Shane Espinoza
Growing up in Denver, I would look up out my front yard and see a formation of three Hueys, or the bright orange Flight for Life helicopter, flying across the beautiful Colorado sky. Boys still dream and I knew that I wanted to become a helicopter pilot.
I read, studied, drew and viewed anything helicopter. And it wasn’t until after college, a comfortable job and 7 years at AT&T that I got started on my dream of flying. I trained in Colorado and after completing my training, I got a job in the one place I never thought I would live; the South! I quickly fell in love with my job, my fellow co-workers, sweet tea, and most importantly my students (who I still very much miss today).
When Black Sunday hit and our company went out of business I returned to Colorado and started looking for a job. I taught at two other helicopter schools here before getting a dream job flying tours in the magical Black Hills of South Dakota. Daily, I used a helicopter to “drive” to work; taking people from all around the world past the majestic faces of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monuments. I fell in love with being a tour pilot and, like giving someone ice cream, I was able to bring smiles to the faces of the young and old, American and foreign, my favorites the veterans of our United States Military, and the flying dreamer’s of tomorrow. Truly I feel blessed by God to be able to do what I love.
I heard about Colorado Heli-Ops and made a visit when one of my students decided on a change in flight schools. After an hour with one of the CFI’s, John, I was convinced my student needed to go here to complete their training. Later I met with Dennis and Bentley about working at Heli-Ops. Both men are amazing and I loved their philosophy on how flight schools should be centered on students and making their dreams possible. While at Colorado Heli-Ops I hope to bring both my love of teaching and my experiences to students; focusing on giving them the best so they can succeed. I never stop dreaming, and I still look up at any helicopter flying overhead. I’ve been there, soaring with the clouds, wind and birds in the great blue Colorado sky, and my dream came true. I would love to help make your dreams come true as well.
