Mark Holmes is chief flying instructor at Direct Helicopters based at Southend, UK. He has been in the industry for 17 years and recently completed his 3,000th hour of instruction

How did you get into aviation?

I was always interested in helicopters as a child and decided that I wanted to fly them. As a teenager I looked into the requirements for becoming a pilot by writing to companies/pilots, with varying degrees of response. Most people advised the military route. However this gave no guarantees for the opportunity to fly.

Companies were not offering sponsorship at the time. The only option was to self-fund. I wrote to a local company expressing my ambition and was employed as a helicopter handler.

I had to load and unload passengers safely, refuel, clean, prepare aircraft for their flights and make sure they were ready to leave on time.

When I had saved enough money I learned to fly at Long Beach, California. I then gained my instructor rating and have been teaching ever since.

What does your job involve?

Arriving at the airport before my first student. Carrying out a check on all of the aircraft that I will fly. Briefing the student, checking the aircraft again with the student to teach the importance of pre-flight checks and flying the lesson, debriefing and then paperwork.

What skills do you need?

All students have different learning styles and I need to be flexible in my approach to teaching. Helicopter instructors need to be confident with all of the aircraft that they fly while remaining open to learning themselves.

It is important to keep up to date with safety and current regulations. You need a friendly personality, patience and a good sense of humour. You need to be able to make a student relaxed and at ease during their lesson while keeping safety paramount.

What is your advice to those who want a similar job?

Find out as much as you can about the industry. Be dedicated. Look for sponsorship in the civilian world, the availability of this seems to change. Be prepared to travel for various jobs.

What was the highlight of your career?

When my first student achieved his private pilot’s licence, and everyone since. I enjoy watching past students fly safely while enjoying their hobby. My best flight was as a passenger with the Metropolitan police air support unit in its Bell 222.

What has been the low point?

There was one time when unusually strong winds caused a BAe 146 to move unassisted across two aprons and a taxiway only to knock a [Robinson] R22 on to its side and use our R44 as a brake. The incident left leaving us with few serviceable aircraft.

Where do you go from here?

I would really like to use my flying to help people, such as piloting an air ambulance. A lot of experience is required. In the meantime, I’m working on it and enjoying every minute.

  • flight.workingweek@rbi.co.uk

Source: Flight International