24 September 2010

sincere thanks to becker helicopters



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In case you missed the Shen Neng 1 grounding go here >>>

22 September 2010

daisy


We welcome a new addition to the Becker Helicopter fleet! ... Daisy ... the slug bug.

21 September 2010

where are they now?

Name
Denver Silcock

Country
South Africa

When did you train at Beckers?
2000/2001

Why helicopters?
The bug bit at 16 when I did a trial instructional flight for a Christmas present. Work experience at 17 years confirmed that choppers were definitely the way to go!

Big challenge and why?
First the financial aspect and secondly the mental approach to the theory exams.

Most memorable flight?
First solo in the R22 and loads more since then, too many to mention!

What did you do when you finished?
I returned to South Africa and flew on a cattle station, hour building. I worked in the slaughterhouse to fill in the rest of the time. 100 hours allowed me to complete my SA CPL requirements then I progressed onto charter and vehicle recovery, B206 tourism and then offshore.

What are you doing now?
I work at Bristow Helicopters in Nigeria - flying offshore Sikorsky S76C+/++

How many hours have you logged?
3,650 total time

What are your ratings?
SACAA/FAA ATPL(H), IR, NVFR, S76, B407, B206, AS350, R44 and smaller ones.

What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
Time will tell. 5 years is a very long time away in this game. Somewhere exotic with my family. I got a few ideas of how to get there. Short term is probably to tackle the JAA/Instructors/Fixed Wing. In fact a job back at Becker Helicopters would be sweet! Best Mike make me an offer I can't refuse ;-) Oh and of course, playing a lot more golf!

Advice to those learning to fly?
If you're contemplating training at Beckers, then go for it. Everything works in their favour and in turn it'll work in your favour too! Highly professional and they maintain a family feeling. Beckers is becoming one of the training powerhouses, worldwide! Full Stop!

Advice on looking for work?
Get stuck in, get dirty and make sacrifices. Surround yourself with people that support and motivate you every step of the way. You will reach your goal!

Final words?
Keep the Blue Stuff above and the brown stuff below. Most of the time anyways!

Previous story on Denver back in 2006 go here

08 September 2010

where are they now?

Name
Tim Watkins aka Captain Nipples or just call me anything and I'll probably turn around.

Country
Born at Manly Hospital, Sydney AUSTRALIA

When did you train at Beckers?
I started in July 2008 and finished on 31 January 2009

Why helicopters?
Well, looking for the right career has always been a challenge. I remember one day back in 2004 when I putting a roof on in Coffs Harbour new hospital (which is right next door to the old one) and the rescue helicopter was coming and going every now and then. It was coming in really low so I could see the pilot inside. I thought that was pretty cool. So as I was slugging it out putting the new roof on I decided to take a look into helicopters. Well after the initial shock of the costs I put some ideas and research behind me and I was able to start my training a few years later.

Biggest challenge in training and why?
Theory! Big thanks to Jimmy (James Orrom) and Robin (Robin Helsdon) for helping me through it.

Most memorable flight?
Going solo for the first time. I remember it so clearly because I was scared out of my mind. My instructor Mez took for me for a few circuits then told me I'd flown the last one without his help. So he instructed me to land and radio the tower. He got out and sent me off! What a rush!

What did you do when you finished training?
I was pretty lucky. The day after I passed my flight test there was a vacancy at the 12 Apostles Helicopters in Victoria. So I was straight on a plane and started there pretty much straight away.

What are you doing now?
Currently enjoying one of the world's finest inventions ... Beer! But I'll be starting up at Hamilton Island Air this weekend as a line pilot. Even a cricket bat couldn't wipe the smile from my face.

How many hours have you logged?
I have logged 525 hours with hopefully another 500 coming from my new job!

What are your ratings?
R22, R44, MD500. I have also done my HUET and I'm halfway through my sling training.

What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
I'd like to be working for someone like national parks, where there is different flying day to day. Little bit of sling, little bit of survey.

Advice to those wanting to learn to fly?
Do it! It's awesome.

Advice on looking for work?
A well put together resume and a bit of patience and the work is there. You have to be prepared to look.

Final words?
Don't dream it - live it! Massive thanks to Mike and Jan and the entire crew.

 

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