erwin abella

helicopter pilot

Hey, I'm Erwin, a helicopter pilot.

What I Do

I can fly. I'm pilot. I earned my ratings at Leading Edge Aviation, a Part 141 Flight School in Bend, OR.
Commercial-Rotorcraft (Helicopter), Instrument. CFI, CFI-I.

Since then, I’ve been a Flight instructor, helping dreamers achieve their Private, Instrument, Commercial and Instructor Rotorcraft Helicopter ratings. Special projects include being a primary instructor on government contracts for training local, state, and federal law enforcement pilots through initial- and add-on helicopter ratings.

I have experience as a tour pilot, conducting Part 91 commercial sightseeing flights.

I’ve been a Part 91 corporate pilot, and a Part 135 line pilot on overwater operations with shipboard landings.

I’m currently the Chief Helicopter Pilot at a Mid-Atlantic aircraft operator and charter service.

2200+ hours total time, 1800+ helicopter. SFAR 73 instructor sign-offs on both Robinson R22 and R44. 

What I Have Done

Long story short? I moved into the commercial aviation industry after a decade as a Cavalry Officer in the US Army. Like many dudes standing around in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, I've often looked up, saw a helicopter and wondered: "I wonder if those guys know it's 120 degrees down here?"

When I first earned my commission, I wanted to blow stuff up and lead soldiers, slay dragons, that whole thing. After accomplishing what I wanted--commanding a recon troop--I realized I was still young enough to tackle other dreams. And it took a bit, but I realized I get most fulfillment from instructing.

What I Can Do For You

Turns out wearing a Stetson for a living provided me a few skills. I'm a proven mentor and leader. I've been in charge of companies with my name on vehicles and property, worth in excess of $200 million . More importantly, I've been fortunate to have led the best America has to offer: from commanding infantrymen, tankers, and cav scouts, I've been blessed. 

Those experiences mesh directly with being a flight instructor. As a mentor and trainer, I've been in charge of planning instruction, executing instruction, and setting training goals, then developing the roads to get there.

I have demonstrated a focus on Scenario Based Training--the Army has seen a re-emphasis on these methods as its deployment tempo has shifted and with its compiled lessons learned. We have seen results in this shift from drills, to scenario-driven process. It's uncanny the parallels I saw coming from that sector, the shift in the civilian flight training world feels familiar.

Hand in hand: safety and risk management, logistical and maintenance programs, all were in my wheelhouse as a commander, battalion safety officer, and the many other hats I've worn. From leading small to large groups, I bring a unique background to any training organization. From teaching an Afghan police chief due process to standing up a combat outpost isolated from my parent organization, I feel I have shown I can certainly take a solid swing at flight instruction!

I haven't left the Army completely. Now an Army Reservist, I'm currently a Training Committee Chief. Last summer, for example, we trained thousands of officer candidates at the beginning of their own careers.

So, what can I do for you? I can be a qualified flight instructor!

More Plumes on My Hat

Robinson Safety Course - 2016

Helicopter Overwater Survival Training - Survival Systems USA, Ft Rucker, AL

Master of Arts, Political Science - Cal State Fullerton

Associate of Applied Science, Aviation - Central Oregon Community College

Insane amounts of Star Wars trivia