Las Vegas-based Air Methods unit Sundance Helicopters is adding the Hillsboro Heli Academy in Troutdale, Oregon, as a partner in its SkyPath program. SkyPath provides career guidance and mentoring for helicopter student pilots and provides air-tour operator Sundance and its industry partners with a qualified pilot pipeline. Other SkyPath partners include Leading Edge Aviation (Bend, Oregon), UND Aerospace (Grand Forks, North Dakota), and Southern Utah University (Cedar City, Utah). SkyPath allows pilot candidates to apply for the program via partner flight schools such as Hillsboro.
Once accepted, the pilot candidate continues through the remaining ratings including certified flight instructor. Once Part 135 minimums are met, candidates are guaranteed an interview with Sundance for available training slots. SkyPath includes an Initial Operating Experience phase, which is designed to provide advanced training and mentoring that results in career path acceleration while adding layers of safety, training, and mentoring. This approach reduces the flight hours traditionally required for a new Sundance pilot hire and replaces it with direct experience and evaluation. Sundance says SkyPath allows the company to indoctrinate new pilots in the company’s safety and decision-making values from early in their careers.
“With 39 years of experience training top pilots from around the world, Sundance was eager to work with Hillsboro Heli Academy,” said Mark Schlaefli, Sundance director of operations and the creator of SkyPath.