Malori joined Hillsboro Heli Academy in June to continue her helicopter training so we asked her some questions about her experience and why she selected Hillsboro.
- Why do you want to be a pilot and what’s your dream job?
I want to be a helicopter pilot because I am very passionate about flying and the industry. Aviation contributes to the community in endless different ways and I love being apart of that. My dream career is to work as a pilot for law enforcement. I got my B.A. in Criminal Justice therefore I have invested my efforts into law enforcement and am passionate about it. I also really enjoy the concept of working for a company that gives tours. Flying over beautiful landscape every single day and often times giving people their very first helicopter ride would be really exciting.
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- What can a potential student expect when starting school?
A student beginning flight school can expect to be challenged in an incredibly rewarding way. Becoming a pilot is a big accomplishment. You must work hard but it is totally achievable to a driven student. When starting flight training it is critical to have a plan and establish goals for yourself.
- What is the daily time commitment to becoming a pilot?
The daily time commitment of becoming a pilot depends on your drive and your goals. If you want to achieve your ratings as soon as possible, then your time commitment per day is going to be higher. That being said, the key to becoming a pilot efficiently is remaining consistent with your training. Just like anything else, the more work you invest into being a great pilot the better your results will be of becoming a great pilot.
- What is your favorite part of the training at Hillsboro?
Training at Hillsboro is a blast because everyone is really passionate about aviation. Surrounding yourself with others who are excited about aviation will positively influence your education and your life as a pilot. The surroundings at Troutdale campus are also spectacular, you never get used to how beautiful it is here!
- Why did you choose Hillsboro?
I chose Hillsboro because of the environment that the school provided to me the second I walked in for my first tour. The process to become a pilot can be confusing if you do not have the proper guidance. The staff is really helpful and are very motivated to ensuring that you are on track in your flight training. Hillsboro wants to help you accomplish your ratings, and they have plenty of staff and equipment to do so. Including the fact that flying in the Pacific Northwest provides some of the most diverse training opportunities you can receive in a helicopter. When you earn all of ratings and get hired as a career pilot it is important to know that you can fly anywhere.
- What are some of the biggest challenges when learning to fly?
When learning to fly a helicopter, many will say that hovering is the hardest part. I would argue that one of the biggest challenges in the beginning of flight training is learning that your left arm, right arm, right foot, left foot and brain are all doing something different and trying to communicate to create a symphony. So for me personally, learning the technique to efficient coordination in a helicopter is very important. Then combining this coordination while flying the helicopter with navigating and communicating is critical.
- Outside of school, what does Oregon offer as far as social life?
Oregon is an incredibly beautiful state. That is another reason why I moved here. The outdoors has my heart and Troutdale is an excellent hub for access to outdoor activities. Just up the street you have the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood. People come from all over the world to see the landscape that we have in our backyard. Not to mention we get to FLY OVER IT! Every time you fly you get your own little tour of the beautiful landscape that Oregon has to offer. Portland also has enough food and entertainment to last a lifetime.
