Flying was never something that felt extraordinary to me growing up. My dad was a pilot, so aviation simply felt normal, almost like getting your driver’s license.

But helicopters were different. That’s where my heart was.

Becoming a helicopter pilot was a decision I made for no reason other than passion. And from the moment I started, I never looked back.

It’s difficult to explain how flying helicopters makes you feel. Gravity loosens its grip. The rules change. For a spell, you’re no longer bound to the earth or its limitations. The shackles come off and you move effortlessly through space.

There are very few female private helicopter pilots in Canada. I didn’t pursue because it’s unusual. I pursued it because there is something about helicopters that has captivated me since I was a young girl.

My Airbus Helicopters ACH125 has become my pride and joy. It’s an extraordinary high-performance machine capable of everything from precision-flying to lifting heavy loads to life-saving missions at extreme altitudes. To fly something like that isn’t just thrilling. It’s a privilege.

Some passions stay with you your entire life. When you find one that makes you feel this alive, follow it.