19 year old firefighter
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So you´re saying this whole "Look, my 19 year old daughter with literally no experience on her freshly printed commercial license is now rated on some of the biggest helicopters in the world, flying fire fighting" is only a "marketing gag"?
Given the attention (and uproar) this article and video caused in the community speaks for itself.....so it definitely caught the attention.....
Given the attention (and uproar) this article and video caused in the community speaks for itself.....so it definitely caught the attention.....
Cheers,
Grog
Last edited by capngrog; 21st Sep 2020 at 16:49. Reason: Add a sentence
Good luck to her but you have to ask - if it had been a 19 year old boy instead of a cute looking girl, would AOPA have run the story and would there be any social media interest?
Originally Posted by [email protected]
Good luck to her but you have to ask - if it had been a 19 year old boy instead of a cute looking girl, would AOPA have run the story and would there be any social media interest?
And if just a few young girls decide "Hmm - I'd like a go at that", where's the problem?
Is positive publicity for the industry a bad thing?
Originally Posted by [email protected]
Good luck to her but you have to ask - if it had been a 19 year old boy instead of a cute looking girl, would AOPA have run the story and would there be any social media interest?
As you say good luck to her, the only thing I'm jealous about is getting a free box of snickers, if I was working a fire with her I would ask her to share those
.hueyracer; would you not facilitate your child if they wanted to fly helicopters and you were in a position to do so?
Join Date: Nov 2015
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Cheers,
Grog
Qualified to be commander of a Cobra helicopter with enough armament to erase entire villages from the face of the earth, yet too young to rent a car in Hawaii.
'Murica
As one who has shared the same airspace as her, and am somewhat "in the know"... although have not interacted personally with her, I have worked with Billings many times over the years including AJ prior to his passing, and I will say....
She did not ask for, or like all the publicity. She started flying with her father as a co-pilot, she has earned the right to her type certificate and will give any Hawk pilot or Chinook pilot a good run for their money on knowledge tests. She does have a lot to learn about fire and is extremely humble in admitting that. FWIW, I give her a plus 1 and look forward to drinking a beer with her in Boise at the annual fire pilot "meetings" once she is old enough.....
I think she would be quite happy to go back to flying incognito again and just do her job.
She did not ask for, or like all the publicity. She started flying with her father as a co-pilot, she has earned the right to her type certificate and will give any Hawk pilot or Chinook pilot a good run for their money on knowledge tests. She does have a lot to learn about fire and is extremely humble in admitting that. FWIW, I give her a plus 1 and look forward to drinking a beer with her in Boise at the annual fire pilot "meetings" once she is old enough.....
I think she would be quite happy to go back to flying incognito again and just do her job.
so what if she is 19, with not many hours, please tell me how old some military pilots are and their level of experience when they first start ? Lots will be not much older with not many more hours !
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In the past 25 years in this industry, i have seen hundreds of pilots applying for jobs like the one she seems to have (the article is giving the impression that she is rated as PIC on a Fire Hawk; giving the impression she is flying it in the fires.....).......and i have seen hundreds of them being rejected for either not having time on type, or not having the total experience required....or simply not having an ATPL (why can she be rated PIC on a heavy aircraft only holding a CPL anyway?)
Don´t get me wrong:
I am not saying she can´t be a nice person (i simply don´t know, as i don´t know her)-and i would say exactly the same if this article was about a 19 years old guy getting type rated on a Fire Hawk by Daddy..........
But if i am the only one thinking that it is wrong to send a freshmen CPL with a few hours as PIC on a fire hawk into fire fighting-then it really is about time for me to retire.
Like i said-i have carried enough experienced pilots to their final destination because they screwed up (or because they ran out of luck).
I don´t see any benefit of setting up for failure by allowing pilots without proper experience to do a job that is not a "learning environment"......
Either i am mistaken-and the article was just trying to brag about this pilot; or something really is wrong here...
so what if she is 19, with not many hours, please tell me how old some military pilots are and their level of experience when they first start ? Lots will be not much older with not many more hours !
There is another error in the article, in that it mentions several hundred 16 to 19 year olds with commercial licenses. Considering you have to be 18 to get your CPL ticket, the age range is a bit wide...
Other than that, good for her.
Other than that, good for her.
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I have already seen that, but could keep my mouth shut on this one...(although i had to bite my tongue).
There are enough pilots with fire fighting experience who have been saying this for years:
Either you use a very short line, so the bambi cannot get into your tail rotor-or you use a long line.......
If there is one thing you should not use, its a line that stops exactly at the tail rotor, then you fly down the hill like a crazy cowboy.....
But again:
I think i am only getting too old for this.......too many times i had to say "I have been warning you"....
I have already seen that, but could keep my mouth shut on this one...(although i had to bite my tongue).
There are enough pilots with fire fighting experience who have been saying this for years:
Either you use a very short line, so the bambi cannot get into your tail rotor-or you use a long line.......
If there is one thing you should not use, its a line that stops exactly at the tail rotor, then you fly down the hill like a crazy cowboy.....
But again:
I think i am only getting too old for this.......too many times i had to say "I have been warning you"....
There are enough pilots with fire fighting experience who have been saying this for years:
Either you use a very short line, so the bambi cannot get into your tail rotor-or you use a long line.......
If there is one thing you should not use, its a line that stops exactly at the tail rotor, then you fly down the hill like a crazy cowboy.....
But again:
I think i am only getting too old for this.......too many times i had to say "I have been warning you"....
Quite simple really....!
What gets me, is when you go to Bambi's social media sites and they are posting pictures of pilots violating their bucket manual guidelines and to make it worse Helicopter Association International then likes that picture.......
Thread Starter
kicking the hornet nest
I’ve been itching to post again, but was hoping Gordy would chime in, whatever his opinion, as I suspected he might have insight into this family. Twenty years on this forum, and that’s the first time I’ve started a thread. Just a simple PPL with low RW hours, I don’t often feel comfortable about posting, as this place is meant for pros, but I hang out to learn. I should have expected it would somehow generate controversy, but I liked this story. Here’s a young pilot getting a chance to do something unusual, rather than sightseeing or moving freight or other typical early jobs. I wish I had gotten a commercial when I was young, and made flying a career, not just a “hobby”. Is it her fault she was born into an aviation family, and had an opportunity that others might not? If she had chosen to be a high fashion designer, someone would be chiding her for wasting the family flying connection. I expect her dad wouldn’t let her behind the cyclic if she wasn’t capable. He sure wouldn’t want to lose his precious little daughter and his precious little, er, big helicopter. I also highly doubt a pilot examiner would pass her checkrides if she wasn’t qualified, as it looks bad on them if she bends the airframe. Lessee, she has a commercial, instructor certificate, and typed in a Cessna jet. I haven’t seen the order form where I can send off my money for all that.
I wanted to be a military pilot, like my father, but had poor eyesight even as a kid. So, I learned planks as a young adult. Later, something sparked an interest in helicopters, and I found myself a student again, flogging the R22 an hour and half in the morning, then working the rest of the day, hoping I’d break even. Many of you gave up much more to learn, including compulsory years in the military. I continually read the bleating about bad bosses, lousy pay, junk machines, 21 hours on/3 hours off workdays, so why do it? Because of the love of flying, and helicopters in particular.
To those who support the young lady, I thank you for the positive comments. To those who didn’t see it that way, you once had one hour in your logbook, and someone was giving you a chance, not knowing if you’d even make it to a checkride, or survive and gain experience. Everybody starts somewhere, and it’s not all equal. Fair doesn’t exist in life. Bothered because she’s getting a little publicity when you’ve got so many more hours, and have done far greater things, and no article about you? It’s written by her hometown newspaper. Sheesh! Shouldn’t every small paper publish a positive story about one of their own youngsters? We all know how much bad press there is about this industry, I welcome something good. Yeah, a couple of inaccuracies, typical for a non-aviation writer.
I think she’s smart for having a Plan B. The accounting and business knowledge will serve her well to keep the company in the family down the road. Who knows, what if she ended up at one of the horribly run big operators I keep reading about here. Just think of it, a beancounter that actually can fly a helicopter. What a novel concept! Hmmmm, she might have empathy for those poor overworked pilots and try to improve their lot.
Between unaffordable rental rates and 7 years of cancer, the heli column in my logbook isn’t growing. But, that doesn’t mean I’m bitter and I can’t be happy for someone else’s success. I’m three times Ashli’s age with a fraction of her accomplishments, and my ego isn’t so large that I can’t acknowledge that. I love seeing young people exceed, as there are always plenty that don’t. Just last week, I attended a STOL (short takeoff or landing) competition. One competitor was a woman that just started flying this year, and has 300 hours. She came over the trees in a 60-deg slip right down to the grass, and made it look routine. Way better pilot than I am. She won second place. Oh yeah, just age 17. Once in a while, someone exceptional comes along. I think we call them a natural stick? Bravo! Can’t we celebrate that? Just yesterday, I got a text from one of the 500+ Young Eagles I’ve flown. He flies C-130s in the Marines in Hellistan. Hearing from him made my day, but not as much as the time he sent a pic standing in front of the TH-55 he had just passed his instrument checkride in. Wow, was I proud. He has far exceeded me, and as a mentor, I’m delighted.
I’ll get off the soapbox now. Maybe I’ll start a thread in another 20 years, if I make it that long, but only after slipping on the flak jacket.
I wanted to be a military pilot, like my father, but had poor eyesight even as a kid. So, I learned planks as a young adult. Later, something sparked an interest in helicopters, and I found myself a student again, flogging the R22 an hour and half in the morning, then working the rest of the day, hoping I’d break even. Many of you gave up much more to learn, including compulsory years in the military. I continually read the bleating about bad bosses, lousy pay, junk machines, 21 hours on/3 hours off workdays, so why do it? Because of the love of flying, and helicopters in particular.
To those who support the young lady, I thank you for the positive comments. To those who didn’t see it that way, you once had one hour in your logbook, and someone was giving you a chance, not knowing if you’d even make it to a checkride, or survive and gain experience. Everybody starts somewhere, and it’s not all equal. Fair doesn’t exist in life. Bothered because she’s getting a little publicity when you’ve got so many more hours, and have done far greater things, and no article about you? It’s written by her hometown newspaper. Sheesh! Shouldn’t every small paper publish a positive story about one of their own youngsters? We all know how much bad press there is about this industry, I welcome something good. Yeah, a couple of inaccuracies, typical for a non-aviation writer.
I think she’s smart for having a Plan B. The accounting and business knowledge will serve her well to keep the company in the family down the road. Who knows, what if she ended up at one of the horribly run big operators I keep reading about here. Just think of it, a beancounter that actually can fly a helicopter. What a novel concept! Hmmmm, she might have empathy for those poor overworked pilots and try to improve their lot.
Between unaffordable rental rates and 7 years of cancer, the heli column in my logbook isn’t growing. But, that doesn’t mean I’m bitter and I can’t be happy for someone else’s success. I’m three times Ashli’s age with a fraction of her accomplishments, and my ego isn’t so large that I can’t acknowledge that. I love seeing young people exceed, as there are always plenty that don’t. Just last week, I attended a STOL (short takeoff or landing) competition. One competitor was a woman that just started flying this year, and has 300 hours. She came over the trees in a 60-deg slip right down to the grass, and made it look routine. Way better pilot than I am. She won second place. Oh yeah, just age 17. Once in a while, someone exceptional comes along. I think we call them a natural stick? Bravo! Can’t we celebrate that? Just yesterday, I got a text from one of the 500+ Young Eagles I’ve flown. He flies C-130s in the Marines in Hellistan. Hearing from him made my day, but not as much as the time he sent a pic standing in front of the TH-55 he had just passed his instrument checkride in. Wow, was I proud. He has far exceeded me, and as a mentor, I’m delighted.
I’ll get off the soapbox now. Maybe I’ll start a thread in another 20 years, if I make it that long, but only after slipping on the flak jacket.
I’ve been itching to post again, but was hoping Gordy would chime in, whatever his opinion, as I suspected he might have insight into this family. Twenty years on this forum, and that’s the first time I’ve started a thread. Just a simple PPL with low RW hours, I don’t often feel comfortable about posting, as this place is meant for pros, but I hang out to learn. I should have expected it would somehow generate controversy, but I liked this story. Here’s a young pilot getting a chance to do something unusual, rather than sightseeing or moving freight or other typical early jobs. I wish I had gotten a commercial when I was young, and made flying a career, not just a “hobby”. Is it her fault she was born into an aviation family, and had an opportunity that others might not? If she had chosen to be a high fashion designer, someone would be chiding her for wasting the family flying connection. I expect her dad wouldn’t let her behind the cyclic if she wasn’t capable. He sure wouldn’t want to lose his precious little daughter and his precious little, er, big helicopter. I also highly doubt a pilot examiner would pass her checkrides if she wasn’t qualified, as it looks bad on them if she bends the airframe. Lessee, she has a commercial, instructor certificate, and typed in a Cessna jet. I haven’t seen the order form where I can send off my money for all that.
I wanted to be a military pilot, like my father, but had poor eyesight even as a kid. So, I learned planks as a young adult. Later, something sparked an interest in helicopters, and I found myself a student again, flogging the R22 an hour and half in the morning, then working the rest of the day, hoping I’d break even. Many of you gave up much more to learn, including compulsory years in the military. I continually read the bleating about bad bosses, lousy pay, junk machines, 21 hours on/3 hours off workdays, so why do it? Because of the love of flying, and helicopters in particular.
To those who support the young lady, I thank you for the positive comments. To those who didn’t see it that way, you once had one hour in your logbook, and someone was giving you a chance, not knowing if you’d even make it to a checkride, or survive and gain experience. Everybody starts somewhere, and it’s not all equal. Fair doesn’t exist in life. Bothered because she’s getting a little publicity when you’ve got so many more hours, and have done far greater things, and no article about you? It’s written by her hometown newspaper. Sheesh! Shouldn’t every small paper publish a positive story about one of their own youngsters? We all know how much bad press there is about this industry, I welcome something good. Yeah, a couple of inaccuracies, typical for a non-aviation writer.
I think she’s smart for having a Plan B. The accounting and business knowledge will serve her well to keep the company in the family down the road. Who knows, what if she ended up at one of the horribly run big operators I keep reading about here. Just think of it, a beancounter that actually can fly a helicopter. What a novel concept! Hmmmm, she might have empathy for those poor overworked pilots and try to improve their lot.
Between unaffordable rental rates and 7 years of cancer, the heli column in my logbook isn’t growing. But, that doesn’t mean I’m bitter and I can’t be happy for someone else’s success. I’m three times Ashli’s age with a fraction of her accomplishments, and my ego isn’t so large that I can’t acknowledge that. I love seeing young people exceed, as there are always plenty that don’t. Just last week, I attended a STOL (short takeoff or landing) competition. One competitor was a woman that just started flying this year, and has 300 hours. She came over the trees in a 60-deg slip right down to the grass, and made it look routine. Way better pilot than I am. She won second place. Oh yeah, just age 17. Once in a while, someone exceptional comes along. I think we call them a natural stick? Bravo! Can’t we celebrate that? Just yesterday, I got a text from one of the 500+ Young Eagles I’ve flown. He flies C-130s in the Marines in Hellistan. Hearing from him made my day, but not as much as the time he sent a pic standing in front of the TH-55 he had just passed his instrument checkride in. Wow, was I proud. He has far exceeded me, and as a mentor, I’m delighted.
I’ll get off the soapbox now. Maybe I’ll start a thread in another 20 years, if I make it that long, but only after slipping on the flak jacket.
I wanted to be a military pilot, like my father, but had poor eyesight even as a kid. So, I learned planks as a young adult. Later, something sparked an interest in helicopters, and I found myself a student again, flogging the R22 an hour and half in the morning, then working the rest of the day, hoping I’d break even. Many of you gave up much more to learn, including compulsory years in the military. I continually read the bleating about bad bosses, lousy pay, junk machines, 21 hours on/3 hours off workdays, so why do it? Because of the love of flying, and helicopters in particular.
To those who support the young lady, I thank you for the positive comments. To those who didn’t see it that way, you once had one hour in your logbook, and someone was giving you a chance, not knowing if you’d even make it to a checkride, or survive and gain experience. Everybody starts somewhere, and it’s not all equal. Fair doesn’t exist in life. Bothered because she’s getting a little publicity when you’ve got so many more hours, and have done far greater things, and no article about you? It’s written by her hometown newspaper. Sheesh! Shouldn’t every small paper publish a positive story about one of their own youngsters? We all know how much bad press there is about this industry, I welcome something good. Yeah, a couple of inaccuracies, typical for a non-aviation writer.
I think she’s smart for having a Plan B. The accounting and business knowledge will serve her well to keep the company in the family down the road. Who knows, what if she ended up at one of the horribly run big operators I keep reading about here. Just think of it, a beancounter that actually can fly a helicopter. What a novel concept! Hmmmm, she might have empathy for those poor overworked pilots and try to improve their lot.
Between unaffordable rental rates and 7 years of cancer, the heli column in my logbook isn’t growing. But, that doesn’t mean I’m bitter and I can’t be happy for someone else’s success. I’m three times Ashli’s age with a fraction of her accomplishments, and my ego isn’t so large that I can’t acknowledge that. I love seeing young people exceed, as there are always plenty that don’t. Just last week, I attended a STOL (short takeoff or landing) competition. One competitor was a woman that just started flying this year, and has 300 hours. She came over the trees in a 60-deg slip right down to the grass, and made it look routine. Way better pilot than I am. She won second place. Oh yeah, just age 17. Once in a while, someone exceptional comes along. I think we call them a natural stick? Bravo! Can’t we celebrate that? Just yesterday, I got a text from one of the 500+ Young Eagles I’ve flown. He flies C-130s in the Marines in Hellistan. Hearing from him made my day, but not as much as the time he sent a pic standing in front of the TH-55 he had just passed his instrument checkride in. Wow, was I proud. He has far exceeded me, and as a mentor, I’m delighted.
I’ll get off the soapbox now. Maybe I’ll start a thread in another 20 years, if I make it that long, but only after slipping on the flak jacket.
I’ll get off the soapbox now. Maybe I’ll start a thread in another 20 years, if I make it that long, but only after slipping on the flak jacket.
