Ask any pilot how they started flying, and you will most likely hear a love story. Brandi Rector, the founder, owner and CEO of Norman’s new Semper Fly Helicopter flight school, is no exception.
With a journey to the clouds that reads like a riveting Ted Talk—she’s been a Marine gunner, A&P mechanic, quality assurance representative, helicopter pilot and entrepreneur—Brandi knew she wanted to approach her training facility in an innovative manner that embodied her love of flying and the depth and breadth of her experience and expertise for her students.
“I want to raise the bar for rotor education,” Brandi said. “Our staff is using their vast network to create pathway programs so that students will have opportunities to get their hours in the air in more affordable manners than have been traditionally available to them and learn first-hand about various career options through guest speakers and fly-ins.”
Semper Fly is affiliated with the School of Aviation, housed in the University of Oklahoma College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences, and is a 141 Certified Flight School; however, it also accepts private-pay students seeking certifications like Certified Flight Instructor.
Fortune Business Insights states, “North America dominated the helicopter market with a market share of 55.34% in 2023. Moreover, the helicopter market size in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 45.26 billion by 2032, driven by increasing military and civil helicopter deliveries in the country.”
What does this mean for those thinking about becoming a helicopter pilot? There will be a plethora of jobs in multiple marketplaces, such as executive transportation, military, search and rescue, emergency management services, firefighting, construction services, heli-skiing, and more.
“Currently, all of our staff are veterans from a myriad of military branches,” Brandi noted. “When it comes to helicopter flight, precision and focus on safety are our top goals. We are serious about each student’s safety and ensuring they understand the principles of flight and how they apply to the situations they are likely to encounter in the air.”
Semper Fly Helicopters is seeing an influx of female and veteran new and transfer students because they know the high caliber of training they will receive. More than that, the word is getting out about how females are being celebrated and treated with respect as pilots at Semper Fly.
“I want to help our students get great jobs when they graduate, but I also want them to have an amazing experience every step of the way, and that starts by creating a culture that treats every person with respect, kindness and inclusion,” Brandi said.
“Our mission is ‘Do It Differently, and Do It Better,’ and that guides us daily to make a difference for our students because the traditional rotor education model could be better.”
Semper Fly has three Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopters, with more ordered for 2025. They are developing new courses and planning to add additional instructors. They are also collaborating with industry partners to bring in helicopters and speakers for special events, like giving students flying access to Blackhawk helicopters.
Why become a helicopter pilot? Since helicopter pilots are in such high demand, many pilots have a better chance at landing jobs, gaining valuable experience, and being well paid when they do. For the adventurer at heart, helicopter pilots often fly in challenging and exciting conditions, from remote wilderness to bustling cityscapes.
The average salary for an entry-level helicopter pilot in the United States is between $90,000 and $112,000 per year, with the top 10% earning over $117,000. However, salaries vary widely depending on location, sector and years of experience. For example, the average entry-level salary in Oklahoma City is $93,127 per year. (source: ZipRecruiter)
Amelia Earhart once said. “Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” Helicopter pilots get to live adventure every day. At Semper Fly Helicopters, all pilots can partake in this adventure equally. For more information on how to embark on your sky-high journey, visit semperflyhelicopters.com.
A consummate storyteller, Michelle Pipes uses a camera and a keyboard to weave words and images into soulful narratives. With a doctorate in business and 30+ years in higher ed and corporate spaces, she’s a pro at turning complex concepts into compelling stories. A creative wanderer at heart, Michelle brings humor and a dash of soul to every story she tells.