AV8 Questions: Brock Wiley

Interview with Brock Wiley, AV8 Flight School Helicopter Flight Instructor

When did you become interested in aviation? I have had a curiosity in aviation most of my life, but  it was not until the early 2000’s that flying in a helicopter seemed to be an achievable goal for myself. In fact, when I was younger I often looked through catalogs and dreamed of buying an at-home build kit for helicopters.

Are your family or friends interested in flying? I have a few people in my family that have been interested in flying. Some of them were just hobby pilots, but others have had long careers in aviation from the military all the way up to the commercial airlines.

How did your career in aviation begin? It started at ground school, and from there it followed the winding road to being a commercial helicopter pilot. This process continues today even as an instructor where I’ve pushed my rotorcraft knowledge to incorporate fixed wing knowledge to better help each and every student I train.

Has your career evolution followed an expected path? Not entirely, but it worked for the best. I initially thought it would be from CFI to Air Tour Pilot, however now I’ve found that I like instructing so much that I’m planning to continue down this pathway.

Do you have a favorite aspect of your work? I like to encourage my students and see them overcome rungs in the aviation ladder, as well as their personal triumphs developing the skills necessary to achieve their goals.

Is there a time in aviation history, or aircraft that you find most fascinating? I am enamored by the late 1950’s during the iconic Vietnam “Helicopter War” where the Bell UH-1 “Huey” was introduced. Those pictures of an overwhelming amount of aerial support demanded by vertical lift aircraft. That need showed where the helicopter excelled and has always inspired me.

When is/was your favorite industry-related event, such as annual camp or fly-in? The EAA AirVenture is by far the most exciting for its approachable and inclusive offerings. One can start with a walk around seeing campouts of Aircraft as a family-oriented activity. I imagine those kids asking their parents for a ride on the Bell helicopter model 47, or maybe they try their hand at learning to build Ultralights (with the Mosquito helicopter model XE as an affordable way to achieve their flight goals). What I find most exciting is to just look up in the sky for a full day of acrobatics where one can see the world’s best show off; including the Airbus helicopter model BO 105 demonstration showing its capabilities that are at the limits of what engineers envisioned they would be.

What is the future of flight for you? My plans are to continue to foster my passion for helping others, I see my pathway to continue to help them achieve their aviation goals.

Brock with Dustin, during final lesson prior to private pilot checkride.

Thanks to Brock for taking part in our series, AV8 Questions: Interviews with Aviators. We know Brock’s choice to train students with AV8 Flight School is a perfect fit! We’re fortunate to see students advance their pilot skills with someone who shares such passion for helicopter flight.

Have questions about becoming a helicopter pilot? Contact us at AV8 Flight School. We’re ready to get you flying!

AV8 Questions: Interviews with Aviators