"I've always been fascinated with aviation; I grew up on a tiny island so flying was the main way to get off it!
I was one of those kids with their heads in the sky, pointing out planes passing by overhead. I fell in love with Helicopters at 24 when I went on a tourist ride in NYC. I glowed from the inside out during that ride and I just knew being a helicopter pilot is what I was destined to do 💛
I did a few trial flights and then started doing my PPL a few months later. It was challenging financially; I spent my savings and borrowed some money to cover the PPL(H). I then moved back home to start saving for the rest of the journey. It's taken 6 years of saving, but I am finally there.
There are SO many amazing people out there in avaiation who inspire me. All from pioneering Amy Johnson, to the modern day Stunt Pilot Fred North, to the amazing female military pilots I follow and to my instructors over the years. You can learn so much from all of them. However my biggest inspiration is my mum, she's a strong and independent lady! She always said to me - you can be anything you want to be, even a helicopter pilot !
I would absolutely love to work in animal conservation, it's something I'm really passionate about. I also spent a fair amount of time in Kenya while growing up as my grandparents lived there, so African animals hold a special place in my heart.
My advice to aspiring pilots is to keep showing up, take small steps and enjoy the journey 🚁"
You can follow Suzanne on Instagram @pilot.suze for more heli adventures !