly was promoted to Chief Pilot, a position he held for sixteen years. He stepped down in 2016 to begin this new challenge of promoting safety from a lectern…not a cockpit.
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