Left to Right: Cody Woolstenhulme, Trevor Peters, Geoff Wible

Solo Spotlights

Cody describes his solo experience as fulfilling and confidence building. “I always thought that when that day came, I would be so nervous, but when it did come, I had nothing to be nervous about because I knew how to do everything I needed to,” says Cody. Cody advises other students to do whatever your instructor tells you. His ultimate goal is to fly Air Medical, but is excited about the jobs to come along the way.

Geoff offers this advice for future students: “Relax! I was always tensed up when learning a new maneuver. Read everything about helicopters that you can find.” During his solo, Geoff was nervous and wondered if he’d really remember all the training up to that point. Once he lifted up into a hover, however, his worries went away and he describes the experience as a huge confidence booster. Ultimately, Geoff would like to fly in the oil industry, or for EMS.

Welcome to Doug Vause!

Many of you have noticed our energetic new President/CEO Doug Vause roaming the halls of High Desert lately. Most certainly a people person, Doug sat down and answered a few questions about who he is, and the plans for High Desert’s future.

Doug and his wife Angie have two boys, ages 12 & 16. A Utah native, Doug and his family have had the opportunity to live all over the world over the past 25 years, including Europe and South America, as well as multiple states here in the US. His aviation background includes 250 hours of fixed wing time, predominately in Pipers and Cessnas. He possesses a Private, and has taken some instrument training. Currently, Doug is working on his helicopter Private add-on, and wants to go through Commercial and Instrument.

Focusing on plans for High Desert’s future path is Doug’s primary objective, and he is confident that we’re going to be accomplishing a lot. He explains some of the future growth, by talking about a project he’s fondly dubbed High Desert’s B-HAG, which stands for Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal. Over the next 5 years, High Desert expects to purchase 40 new helicopters, and expand operations across the United States. He emphasizes the importance of controlled growth; growth that doesn’t compromise the quality of service that we provide to our students and ultimately our end customer; those companies our students work for.

Doug is totally pumped about being able to combine his two passions; people and aviation. He appreciates the opportunity to work for a company that combines those two things and focuses not only on the student as a student; but the student as a person. Doug believes that it is our focused attention to the student, their flight training, life opportunities and career objectives that is most likely our greatest advantage over other competing flight schools.

Right after Doug took a Discovery flight, he was so jazzed, he had to be a part of High Desert and involved in the process of training pilots. He encourages anyone who has ever thought about flying helicopters, “to just do it.” Flying is a privilege and helicopters are the perfect “Magical Carpet!”

Career Focus: Papillon

Ever wanted to land at the bottom of the Grand Canyon? If you fly for Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, it could be a reality; they have rights to 3 exclusive landings sites at the bottom. With offices all over the Southwest, Papillon is the largest helicopter sightseeing company in the world and offers tours to do just about anything you can think of. They offer tours in 11 different languages, so multi-lingual applicants would most likely stand out. Their fleet consists of AStars, EC130 EcoStars, and Bell Long Rangers.

To learn more about their company, visit their website.

Helicopters Used for Roundups

If you’ve never heard of cowboys using helicopters, read this article. Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota has been using helicopters for 20 years to roundup bison and horses. On October 19, one such helicopter snagged a skid in a corral fence that sent the occupants to the hospital for minor injuries.

Read Full Article

Physics Student Builds Working Helicopter from Scraps

A 24 year old physics student built a homemade helicopter in his backyard in Nigeria; it is made of scraps and an old Honda Civic car engine. During its six flights, it has never achieved an altitude of more than seven feet; however the ingenuity and talent behind this project is undeniable. The student hopes to catch the attention of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, but surprisingly so far no one in Nigeria has paid much attention.

Read more about the homebuilt helicopter.