How being a helicopter pilot can teach you some things about business

Some of the things you learn in the helicopter world translate surprisingly well into the business world.

Over the years I’ve noticed that many of the same lessons that keep you safe in the air can also help you succeed on the ground.

So, I thought I’d start with the three questions I’ve been asked most often in my 25+ years of helicopter flying…

Question 3: “Can you land on my yacht or at my villa?”

A simple question… but not such a simple answer.

This time, the answer is:

“Maybe…”

It all comes down to risk management.

Safety always comes first. We need to assess the surroundings—tall objects that could ruin our day, people or animals who could be at risk, or whom we might put in danger.

Then there’s legality. You can’t just turn up and land anywhere. Local restrictions, airspace rules, nature reserves, and other small but crucial details must all be checked, or everyone ends up in hot water.

And yes, there’s the business side. Pushing the limits for commercial pressure is tempting, but if the operation isn’t profitable, it doesn’t make sense. Often the customer’s “how much?” question comes from not realizing all the planning and risk management involved.

The business lesson here is simple but critical:

“If you think safety is expensive… try having an accident!”