Testimonials

Rob Mount, EMS Helicopter Pilot

Ten minutes into his first helicopter flight and Rob Mount was hooked. Today he pilots life-flight rescue, helping save lives as he pursues his passion for flying. “In my old job, I needed more challenge and excitement. Well I got it.

“After deciding to pursue a dream as a helicopter pilot, I investigated a number of flight schools. Hillsboro offered the best flying environment – varied terrain and weather conditions – and folks who really take a personal interest in you.”

Rob says there has never been a better time to learn to fly helicopters. “Many helicopter pilots are retiring and that’s creating a shortage, so now is a great time to begin a career as a helicopter pilot. If they are anything like me, they’ll feel so lucky – it’s almost like being drafted into the NFL.”

Howard H.F. Ho, International Airline Pilot

Howard Ho wanted to be an airline pilot, but since Taiwan does not have any flight schools he knew he would have to travel across the world if he was going to achieve his dream. After doing extensive research, Howard decided to travel from his home in Taiwan to Hillsboro, Oregon in the United States. “I learned they were experienced in training international students, and they had a great reputation with airlines around the world.”

Now, living his dream flying Boeing 747s on international routes for a major airline Howard still remembers his roots, “I have great memories of my time spent in Hillsboro learning to become a commercial pilot. In addition to preparing me for a career in aviation, I also made many life long friendships.”

Markus Grutke, Helicopter Pilot

It's a long way from Germany, but coming all that distance to become a helicopter pilot in Hillsboro made perfect sense to Markus.

"There were so many desirable reasons to learn to fly in Hillsboro. It was a great family of people and very personalized."

Today, Markus flies along the Gulf Coast transporting people and materials to petroleum platforms at sea and instructing new pilots with the company.

"My friends back in Germany know how fond I am of the people at the school and how much I recommend it for future pilots. I benefited so much from the personalized time and was able to accrue so many flight hours. When you finish, you often go straight into aviation like I did – and look at me today – I have the best office in the world."

Lauren Brown, Airline Pilot

As one of the growing number of women who have earned a place on the flight deck, Lauren is a role model for women and men of all ages.

“Out of the blue, a woman who flew for the WACs in World War II came up and cheered for me. How cool is that?”

As a pilot for a regional airline, she has some advice for those who want to learn to fly.

“Becoming a pilot is a challenge. The great thing about it is you’ll make lots of friends along the way who are eager to help you. Many of those friends will be the staff and instructors, like those in Hillsboro. As they did with me, they will nurture your talent for flying, all the while giving you the assistance you need to meet your goals. The personality at the school is the right combination of professionalism and a friendly learning environment.”