Video: Young Helicopter Pilot Has Impressive Credentials

When you’re just 19 years old and you’re rated in Chinooks and Blackhawks’€¦.

Ashli Blain
A screencap of pilot Ashli Blain speaking with KECI.
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Ashli Blain is a 19-year-old college student who works as a command pilot in Blackhawks and a rated co-pilot in Chinooks for Billings Flying Service.
  • She has been flying since age 13 and spent her summer fighting fires, often alongside her father.
  • Currently back at college studying accounting, Blain expresses regret that her studies prevent her from being on the front lines of firefighting.
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Ashli Blain is a 19-year-old college student, and you know kids today, they!what? Fly Chinooks and Blackhawks! Blain, who’s going back to college after fighting fires this summer, works for Billings Flying Service in Montana, and she’s a command pilot in Blackhawks and a rated co-pilot in Chinooks. Not worthy! Blain has been flying since she was 13 years old, and has worked with her father fighting fires in the Northeast. Blain is back at school now, and she expresses regret that her studies, in accounting of all things, keeps her from being out on the front lines. Major props, Ashli!

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