Matthias Schwaighofer

Helicopter pilot for the EC135, AS 350, BO 105, Bell 47 and Bell Cobra

Story

Matthias Schwaighofer is one of those people who pursue their goals without compromise. Ever since he was first allowed to join a flight up the Dachstein as a boy, his goal was to be a helicopter pilot, against all odds – and the odds were certainly stacked against him.

He chose a hard road, one that is lined with pitfalls but one which is also worth the journey. Today the ‘new boy’ in the Flying Bulls helicopter team flies the EC135, BO 105, Bell 47, Écureuil and the Bell Cobra. His next goal is to perform helicopter aerobatics in the BO 105 at the big European air shows.

Interview

It was always your dream to fly. Has the dream come true? Is it like you imagined it would be as a child and a young man?

MS: Definitely! I’m still a very passionate pilot, even if I’m more realistic about things now. The first time I was taken up in a helicopter was in 1983. It was a supply flight to the Dachstein, and one of the most defining experiences of my life. That feeling of freedom, the smell of kerosene burning and the noise of the helicopter are sensations you never forget. It was a very tough road, and I did think of giving up at times, but ultimately that didn’t happen. I was fortunate to have friends and colleagues on my side who encouraged me to keep going. When you have to fight and work hard for something, I think it has a positive effect on you.

Can you remember your first solo flight?

MS: I remember it very well, it’s one of the most important days in any flying career. After a couple of circuits together, my instructor hopped out. I suddenly realised nobody can help you, you have to take responsibility.

So how did you end up with the Flying Bulls?

MS: That was a blessing you can’t plan for. A lot of pilots want to fly with us. My advantage was being in the right place at the right time. I already had type ratings for the EC135 and AS 350 through my previous job with a company in Munich, so that was a perfect fit. In these circles, everyone knows pretty much everyone else. When Mirko Flaim started looking for a second permanent helicopter pilot, suddenly the stars lined up for me.

What do you think is so special about the Flying Bulls?

MS: It’s the rarity and exclusive nature of the aeroplanes, of course, but also the type of operation we have. We fly some true delights, deliberately avoiding the mainstream. That interplay of highly professional technicians, ground staff, aircraft and pilots verges on ingenious. We might have 70-plus employees, but it’s still like a close family where we treat each other with respect.

How close is the relationship between technicians and pilots?

MS: Very close indeed, it’s a professional relationship based on mutual trust. I believe we have the best technicians in the world working for us.

You currently fly the EC135, AS 350, BO 105 and Bell 47 as well as a new addition, the Bell Cobra. What are these helicopters like? How does it feel to fly them?

MS: Every helicopter has a soul of its own, they all fly and respond in their own way. A rigid rotor system feels different to a semirigid system. The BO is extremely agile and manoeuvrable. The AS 350 is much like the BO, it’s very direct and powerful, but you have other limits. At the moment, it’s the best helicopter in its class on the market. Then the EC is a luxury touring helicopter that you can also fly by instruments.

Do you have a fixed routine before every flight?

MS: Yes, I have a final walk-around before climbing in. Are all the hatches closed, is anything loose? This is your last chance to find something you may have overlooked.

What are the qualities that make a good pilot?

MS: Actual aviation skills are only a fraction of what it takes. Organisation, flexibility, decisiveness, reliability and the ability to work as part of a team are the key characteristics.

How do you manage risk? Is there a way to minimise risk?

MS: All pilots have to accept a certain measure of risk, otherwise you couldn’t do the job. But it’s a quantifiable risk. You have to take each flight in isolation and account for external factors. The question then is whether you can perform a flight safely, yes or no? If not, what can I change to ensure safety? We all learn the hard way, the important point is to take the lessons on board.

You once said that having goals is essential. What are your next goals as a pilot?

MS: To do aerobatics in the BO 105. This process will take a couple of years – it’s a complex issue that has little to do with the actual flying of the helicopter. I’m also very much looking forward to the Sikorsky S-58. I might have ended up with the Flying Bulls, but you still have to keep pushing. Nobody is going to call up and say ‘we need you’ if you’re sitting at home on the sofa.