Behind the Design: 3D Printing Technology
Heli-One developed an upgrade for the Sikorsky S-92 to enhance safety and situational awareness. This economical solution features two tail boom-mounted cameras that monitor the engine and cargo door operations in real-time. Two additional cameras can be mounted to focus on hoist and cargo hook operations. This solution provides pilots live video feed of critical external views that impact crew and passenger safety while inflight.
Women in Aviation Worldwide Week
We recently recognized two of our female workshop technicians for Women of Aviation Worldwide Week (March 6-12) - Christine Yaco and Sue Walker. We are proud to share with you their journeys into aviation and what they find rewarding about their careers. These interviews have been condensed for space.
How did you get into the aviation industry?
CY: In high school, I was really into sports. I applied to 3 colleges: two sports/human kinetics programs and the AME Program at BCIT. A friend of mine was already in the Program and was enjoying it – I used to live close to an airport and I’ve always been fascinated by aviation. I wound up getting accepted to all three but with human kinetics, it’s something I can always do. I wanted to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone.
SW: I entered the aviation industry in 1977, fresh out of high school looking for a job. I went to PWA to work in the flight kitchen. I decided to try Canadian Airlines. I started there as an aircraft cleaner, cleaning the planes. Then an opportunity came up to work in the hangar and they asked if I wanted to be a Process Cleaner and I said, “why not? Let’s try something different!” I had bets going that I wasn’t going to last more than two weeks. Well, I lasted 18 years. It started out as a 3-month job, and turned into 18 years...I joined another aviation company for a short time and then a role came up at Heli-One. I figured what I did in fixed-wing, I could do with helicopters... and here I am – 9 years later.
What do you like about working in aviation?
CY: I feel accomplished when I work on a part. I’m contributing to something bigger than myself. It’s also a lot of responsibility. I feel a lot of pride for the work I do and having the responsibility of someone’s safety in my hands.
SW: I’m intrigued by learning. I’ve always been intrigued by mechanical things and how things tick. It’s been constant learning all the time. It’s something
different. I’ve never been an office kind of person. I’ve always gotten my hands in there and made it work.
What advice would you give to someone, a woman or man looking for a career in aviation?
CY: Have an open mind. Women are very capable of doing whatever they want to do. Try it out and see for yourself! You always have options, especially if you are younger, so it’s good to try things outside your comfort zone.
SW: If you put your mind to it – you can do it...If you have a goal and want to do it – just go for it. If it’s in a male-dominated field, it will be more challenging but it depends on the people. I’ve been very fortunate to do this and everyone’s accepted me. I guess I must be doing something right! And I continue to do so until I retire. Or win the lottery.
To read Christine's full interview, click this link.
To read Sue's full interview, click this link.