Inspiring the next generation of helicopter pilots can be a tricky task. Moving them away from their games consoles and iPhones can be testing. But taking on the job is Diane Dollar, a 10-year helicopter pilot, who’s created the non-profit organization, Forever on the Fly Inc.
The organization, formed in 2021, has a two-fold mission; to ‘Inspire and Educate’ children on the exciting careers that can await them in aviation. Part of Diane’s strategy is her ‘Dare to Dream Aviation Days’ which are being organized around the country to provide that spark of inspiration to future pilots, and also those across the aviation industry on how to promote a more diverse and inclusive strategy for all.
Diane said: “We’re in the midst of building up a Helicopter Pathway Program to financially sponsor individual students, provide mentorship and guarantee interviews with companies within the industry who choose to participate in the program. I am making a call out to all helicopter companies who would like to become a sponsor or any feeder company that may well be interested in the program to get in touch with us via email at: Info@Foreveronthefly.com.”
The first Dare to Dream event was at Hangar 21 in Fullerton, California. The second at Fort Worth Alliance Airport on May 14, saw two Airbus H125s of AV8 Management taking a total of 160 students aged between 8-17 on flights throughout the day. On static display were an A350B2, and a Hughes 500, the USCG brought along one of their MH-65s and PHI Air Medical flew in with their Bell 407.
So far ‘Dare to Dream’ has flown a total of 316 students on discovery helicopter flights, with many more planned according to Diane.
