Hello my Fellow Fantastic Fierce Flying Friends!! I hope the year has started off strong for you. It has for me with two awesome flights and my first 2015 Featured Pilot Spotlight to share with you all! WooHoo!
I'm THRILLED to introduce you to Chief Pilot Mark Robinson, head of Revolution Aviation. Check out this picture!
In my best Archer impersonation ~ DANNNGGAAAA ZZOONNEEE
Looking great, Mark!
Revolution Aviation caught my eye last year in the way they were using Instagram (IG) to promote their business and services. Good vibes, energy & FUN pop out in what they share in their IG feed.
Initially, I thought they just did helicopter training. Checking out their site, I found an impressive array of services!! In flight training they cover include helicopter, plane and UAV drone training. They have a slick pilots lounge, are loaded with flight resources, weather/flight planning, handbooks, maps, and more.
They're setting themselves apart from other flight schools, from what I am seeing, in using digital promotions and showcasing the fun they are having while effectively training a future wave a pilots. They do a social event and are actively using a variety of social media channels. Great ways to grow and keep their aviation community connected, both in person and online!
Without further delay, it gives me immense pleasure to introduce to you Chief Pilot Mark Robinson and share his Spotlight Pilot Interview responses. Enjoy the ride!!
Question 1: Tell me your Love at First Flight story and how you fell in love with aviation - where & when was your first flight? Also, what did you fly?
My first flight was in London, England when I was working as a Currency Broker. We achieved our targets and were rewarded with a helicopter flight from our office to London, Heathrow. I was hooked. After that on every vacation I took a helicopter ride. We flew on a Bell Longranger. I didn't know that at the time, haha.
Question 2: What is the best advice you can give to fellow pilots?
I was recently featured in an industry magazine called Rotorcraft, Pro. They asked me the same question. I said Touch everything - this means before and after flight. Make sure you walk around and make sure doors have pins in, fuel and oil caps are on etc. I want to emphasize to always do a walk around before and after flight to not get complacent.
Question 3: What is your favorite part of being involved in aviation?
- I didn't really know it at the time, it has taken me years to realize how fun aviation is. I would travel a lot as a child, teenager and for work. I always loved flying. Then one day I needed a new challenge and decided to learn how to fly. Having finished my studies and being hired straight out of flight school I realized that this career path can literally take you anywhere. I've flown for police, sport stars, Robinson Helicopter Factory, Goodyear Airship and now have my add-on in planes! It is SUCH a fun industry and now we've met you while I work for Revolution Aviation as Chief Pilot!
Question 4: What is the best eating spots you've found in your aviation travels?
Catalina by far. The trip over from John Wayne Airport is fun, it's beautiful and the Buffalo burger is making me hungry just thinking about it! Lucky for us here in SoCal there are many restaurants.
Question 5: What are your favorite airports that you've flown into and why?
I really like Burbank Airport north of Los Angeles. This is because I do a lot of training. When students have to talk on the radio several time and switch between intersecting runways I'd say you've got your hands full. I like a challenge and what better way then the deep end at a Class C. Not recommend for student pilots however.
Here are a couple more action shots. Blue skies, big smiles & looking great!
High altitude Cheese:-D ROCKS!!
Live in Southern California?
Find your wings at Revolution Aviation!
Mark, thank you SO much for sharing your time and responses with me. I really enjoyed reading about how you found your Wings!!:-) I also appreciate the tips and insights shared. The aviation world is something truly unique. I, too, knew during that first flight that flying was something I love.
I have gratitude for great CFIs, like yourself, who are helping train the next wave of pilots and being a positive, active part in their journey to Find their Wings!! Also, big shout out to organizations like AOPA & EAA who make a difference in our ability to do what we love... Living it UP!!:-D
I value each Featured Pilot Spotlight interviewee because they have shared time to provide responses that delight and inspire! A great story is meant to be shared. I genuinely enjoy sharing them and getting to know each pilot better through the process. The pilot community is a fun filled, stimulating one. I'm grateful to have found my passion for flight and to be a part of it!
Mark, when I'm back to visit friends in So Cali, I'll have to swing by for a flight. Question is, could I fast rope rappel from your helicopter?!! Done safely, that'd be some Revolutionary adventure! ;-)
Happy & Safe Flying, Always!
Flying Friends! Follow Mark & Crew on Instagram. They do a great job promoting their services, upcoming deals in fun/cool pictures shared:
http://instagram.com/ieatsleepfly
Check out their main site for all the services they provide, plus their blog and more information:
http://eatsleepfly.com/
