STEPHAN KNOEDLER

Stephan Knoedler graduated from Bristow Academy in 2000. He now flies for the German ADAC.

"After a long time of license conversions and job searching, I finally got the job I wanted. The German ADAC (Automobile Club) flies EMS missions all over Germany using the BK117, EC135 and EC145. I am working as Copilot / Rescue Hoist Operator (depending on the type of rescue mission) for the next few years gaining hours on the BK117 before they will put me on the left seat.

These pictures are of the spring rescue hoist training where pilots, hoist operators, and rescue personnel are trained. I have to say that it's quite different to have live people on the hook of an up to 300 feet-line compared to a 75 feet-line with a rubber tire on the R22. However having an idea of vertical reference helped a lot and I was happy to have the external load experience I gained at Bristow Academy."

LISS AMDAL AND KRYSTIAN ZYGOWIEC

Liss Amdal graduated from Bristow Academy in 2000.  Krystian Zygowiec graduated from Bristow Academy in 2004. They currently work for West Michigan AirCare as EMS pilots flying for their LifeFlight contract in northern Ohio.

Liss Amdal

“After completing my training in Concord, CA my first helicopter job came once I was hired as an instructor when the school moved its base to Titusville, FL.  While working as an instructor I made a lot of trips around the pattern over the next few years.  However, the best part was the constant practice of emergency procedures which kept me very proficient and sharp.  This is one of the biggest challenges as you move into the commercial world.

In early 2005 I had the opportunity to fly tours in the Grand Canyon in AS-350’s (AStar).  Spending a season there provided a great opportunity to build more valuable turbine time.  The beautiful scenery made for a pleasant experience as well.

After flying in the Canyon I was at a point with my hours and experience to apply for a position as an EMS pilot, my goal from the beginning.  I jumped at the chance when I was offered a position as a captain in a BO-105 flying single pilot VFR in Ohio.  This job not only fulfilled my goal of flying EMS, but it also allowed me to increase my experience even more, so that I could move to a new position flying single pilot IFR in an Agusta 109E.

Life as an EMS pilot is great, the schedule is good, coworkers are excellent, and it is a very rewarding career.”

Krystian Zygowiec

“I took a slightly different path towards my goal of EMS aviation.  On the road to becoming an EMS pilot I began as an instructor at Bristow Academy teaching FAA and JAA students.   

After about a year I progressed into flying for Era Helicopters in Louisiana. The job consisted of providing helicopter support to oil platforms located in the Gulf of Mexico. For pilots wanting to fly EMS someday, working offshore offers an excellent learning experience in how to manage your fuel, helicopter weight, and weather decisions to complete a safe and efficient mission. While at Era I flew EC-120’s and AS-350’s on busy contracts which helped to rapidly build my turbine time. 

Following a year of flying offshore I had finally accumulated the flight time and experience that’s required to apply for an EMS pilot job.  I was delighted when Omniflight Helicopters offered me a position in Saginaw, MI flying a BK-117 at a single pilot VFR program.  While flying in Saginaw Liss (Amdal) informed me that the company she had just moved to was looking for another pilot for their single pilot IFR EMS program.  Having always wanted the additional challenge of an IFR program I was quick to apply and very happy to accept their offer of a position.

In my opinion flying EMS is an excellent career choice for someone who does not want to go into work and follow the same routine day after day.  In addition the nature of the schedule provides for plenty of time spent at home with family and friends.  I couldn’t think of a better way to utilize my skills as a helicopter pilot in a more rewarding way.”