Tag Archives: pilot life

‘Back in Service’ with our ‘Top Gun’ crew, Episode 14!

▶ Watch Episode 14 above and go behind the scenes with our Top Gun crew as they keep our helicopter in service.

“Back in Service’ with our ‘Top Gun’ crew, revolves around a SWAT standoff and routine maintenance. Our television news flight does everything they can to stay to stay in service.

With the clock ticking on a required 3,000-hour inspection for our Bell 505, the pressure was on to stay mission-ready. That’s where our “Top Gun” crew stepped in—working around the clock to keep us flying by bringing another helicopter online.

Reported, produced, and edited by journalist Tammy Rose, Episode 14 of Back in Service takes you behind the scenes of the teamwork it takes to keep a news helicopter in the air.

🎬 More Life Stories on Filmclick here.

‘Back in Service’ with a Supermoon, Episode 13!

🎥 Watch the full episode and go behind the scenes with SkyEye 13 below.

Some weeks are quiet in aviation maintenance. Others remind you just how quickly everything can change.

Episode 13 of Back in Service takes you behind the scenes with the SkyEye 13 flight crew during a week that started under the glow of a supermoon and quickly turned into nonstop breaking news coverage across Houston.

From aerial views of the supermoon lighting up the night sky to responding to multiple crash scenes, this episode shows what it really takes to keep a television news helicopter mission-ready. When the call comes in, there’s no pause button — the aircraft, crew, and maintenance team all have to be ready.

As someone who lives this world, I wanted to share more than just the beautiful shots. This episode highlights the long hours, fast decisions, and behind-the-scenes work viewers never see — the inspections, coordination, and teamwork that keep SkyEye 13 safely in the air.

Whether we’re capturing a rare moonrise or flying above active scenes to bring critical information to viewers, every flight tells a story. Episode 13 is about those moments — calm, chaos, and everything in between — all from the cockpit.

✈️ Helicopter Pilot Training: How Professional Pilots Stay Sharp

Helicopter pilot training is far more intense than most people realize. From emergency procedures to precision flight maneuvers, professional pilots must constantly prove they can operate safely in high-pressure, real-world environments.

In my video below, you’ll see real-world helicopter pilot training in action — from check rides to continuous skill development — led by veteran check airman Dale Pike.

Helicopter Pilot Training Led by Veteran Check Airman Dale Pike

What Helicopter Pilot Training Looks Like in Real-World Operations

This report was written, filmed, edited, and narrated by me as part of my ongoing aviation journalism series at Chopper Rose Productions.

🧠 Why Helicopter Pilot Training Evaluations Matter

Ongoing pilot assessment ensures:

    •    Compliance with industry standards

    •    Safe handling of advanced equipment

    •    Consistent performance across different operational environments

Whether in calm weather or demanding airspace, regular professional check-ins help pilots stay sharp and ready — for every flight.

Helicopter pilot and U.S. Customs aircrew during international aviation security operations in Puerto Rico
Pilot Dale Pike with U.S. Customs in Puerto Rico

Why Ongoing Helicopter Pilot Training Matters for Safety

We’ve covered more behind-the-scenes aviation stories in our professional helicopter operations series.

The FAA requires recurrent helicopter pilot training to ensure pilots maintain the highest safety standards.