Meet Emma: First-Year Student, Future Helicopter Pilot

Emma is a first-year student in the two-year helicopter flight training program at Lake Superior Helicopters and Lake Superior College in Duluth, Minnesota.

HOW OR WHEN DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN BECOMING A HELICOPTER PILOT?

I was always interested in flying, probably since I was about 10 years old. It just seemed like a fun hobby, and when I figured out it could also be a great career, I knew it was what I wanted to do!

Why did you choose this program?

I’m from Pine City, Minnesota. I chose this program because it’s close to home and I love the Duluth area. When I toured Lake Superior Helicopters and Lake Superior College’s training facilities, it seemed like the perfect fit for me.

YOU’RE IN YOUR FIRST YEAR OF A TWO-YEAR PROGRAM. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR?

My experience with the program has been so awesome! I come in every single day excited about the things that I get to learn and do. It’s been so much fun learning about all things related to helicopters and just being in the supportive environment that Lake Superior Helicopters has provided.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE LEARNING EXPERIENCE?

My favorite thing has been learning to fly, and all the challenges and rewarding moments that come with it!

What is your Career goal ONCE YOUr TRAINING IS COMPLETE

I would love to be a helicopter flight training instructor. I think it would be so much fun to teach people about the thing that you love to do the most.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT ENTERING THE PROGRAM?

Some advice that I would like to give is make sure you study, study, study. If you’re thinking you might be interested in learning to fly, my advice is to try it. It is such a fun program to be a part of!

Left: Emma takes her first solo flight. Right: While completing her instrument training, her eyes are covered so she can learn to fly a helicopter in adverse weather conditions and be prepared to rely solely on the instruments if necessary. All flight training students at Lake Superior Helicopters earn their instrument rating, which is required for certain types of pilots, including commercial pilots and EMS pilots. Students also graduate from the program with their CFII (Certified Flight Instructor Instrument).