In Conversation With: Nina Johnson

Nina is a commercial helicopter pilot in Canada! @ninaingroundeffect

Can you explain the process of completing a commercial helicopter licence in Canada?

Although I think it's quite similar as other places, to complete a commercial helicopter license in Canada, you need to have completed a minimum of 100 hours of flight time. The cost of these hours will vary depending on which aircraft you train on! Along with this, you need 80 hours of ground school and to have passed the Transport Canada written exam with a score of at least 60%. This all typically takes up to four months (start to finish) to complete if you are doing full time hours! 

What does a typical helicopter lesson involve?

First, your instructor will brief you on whatever maneuvers you will be practicing that day. They will explain it step by step and answer any questions you have to make sure you understand everything. Once you're out and up in the air, your instructor will demonstrate the maneuvers themselves first, as you follow along. Then when you feel comfortable enough to try it yourself, your instructor will give you full control to do the manoeuvre and are ready to jump in if you need any assistance. Once you're back down on the ground, you will debrief with your instructor and they will critique you and give you pointers on anything you need to work on from that flight. 

I am very lucky to have such positive and patient instructors, I have never been yelled at once! (Yet, surprisingly) 

What has been your most memorable flight/experience so far?

I know it is rather cliche, but I'd definitely have to say that my very first solo flight was the most memorable flight experience so far! The moment my instructor stepped out of the helicopter and asked, "You good if I get out?", my heart skipped a beat-- but in a good way! I flew a circuit by myself, and it didn't actually click in for me until after I had landed that I was the sole pilot of that helicopter. That it was me, and only me, that flew that thing, with my hands and feet! It was the best feeling ever. 

At my flight school, it is tradition that you get soaked with buckets of water that your classmates get to throw at you after your first solo flight, and let me tell you-- I did indeed get drenched! 

Have you faced any challenges during training?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning how to hover. I know that everyone says it can be one of the most difficult things you will learn when you start flying helicopters, but it really was for me. Another thing that made it particularly more challenging, was the fact that everyone else in my class seemed to have mastered the hover at around six to eight hours, where it took me fourteen. Although it took me longer, I still managed to get it eventually! One day it just clicked. You just have to be patient and not be easily discouraged. I am not a quick study by any means. In fact, I've always taken longer than others to learn things. However, once I DO finally learn what I need to, I never forget it.