Featured Coulson Aviation Pilot Fighting Fires in Chile

This time last year pilot Cristina was flying in Antarctica. This year, as a Coulson pilot, she’s in Chile firefighting.  

“I started flying when I was 19 but have been in the helicopter industry for 9 years instructing, doing tours and charters in Puerto Rico and later in New York City,” she said. 

“My job before COVID was as a tour pilot on a passenger yacht in Antarctica. I’ve been with Coulson since December of last year.”  

Cristina works on the Blackhawk as a CoPilot. As a Spanish speaking pilot, she also can be the pilot translator when needed; necessary when the Blackhawk has the tank installed as there is no third seat available inside the helicopter. 

While in Chile, the crews of the 4 Chinooks and the Blackhawk each have a pilot translator to assist with translating instructions from the ground or the aerial supervisor during operations.     

“I’m loving the whole thing. Being in a new country and meeting people is always fun,” she said.   

“It’s my first job on fire so don’t have much to compare it to on that side but so far fire calls have been very dynamic and definitely not boring.”  

Cristina said some of the challenges have included figuring out the restrictions and rules for different regions while operating during the pandemic.  

“It’s been an adventure learning how things work in Chile but the translators helping us have been awesome.”  

Cristina said working in the industry she knew Coulson was an employee-driven company and great to work for. When the opportunity to work for the company came up late last year, she jumped at the chance. She completed intensive training in San Bernadino before making the trip to Chile.

She loves the maneuverability of the Blackhawk.  

“I want to keep flying fire. I never imagined I would be flying a Blackhawk and it’s a great experience,” she said.