15 July 2024
Teenager Olivia Thompson has become the UK’s youngest female qualified helicopter pilot after passing her Skills Test on her 17th birthday.
It took Olivia just four months of training with Tollerton-based Arcus Helicopters to gain her PPL(H), flying a Robinson R44.
Olivia, from Smalley in Derbyshire told the Daily Mail, “It’s not really sunk in yet, but I’m really happy and really grateful to everyone who came along to see me and who has helped and supported me along the way.
“I was really nervous before the test but once I was in the air I felt comfortable and in control.
“Now I’ve done it, I’m a helicopter pilot, and this is what I’m going to be doing for the rest of my life, which is really exciting and a bit unreal.”
The news caught the eye of David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter in California, USA, who said, “I love this story! Over the weekend, I was able to exchange a bit with Olivia and her father. It is a privilege that we were able to to play a small part in helping her find her ‘calling’ in aviation.
“Aviation can be a difficult profession full of rigor, discipline and long hours. But at the end of all that hard stuff are stories that inspire. Thanks Olivia for letting us be part of your story.”
Olivia got into flying through her father, Andrew, who also has his PPL(H). He owns and flies his own helicopter and, after Olivia expressed an interest in learning to fly, has encouraged her all the way.
Olivia and instructor Jamie Ferrand. Photo: Penguin PR
Andrew said, “We’re really proud of Olivia and we know how hard she’s worked for this. We’ve seen her falling asleep with her books on her chest!
“She only started flying in March and as soon as we suggested she could try to get her licence on her 17th birthday she’s done everything she can to get herself ready for it.
“I got my PPL(H) in 2016 and being able to fly a helicopter is amazing, but the exams are extremely hard. Olivia passed hers first time and she’s done everything far quicker than I did.”
Olivia is is happy to be a trailblazer for her gender. She said, “There are a few female-orientated campaigns to increase the number of women in aviation and it’s great to be a part of that push.
“I couldn’t see myself as not being someone who flies helicopters and I’d like to be a role model for anyone who wants to do the same thing.”
