September 5th, 2007

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In This Issue
Solo Spotlights August Check Rides Career Focus - Air Methods Employee Spotlight - Jon Buttars, CFO	On The Move - Ryan Kennedy Welcome - Curtis Wanberg Brain Teaser Aviation Funny's

Kyle Hall

Lee Lawson

Solo Spotlights

Pilot: Kyle Hall
Solo Date: August 16th, 2007

When asked how Kyle felt on the day of his solo, he stated that he was very relaxed, and that he didn’t think he’d had a better flight, technically speaking, than the solo. In addition to a career, Kyle plans to enjoy aviation as a life long hobby and encourages other students to relax and enjoy themselves. It’s the greatest career known to man.

Pilot: Lee Lawson
Solo Date: August 16th, 2007

Lee says the best word to describe his solo is "unbelievable." Eventually, Lee hopes to make a career out of helicopters, and advises future students to do their research, and go after the best training possible. Lee says he loves to fly, and praises the instructors he's had along the way.

August Check Rides
Derrick Tobler Adam Wilson	8/17 PVT 8/31 PVT

On The Move!

Congratulations to Ryan Kennedy, a graduate of the Full Professional Program, who recently was hired by Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. after working as a High Desert Helicopters instructor.

Good luck!

Schweizer 300C - High Desert Helicopters

Curtis Wanberg

Welcome

Welcome to Curtis Wanberg, who was hired at HDH as an instructor upon passing his CFII checkride in July.

Brain Teaser

Test your knowledge with a brainteaser on Avweb’s website.

Go There

Funny

From Avweb’s Short Final Archives:

Overhead during a rather quiet evening on Minneapolis Center.

Unknown aircraft:
Minneapolis Center. Still there?

Minneapolis Center:
Engineering to Bridge. Aye, Captain. Tricorder readings indicate carbon-based units still infest the planet.

Also from Avweb’s Short Final Archives:

I was about to lift off with my instructor from a class D airport in a Robinson R-44. The route of flight would take us very near neighboring Class C airspace. The controller questioned us after we gave our initial heading..."

Controller:
Staying clear of all airspaces?

My instructor:
...Except yours.

(short pause)

Controller: Did you just say, 'Up yours'?

We were both laughing too hard to respond.

Career Focus: Air Methods

Air Methods is the world’s largest air ambulance operator, providing emergency transportation for victims who meet certain criteria. Operating in 35 states with over 216 helicopters and airplanes, they prefer to hire team players who have a degree and an Air Transport Pilot certification in category. Their hour requirements for the Pilot in Command Air Methods VFR Program include 2,000 hours total time, 1,000 hours Pilot in Command (PIC) time and 500 hours turbine time. Check out their website to find out more about the various jobs and their requirements.

Air Methods

On location at the Schweizer factory in New York State.
Left to Right: Jon Buttars, Barbara Tweedt, Russ Buttars

HDH Employee Spotlight: Jon Buttars

Jon has always held a fascination for aviation. He works as HDH’s Financial Officer, and is also co-founder and owner. His expertise includes handling government contracts for Boeing and Lockheed. Upon retirement from Space Dynamic Laboratories (a department of Utah State University), he was enthusiastic for the opportunity to found HDH with his son, Russ, who is the Chief Flight Instructor. Jon has held a fixed wing Private License for over 22 years, and loves the aviation industry. He keeps busy planning future growth for HDH, and continued success training professional pilots.

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