First Name: Noémie
Age: 25
Hometown: Chamonix (France)
License: CPL
Helicopters: R22, R44
Start of training: September 2019
Hi, my name is Noémie. I was born and raised in Chamonix.
It was after I got into a helicopter for the first time that I knew I wanted to make it my career.
It took me a few years to finally take the plunge. I first looked into opportunities with the French military and flight schools, but without much success.
After doing some research, I came across Hélicraft. A new experience, a new country to explore—the idea of going to Canada to get my pilot’s license immediately excited me.
So I got in touch with Benjamin, who was very helpful in answering all my questions. After that, my boyfriend and I started making plans to move to Montreal.
Once I arrived in the bitter cold, settling in and adjusting to life at Hélicraft went smoothly, even though stepping into a male-dominated world isn’t always easy day in and day out ;).
I’d say the entire training program went really well, both in terms of the theory and the practical aspects. Studying the theory alongside flight hours is a great way to put what you learn in class into practice. What’s great about Canada’s weather conditions is that you’re thrown right into the deep end, and you realize you have to adapt quickly to the weather.
I would advise you to really make the most of every flight throughout your training, because once you’ve finished, you never know when you’ll be able to fly again.
Once you’ve earned your license, you should know that it won’t be easy every day, especially at the start of your career.
As for me, after completing my private pilot’s license, I was hired by Hélicraft as a junior pilot to fly commercial flights, which has given me my first taste of the job and allowed me to continue building up my flight hours.
After my time at Hélicraft, I’d like to continue working in passenger transport to gain more experience.