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Jul
29
2025
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Posted 2 days ago ago by Admin
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RPMN: What is your current position?
I am currently assigned as the commander of the Aircraft Support Branch, Special Enforcement Division, Kentucky State Police (KSP).
RPMN: Tell me about your first experience with helicopters.
My first experience with helicopters was operating as a rappeler for the Kentucky State Police Marijuana Eradication Program. I was a rappeler assigned to a KY National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk for the summer eradication season. We travelled throughout the state eradicating illegal marijuana plants that were located by KSP Spotters operating out of the National Guard and KSP Aircraft. Ground teams were also employed to marijuana that was accessible from vehicles. This exposure gave me great insight into the helicopter community along with the specialized work that could be completed by those amazing machines. The pilots that I worked with were some of the best and allowed me to ask questions throughout the summer.
RPMN: How did you get your start in the helicopter industry?
I started with the Marijuana Eradication Program as a passenger in helicopters. I then transitioned to the Kentucky State Police Special Response team and started Fast Rope and rappel operations out of the Kentucky State Police UH-1 Huey. We also trained in aerial observation and interdiction. This continued my interest in aviation. During down time or refuel trips, I was allowed to observe from the copilot seat. The pilots within the aircraft branch were top notch professionals that shared information and lessons learned throughout their careers. This led to an interest in helicopters and aviation in general that caused me to want to pursue a position within the Aircraft Branch.
RPMN: When and how did you choose the helicopter industry? Or did it choose you?
While working with the Special Response Team, I started taking flying lessons with Larry Short Aviation out of Big Sandy Airport and Combs Airport located in Martin and Johnson Counties. Larry was a long-time flight instructor in the area who had been instructing since the 1980s. This was an out-of-pocket expense that I hoped would allow me to transition into the Aircraft Branch if that position became available. When the position opened, I was able to apply for selection and had just obtained my private pilot license for single-engine airplanes. I was fortunate to be selected for the Branch and truly began my aviation career at that point.
RPMN: Where did you get your start flying or maintaining professionally?
After selection to the Kentucky State Police Aircraft Branch, I immediately added on a private helicopter rating with Officer Don Evans. I then flew the marijuana suppression mission along with the other airborne law enforcement missions conducted by the Agency for the summer and fall of that year. I was able to log around 500 hours of experience in those three to five months which started my career path off strong. This led me to adding a commercial license. I then immediately transitioned back into airplanes. I started with my instrument rating and then continued to progress from there. This led to where I am now with a commercial multi-engine land instrument certification.
RPMN: If you were not in the helicopter industry, what else would you see yourself doing?
I would still be working with the KSP in some capacity. It has been a rewarding career that provided me with many great opportunities and allowed me to work with some of the best people.
RPMN: What do you enjoy doing on your days off?
With the hectic schedule and on-call capacity of the Aircraft Branch, I spend most of my time off with my family. I try to devote as much of my free time as possible to them. This would include taking the kids to their extracurricular activities, hiking, fishing, and time on the water at one of Kentucky’s many lakes.
RPMN: What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
To be blessed with the opportunity to work with and lead the members of the Aircraft Branch. We have a long history of many great pilots, and I am proud to be able to carry on the legacy and traditions built by those who came before me not only in the Aircraft Branch, but also in the Kentucky State Police. This career has been very rewarding and has allowed me to not only travel throughout Kentucky, but also the country. We have recently started a Hoist Rescue Program within the last five years. This program has not only allowed us to add another dimension of flying, but has also allowed the Branch to respond to numerous natural disasters throughout the state and to rescue lives. This program was built not only within KSP, but many other partners like RedStar Wilderness EMS, Lexington Fire Department, Wolfe County Search and Rescue, and KY Emergency Management. I give thanks to Priority 1 Air Rescue for the training and assistance in helping us start our program. I also would like to thank our surrounding State agencies that were always a call away to provide insight, suggestions, and lessons learned along the way. This includes Tennessee Highway Patrol, North Carolina State Police, Virginia State Police, West Virginia State Police, and Ohio Highway Patrol. We also work closely with Louisville Metro Police Department and Lexington Metro Police Department aviation units.
RPMN: Have you ever had an “Oh crap” moment in helicopters? Can you summarize what happened?
While conducting counter drug operations, we received a call from a power-line helicopter that made an emergency landing. We were getting conflicting reports, but there was information that he was possibly shot down. We responded to the scene and quickly located the helicopter and crew. We received information that they were in fact shot down and the shooter was still looking for them in a wooded area. We were able to land and extract the crew. It was advised that as we lifted off from the extraction, the suspect attempted to shoot our helicopter as well. He was taken into custody later and subsequently charged.
RPMN: If you could give only one piece of advice to new pilots, mechanics, or support personnel, what would it be?
Be a professional in every aspect of this business. Aviation is extremely rewarding, but also extremely unforgiving. It always warrants and deserves your best performance. Your passengers and crew deserve the very best from you daily. Do this by seeking professional training as often as you can. I have also learned a lot from other seasoned pilots who can always give you some lessons learned throughout their career. This information is invaluable and can help make you the best pilot that you can be.
RPMN: In your view, what is the greatest challenge for the helicopter industry at this moment in time?
Finding the next generation of pilots to carry the industry forward. This is a problem not only in the helicopter industry, but has been an issue in the law enforcement community for over a decade. We need to continue to produce the best possible product while working to bring in the next generation.
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