Solo Spotlight: Matt Keanon & Ken Tolbert

Date of your solo:

Matt: May 31st, 2007
Ken: April 24th, 2007

Which aircraft did you solo in?

Matt: N2108M
Ken: N1510A

How did you feel on the day of your solo?

Matt: I was very nervous and excited at the same time
Ken: I was scared to death to look over and see that I was all alone. But I was also very excited.

Describe your first solo.

Matt: In the beginning I was having a lot of anxiety. But once I was airborne my training kicked in and I was overcome with excitement and the joy of flying. On probably my second pattern on my downwind it hit me. This was it; a culmination of my life's work Everything I have ever done has lead to this point. The feeling of self accomplishment I felt was indescribably. I was becoming a pilot.
Ken: It was an amazing experience when I stopped to realize that the helicopter that I was flying in was solely being piloted by me. It was incredible to know that I was in control of every flight input that was being made. The new responsibility I had to incorporate my recently learned skills was almost overwhelming, but the reward of piloting a helicopter solo brought an enormous sense of pride and accomplishment that vastly overshadowed any concerns and nervousness I briefly had.

What are your long-term career goals?

Matt: As long as I am flying I'm smiling.
Ken: I would love to fly for Air-Med, Search and Rescue or for the Fire Department.

Any advice to future helicopter students?

Matt: Study hard, stay confident, you don’t become a pilot overnight.
Ken: DO NOT GIVE UP! It is hard and will challenge you to the point that you may want to quit, just hang in there.

Anything you'd like us to know about you?

Ken: I can play the saxaphone, I'm an animal lover and I will be a future flight instructor at High Desert Helicopters.

High Desert Goes to China!

As helicopter pilots, we have the opportunity to fly all over the world. Russ Buttars (Chief Pilot) and Jon Buttars (CEO) of High Desert Helicopters recently had the opportunity to do flight training at Shanghai Sikorsky in Shanghai, China. Previously, Shanghai Sikorsky sent one of their pilots to Utah for training. Mr. Qiao Bingzheng came to us for a turbine transition in our Schweizer 333. A translator and a member of the CAAC (equivalent to our FAA), accompanied Qiao to oversee the process; thus began a growing relationship.

Currently, Russ and Jon are staying in the Pudong District of Shanghai. Under CAAC supervision, and with the aid of a translator, Russ is working with Shanghai Sikorsky pilots, a handful of mechanics and company representatives. This is an exciting and adventurous training mission, and we at High Desert are honored and proud that this prominent company approached us for a professional relationship.

Temsco: Career Possibilities

One of the most adventurous places to fly helicopters is Alaska. Temsco Helicopters, Inc., headquartered in Ketchikan, fly contracts and charters that can involve search and rescue, precision sling, photography, climbing support, industry transport, mining support and fire fighting. In addition, the busy summer season brings the sightseeing flights that include glacier landings and dog sledding. Temsco has branches in Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Juneau and Skagway.

Currently, the Temsco fleet includes Hughes 500D’s, A-Stars, Bell 212’s, and a Bell 214. Temsco provides turbine transition training for their new hires, and requires that applicants have 1000 hours pilot-in-command (PIC), and 50-100 hours Alaska time. Pilots start out flying tours; transportation and a pilot house are provided for them. Temsco Petersburg’s Manager/Chief Pilot Steve O’Brocta says that the best advantage an aspiring Temsco pilot can have, is personality.