Alan Stack

How did you get into flying?

My uncle was a helicopter engineer for Bristow Helicopters in the UK and Nigeria. Afterwards, he formed Helicopter Support Ireland, close to our family farm. When I wasn’t helping out on the farm, I’d be in his hangar. He steered me in the right direction, letting me sit in the pilot’s seat and giving me Principles of Flight books. 

Tell us about your job?

I’m an aerial saw pilot, flying the MD500. Rotor Blade is based in South Carolina, but we work anywhere where there’s a need for tree trimming or powerline constructing. Most projects last months – I normally bring my camper and fly back to the campground at night. I enjoy getting to meet new people. 

“Flying the 850lb saw isn’t like flying any other external load”

Side trimming is done with a 10-bladed, belt-driven aerial saw. Flying the 850lb saw isn’t like flying any other external load. We spend 100% of our flight time vertically referencing, which puts a demand on your back and neck. The MD500 is the perfect platform for this precision work. It has a good lift-to-weight ratio and produces a relatively small amount of downwash which doesn’t disturb the tree line too much. Most of our work is low and slow. Trimming speed is based on vegetation type: soft wood can be trimmed at 10mph, hard wood requires a slower trim. Knowing what speed to cut is essential to avoid saw damage. 

My job is fascinating, it’s 100% hands-on flying, demanding your complete attention at all times. With tree trimming there’s the saw, and when constructing powerlines, I fly aerial linemen as human external cargo. Holding someone 100ft below the helicopter, lowering them in between the powerline phases with only inches of clearance to do their work, requires you to be alert, precise and situationally aware. It’s definitely a team effort. We work in what’s known as the height-velocity diagram or dead man’s curve – this means in case of an engine failure, you can’t safely auto-rotate to the ground. So, excellent aircraft maintenance is of utmost importance.

What training did you have?

I have an FAA CPL(H), Transport Canada CPL(H) and EASA CPL(H). Rotor Blade provides extensive in-house training. All new pilots, whether they only have 1,500 flying hours or already 15,000 hours of vertical reference time, first become groundsmen.

They learn everything about saw maintenance before stepping into the helicopter. After riding along on short saw cycles, they practise picking up and setting down the saw, and eventually trim easier lines. On average it takes a year until you’re ready to fly the saw.

What’s been your favourite flight?

Working in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria destroyed the power grid in 2017. Together with thousands of linemen and multiple helicopters we rebuilt the power system. It was extremely satisfying to return power to the 3.4 million people who’d been living in darkness for up to 11 months. The island was beautiful despite the damage and the people were incredibly friendly.

And your favourite airfield?

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. It’s the gateway to the last frontier, where beautiful snow-capped mountains meet the Cook Inlet. I’ve spent multiple summers in the backcountry, moving goldmine drills and flying cadastral surveys. As well as incredible scenery, Alaska has the world’s best salmon and halibut fishing, panning for gold along the river and enjoying time away.

Do you fly much outside of work?

Flying is my passion. I’m currently pursuing my fixed-wing and glider pilot rating. I’d love to fly a fixed-wing to Florida Keys for the weekend, or to the Appalachians to go camping with my fiancé and our dogs. Unfortunately, time outside work is limited.

What is your most valuable career advice?

In the helicopter industry, networking is of utmost importance. Most employment opportunities arise from a recommendation, so make sure to stay in contact with your peers.