Heligirl: Positive Discipline Mommy » Helicopters

All I need to know, I learned at Heli-Expo

Heligirl — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 22:27:34 +0000

Another Heli-Expo has come and gone, but the memories remain. As I reflect on all that took place these past several days, I’m reminded there are some great lessons in there.

Be grateful
Walking around among these absolutely gorgeous and amazing machines, it’s hard not to get some perspective. I work in the helicopter industry. I’m being paid to be in Orlando to be surrounded by helicopters for four days. What isn’t cool about that?

Despite some of the tough stuff I’ve gone through the past several months, the fact remains that I’m still very involved in an industry that gives me extreme pleasure and that I love with deep passion.

I am very grateful.

Show no fear
Our booth was right next to one of this brand new startup company called sHeli-Port. They made these fiberglass enclosures for your helicopter you could use to ship, store and protect your hovering investment.

I have to be honest, when I first looked at it I was a bit skeptical. Yet the company owner, his wife and kids worked the crowd as they came through and I was very impressed with the kind of interest they received.

Just goes to show, it really does pay to be innovative, make that leap, and show no fear.

Go where you’re invited
I’ve done my share of parties at Heli-Expo. When I first started, they were catered gatherings in hotel ballrooms open to anyone and often including some kind of live band or DJ. That was 15 years ago. With the oil industry booming and orders for helicopters on the rise, the helicopter manufacturers have bumped things up a bit. Their parties are more elaborate, and they’re cracking down on invitation only.

The first night Bell Helicopter promised a night of enjoyment for its customers. Those of us invited were told to meet at the bus loading area of the hotel. We were soon whisked off to Disney World’s Hollywood Studio park. Bell rented the whole set of the park’s live motor show to host dinner, drinks, DJ music and a photo booths where we were encouraged to ham it up.

The second night I was thinking I’d just hang out, get to bed early, relax, you know, get that sleep I’d been talking about. But my pals at my organization kept pushing the Eurocopter party. It promised a night of enchantment only Harry Potter could provide. I caved and that night was again on the bus headed this time to Universal Studios Orlando’s brand new Harry Potter section of the park.

With the Hogwarts Express. Welcome to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

I have to say, Eurocopter outdid themselves. We had the whole section of the park to ourselves and Universal delivered in true movie magic fashion. Food and drink stations were spread out among the World of Wizardry with electric candles and props keeping the illusion. Theme park actors in costumes from the films gave performances and, the best of all, the roller coasters were running, just for us.

I have to admit I rode the E-ticket Dragon Challenge suspension coasters (there are two that run together) more times than I can remember. There were no lines most of the time (just a 10 minute or so wait if you wanted to ride in the front). My buddy and I figure we rode each of the dragons about five or six times. Coolest party EVER.

The third night I was sure I’d just relax, but I was invited to the Turbomeca engine manufacturer party at Margaritaville at Universal City Walk. It was fun to catch up again with more buddies that evening and enjoy some tasty food. And I got my picture with a parrot on my shoulder (though I never did go back and get the photo).

So I didn’t do all the relaxing and sleeping I’d planned on, but I did forge some new relationships, strengthened others and got my little PR company’s name out there.

So, it just goes to show, going where you’re invited can pay off, even if you lose sleep.

Value friendships
When my job disappeared and I started feeling lost, the helicopter industry embraced me. Friends, colleagues and companies I’d known and worked with in the past rushed in to support me with love, support and work opportunities.

Showing up at Heli-Expo I wasn’t embarrassed to say I was laid off. I talked about my new venture and folks were excited to learn more and pass along my name and number. Even folks I hadn’t seen or talked to in years stood by me. Just goes to show some friendships are there for life.

Fall in love
Those that know me know Airwolf was the spark that ignited my passion in helicopters. When my cell phone rings, it’s the Airwolf theme. I have a model of the helicopter on my desk. And when I see a Bell 222, or its later incarnation, the Bell 230, I always stop and admire.

So my day was made when I saw this beauty on the show floor:

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Heli Expo Bound

Heligirl — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 05:10:56 +0000

It’s that time of year again, when all good helicopter professionals gather to gossip, share stories, network and do a little business. I’m talking Heli Expo, the industry’s annual convention filled with several thousand booths of helicopter goodness, and more bright, clean and shiny helicopters than most of us ever see in one room (be it a very large room).

For the next five days I’ll be changing hats from “bored frustrated housewife” (formerly in search of a cabana boy) to “helicopter professional on the prowl.”

Now get your mind out of the gutter people. I’m not prowling for a cabana boy. Not this year at least.

This year I’m prowling for something a little less snuggly.

The first is a quest to perform exceptionally in my director position for a helicopter organization so that I may continue in that position. We have a meeting I’ll conduct on Saturday and I must manage the organization’s trade show booth Sunday through Tuesday.

The second is prowling for stories as a reporter for a helicopter magazine. That should be great fun, and not a little lucrative if I come across anything particularly juicy.

The third is to market myself and my new public relations firm to companies I know and trust to be good, reliable, reputable companies in the industry. I have my morals, you know. I don’t subscribe to the “selling ice to the Eskimos” variety of PR.

I wouldn’t be too upset if I was also able to secure myself some good drinks, a couple of fun nights out with pals, many hot and uninterrupted meals I don’t have to make, and four long, luxurious nights of sleep.

Reading that last sentence makes me feel old. I remember a time (my more uninhibited years) where I had priorities at Heli Expo of simply hitting every hot party, dancing the night away, and maybe having carnal knowledge of a sexy helicopter pilot if the spirit moved me. Now I just want to eat and sleep? Oh the humanity.

Guess I’ll chalk it up to age. And the need to make a living for the very creatures that make me crave hot meals and long, uninterrupted nights of sleep.

I’m happy to report as far as my goals this year it’s so far, so good. I made it to the airport.

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Bun in the Oven

Heligirl — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 01:31:08 +0000

I’ve not been highly responsive in the blogging department and I apologize. I’ve been a little preoccupied with my self pity, lust and future planning.

Maybe I should explain myself.

My visit to Phoenix was a little more productive than a simple rest and relax. It gave me some time to step back and think about all that was going on in my life, from the job loss and being thrust into full time SAHM life to looking closely at what I’m really passionate about these days and investigating what I want to be when I grow up.

Nothing heals like the desert for me. I’ve planted my feet in the White Sands of New Mexico, on the red rocks of Utah, and in the rough yellow sands of the Arizona desert and all have done wonders for my hurt and yearning soul.

This time the desert and my wonderful friends together worked to give me a little clarity and help me see the bright side. In short, my buddies helped me envision my own independent public relations and communications company where I could specialize in my true passion, aviation.

So I’ve begun to hatch a plan, outline a direction, lay the groundwork, put out feelers, do my research. In short, I’ve got a bun in the oven – in the next several months, if the ideal job doesn’t come in my direction, I may very well make my own company.

Then, as if I needed the push, my helicopter industry reached out and grabbed me. I quite accidently fell into the opportunity to fly last Monday. I can’t believe I actually balked at the offer. Thank goodness the pilot pushed me. I think I understand my hesitation. Taking that leap would mean I’d cross the point of no return. The aviation bug would dig in.

But in my new “damn the consequences” attitude lately, I agreed and went.

I came back with not only 1.2 hours of flight time, but also a lead on an opportunity to do work for the helicopter company in return for getting current in helicopters again.

Me last Monday, back in the saddle again!

If I was unsure of the direction I was meant to take before, I’m getting pretty clear on my path now. This past several days has given me a taste of what I truly desire. I want to be passionate about what I do, be with people who inspire me, feel alive and be involved in aviation. My lust for helicopters is still very much alive.

I’m a planner. I can’t act until I have a plan, or at least vision a somewhat clear path to my goal. I’ve been spinning my wheels because I couldn’t see the plan. The fog of the pain and rejection I felt over my job loss is starting to clear and I’m beginning to see the possibilities.

I’m excited to see what the future holds. I just wish I wasn’t so impatient.

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Day 5: The Road to Hana, the Heli Way

Heligirl — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:00:49 +0000

I’ve been recapping our adventures in Hawaii last month in a few posts the last couple of weeks. If you want the full dirty story that would make Indiana Jones blush, check out the plane flight from hell, Satan’s car rental agency, our volcanic eruption and our beach bee adventures. Caught up? Ok. Read on…

When we last left our heroes, they were soaking away the day in the hot tub.

Day 5 started with my third and last day of meetings. I took the family to breakfast then headed off to my meeting. I have to say, while it’s really hard to sit in meetings when your in Hawaii of all places, I really do enjoy the folks in the helicopter industry and get rather passionate about the issues. The time really flies by.

Hubby and the kids spent some of the day preparing for the flight home. They hit the grocery store for snacks to take on the plane and even cleaned the car seat and car, removing all signs of Sweetness’s puke. They hit the pool one last time, but the kids spent it crying while Hubby developed a memorable red burn on his back that clearly outlined how far onto his back he could reach himself with the suntan lotion. Poor guy.

After my meeting I headed to the room to help the gang pack all non-essential items before I headed out on a special errand. (Hubby was a saint to let me head out again that evening for a few hours.)

My Mama Bird, the man who taught me to fly, works on Maui as a tour pilot now. He invited me to head over to the airport and join him in a familiarization flight to Hana with a female helicopter pilot friend of mine he’d just hired.

Me with my Mama Bird, Nick.

I took the road to Hana when I was 16 with my family. I remember it was long, twisty and boring for a teenager. My brother had a much worse experience, puking his brains out (a habit it seems for those who share my genes). I must say, the helicopter is a much better way to get to Hana.

On the way to Hana. Far less twists and turns this way.

You can really see how thick the jungle is from this vantage point. It was almost impossible to tell there was a road unless we were right on top of it.

Hanging loose in Hana.

Forty minutes later, as opposed to the three-hour drive, we arrived. Kate and I jumped out to pose at the Hana airport for prosperity. Nick’s girlfriend was kind enough to came along to play photographer.

After takeoff we turned to head back toward town and were treated to this breathtaking view of the Hana Airport. You really get a sense of how isolated this community is in a sea of thick jungle.

A view of the crater as we flew back to Kahului.

As we headed back to Kahului we passed Haleakala. Kind of back lit, but might majestic none the less.

It was a gorgeous and relaxing end to a busy week. I got home in enough time to help Hubby finish packing, get the kids washed and put to bed. The 4 a.m. wake up call would come mighty quick. But not as quick as the Sweetness wake up call “Mommmmmyyyyyyyy.”

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Helicopter Heaven

Heligirl — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:12:27 +0000

Each year for five years I’ve worked with a dedicated group of Whirly-Girls, the Museum of Flight, and a slew of great volunteers to put on a free helicopter and public service event in June. This year’s show was last Saturday.

It’s a ton of work, a lot of cat herding and quite a bit of baby sitting, but in the end more than 3,000 folks enjoyed 18 helicopters and 12 public service agencies, getting the chances to climb all over helicopters, police cars, fire trucks, a bomb truck, the FBI’s huge armored thing that just screams “come out with your hands up or you’re pretty much dead,” and a slew of other cool toys that kept the little and big kids alike completely gaga.

I was overwhelmed with running the show so I didn’t focus on photos, but when my little ones arrived for a tour I took a little time to show them around and take pictures.

Her very first time in a fire truck. She was in heaven.

The really cool fire fighter who showed Sweetness her beloved fire engine.

Sweetness and Mommy in a Robinson R44. Not sure how I feel that this was the helicopter she insisted on playing with the most...

In the Air Force's Huey. She insisted on trying on the helmet.

Checking out the sherriff's Bell 407.

Hanging out in the back of the EMS helicopter.

In the pilot's seat of the Navy's Nighthawk.

"Baby brother too!" she insisted. Mr. Man joins her in the Navy aircraft.

Just a handfull of the birds.

My perfect little babies loving the helicopters the way their inherited genes from mommy demands they do.

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Fleeting Memory

Heligirl — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:41:38 +0000

Looking across the Bell Helicopter booth.

Ahh, Heli Expo is now a fleeting memory. Wouldn’t you know I hauled my camera all the way to Houston, all over the expo hall, and only took a handful of photos because I was sadly uninspired. And would you also know the only photo I published was this one, taken my my iPhone. Light, fits in the pocket, iPhone. Oh well. Here’s my ode to Bell. They’ve always been my very favoritist helicopter maker ever. Hands down. No exceptions. No, not even THAT helicopter is better than a Bell. So there.

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Heli Expo

Heligirl — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:33:09 +0000

I’ve been at the annual Heli Expo, the world’s premiere helicopter convention, and so far I’ve learned two things. 1. I’m getting too old for this. 2. Some things change while others don’t.

I used to be so psyched to come here and party every year. Now I’m just happy to relax with my pals over a drink where we can hear each other and where none of the less desirable crowd hangs out. How lame to be getting so old. Or perhaps I can think of it as just maturing. Yes, that sounds better. I’ve grown up. Sadly, many of the men here haven’t.

I’ve also learned that time does heal. Most things at least. In my case, there are a handful of people in this industry I’d like to see about as bad as I want to be boiled in oil. One of them is here and what a totally wonderful surprise to discover when I saw this person it took a moment to register and once it did, I just didn’t care. I can finally say I don’t care. What freedom. But when I saw another, my former employer himself, my skin crawled. I guess I’ll just have to trust in the fact that if I can one day stop caring in any way about one of my formerly least favorite people, I can surely one day feel the same about my ex-boss. Maybe I just need more time.

Most of all I’m enjoying seeing my pals and getting to know the gang I work for better. I just wish my babies were here too. I miss them something fierce. I’m still so surprised by how much of a pull they have on me. It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced.

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Shifting Gears

Heligirl — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:37:59 +0000

I remember an echo of a time when my life revolved around helicopters. I lived and breathed them. In fact, other than my dog, Jack, there was not much I loved more than them. I even called my life “as the rotor turns.” If you had a helicopter or a helicopter rating, I idolized you, hung on your every word. If you manufactured helicopters, you were a demi-God. If you operated a helicopter company and hired pilots, you were on my speed dial.

Stupid little lamb.

Oh how those days are gone. Don’t get me wrong. The passion is still there, it’s just a warm glow instead of that all consuming fire that threatens to burn you alive, like when you have one of those “special” dreams about Hugh Jackman.

I guess it comes with maturity and jadedness. Is that a word? Must be. Spell check isn’t catching it. Regardless, the rose colored glasses are off, in the street and run over by the sewer treatment truck. And helicopters are more a business thing now. I can still tell you what make and model is approaching, or even makes and models if there is more than one, without looking most of the time. I just don’t say it out loud much anymore or bother to look up. Being a mom is my fire in the belly now. My Hugh Jackman, if you will.

But that doesn’t change the fact that I have a job to do in the helicopter industry and it’s quickly approaching. Good old Heli Expo is in two weeks and I have to haul this tired, milk producing body to Houston so I can run a meeting then sit at a booth for three days. I’m sooooo excited. (Note sarcasm.)

Seriously thought, a part of me must be awaking, as I’m starting to dream of Heli Expo. I used to get so excited I couldn’t stand it. It’s nice to see that part of me is stirring and starting to prepare, even if it is my subconscious. At least one of us is getting in the mood. I really want to get into it. I’m into the group I work for and am looking forward to seeing old pals, especially the Whirly-Girls.

Hey, look at it this way, I get to sleep every night. Uninterrupted. Eat hot meals. Have adult conversations. This might not be so bad, if I didn’t feel guilty about leaving hubby running the show. At least I’m bringing home income for the work. Now only if I knew Hugh would be there…

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Haven for Helicopter Hoes

Heligirl — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:38:15 +0000

I couldn’t resist the alliteration of the title for this post. But in all seriousness, I speak of Heli Expo, the annual gathering of the helicopter industry to share, drink, talk, eat, drink, buy, sell, drink, educate, research, hire, drink and network. And I have noticed that sometimes there is drinking.

This year we head down south to Houston Feb. 21 – 23. Most years I’m there to have fun, possibly write a little bit, or even help out with some PR. This year my main duty is to be the executive director of a non-profit helicopter organization, and as such must help run a meeting on Feb. 20 most of the day, then man a booth the 21-23. The money is a nice supplement, and boy do I love to catch up with my old helicopter pals, but it’s going to be a long week away from the Rugrats.

So to console myself, I’m looking at it this way: I get to drink a lot, sleep through the night without waking to nurse anyone, have hot, uninterrupted meals, have uninterrupted adult conversations, and look hot in my evening wear with special thanks to milk boobs. Yes, this could be fun. Did you notice there was a lot of “hot” and “uninterrupted” in those thoughts. Too bad hubby will be home playing Mr. Mom. And for those of you with your minds in the gutter, you know who you are, my days of sharing bodily fluids with helicopter pilots is so very over. I learned the hard way that most male helicopter pilots are capable of loving, caring, thoughtful feelings. They just reserve these feelings for themselves.

So bring on Heli Expo. I spent a few hours beating the old booth into submission in the corridor of one of our organization’s member’s buildings today. That was fun. I think I got the beast figured out, with the help of two others. Plane ticket is bought, hotel reserved, helicopter pal arranged to give me a ride from the airport, and a fellow Whirly-Girl set up to be my roomie. I used to have a hard time sleeping before Heli Expo, I was so excited. I’m not there yet. It’s so weird to have so much anchoring me here. But I need my adult time and I need to feed my aviation bug. Lots and lots and lots of photos will be coming…

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