In our recent podcast episode, our Helicopter Chief Instructor, Eric Doughtie sat down with Bastien Rambla, one of our dedicated Assistant Chief Instructors, to discuss his journey from a student pilot to a key member of our leadership team. Bastien shared his experiences, challenges, and valuable lessons learned along the way.
Here’s a breakdown of Basiten's pilot journey:
1. Starting the Journey: From Austria to the U.S.
Bastien’s love for helicopters took flight in Austria, where he was captivated by the rescue missions he saw while ski racing in the mountains. Though he initially explored training in Europe, he ultimately chose to pursue his training with us at Hillsboro Heli Academy in the U.S. He shares that his decision to train in the U.S. was driven by our comprehensive and structured Joint EASA/FAA helicopter training program and the career pathway offered through our partnership with ADAC Luftrettung.
2. Overcoming Initial Challenges
Starting flight training in a new country wasn’t easy for Bastien. He recalls how challenging those early days in 2021 were—adjusting to a new environment, unfamiliar procedures, and the demands of helicopter operations. It took persistence and a solid plan to navigate those hurdles, but his determination to push through paid off. Looking back, Bastien credits those tough moments with helping him build the strong foundation he now has for his pilot career.
3. Navigating Training Milestones
Throughout the podcast, Bastien highlighted his progression through various stages of training—from earning his Private Pilot License to completing his Commercial training and finally obtaining his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating. He noted that each stage presented its own set of challenges, with private pilot training being especially intense due to the rapid influx of new information. He fondly recalled his first solo flight as a major milestone that gave him a sense of accomplishment and boosted his confidence.
4. Tackling EASA Training
Bastien highlights the importance of tackling EASA requirements early in the program. He shares how he used the break between his commercial and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) courses to complete the necessary flying hours and pass his EASA check ride, allowing him to focus entirely on the intensive CFI training.
He emphasizes that students should utilize downtime during private, instrument, and commercial training—especially during bad weather—to study and progress with EASA requirements. According to Bastien, completing EASA early is crucial, as the CFI course demands significant time and effort to prepare lessons, plan flight training, and refine teaching techniques. Balancing both EASA and CFI simultaneously can be overwhelming, so tackling EASA early helps lighten the load and ensures smoother progress through the program.
5. Building Experience as a CFI
After completing his CFI rating, Bastien joined our team as a flight instructor and began instructing. He described this phase as a significant growth period, where he quickly adapted to the role of a flight instructor. Bastien highlighted the importance of patience and continuous learning, emphasizing that every student presents a unique teaching opportunity. He enjoyed mentoring new pilots and found fulfillment in seeing his students succeed in their own training milestones.
6. The Transition to Assistant Chief Instructor
Bastien’s journey didn’t stop at becoming a CFI. He advanced to the roles of Stage Checker and Lead CFI before being promoted to Assistant Chief Instructor. This progression involved taking on more responsibilities, such as evaluating students during stage checks and ensuring training standards were met. Bastien shared that moving into a leadership position required a broader perspective, focusing not only on individual student progress but also on maintaining the overall quality of the training program.
7. Mentoring New Instructors
As an Assistant Chief Instructor, Bastien plays a key role in mentoring new CFIs. He shared his approach to guiding them, drawing from his own experiences as a former student and instructor. He emphasized the importance of providing consistent support and encouraging open communication. Bastien believes that helping new instructors feel confident and prepared is crucial for their development and contributes to the high-quality training experience at Hillsboro Heli Academy.
8. Reflecting on Memorable Training Experiences
With his visa set to expire in December, Bastien is gearing up for an exciting new chapter in his career. He’ll be heading back to Austria to start a flight instructor position with RotorSky in Lind.
Bastien will return home just before the holidays and begin this new role in January 2025. He’s looking forward to this next step and embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with it.
9. Reflecting on Memorable Training Experiences
One of Bastien's favorite aspects of his journey has been the opportunity to fly in diverse environments. He recalled memorable moments during his commercial training, including off-airport landings and mountain flying. These experiences, especially mountain flying in the Pacific Northwest, were highlights that fueled his passion for helicopter aviation. He shared that these challenging but rewarding flights were key in developing his piloting skills and confidence.
10. Advice for Aspiring Helicopter Pilots
To wrap up the conversation, Bastien offers valuable advice for current and future students. He stressed the importance of persistence, planning, and taking full advantage of every training opportunity, even when faced with setbacks like weather delays. Bastien encouraged students to approach training with a positive mindset, stay focused on their goals, and be open to learning from each experience. His journey from student to Assistant Chief Instructor is a testament to the rewards of hard work and dedication.
Wrapping Up
Bastien’s journey is a great example of the growth and career opportunities available at Hillsboro Heli Academy. His story shows how persistence, strong mentorship, and the unique learning experiences of training in the Pacific Northwest can truly shape your path. If you're ready to start your own journey or just want to learn more about our programs, don’t hesitate to reach out to our admissions team. We're here to support you every step of the way in achieving your dream of flight!