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Ray Poss is a highly experienced Chief Pilot at Pelican Aviation, bringing over 30 years of expertise in rotor-wing aviation, pilot instruction, and operational leadership. Throughout his career, he has held critical roles, including Senior Rotor-Wing Instructor Pilot (IP), Check Airman, and Director of Operations, excelling in both flight training and operational management in diverse and challenging environments worldwide.
My adventures spanned the globe—from Mexico to Doha, Qatar; Point Barrow, Alaska; Zamboanga, Philippines; Archangel; and many places in between—and included the Gulf War.
Ray appeared in both the M.A.S.H. movie and TV series. Gary Burghoff, (Radar) and I were the only two from the
cast that came from the Movie to the TV Series..
Instructor for the Army Helicopter Flight Training During the Vietnam War — Fort Wolters (Mineral Wells, Texas), Civilian Instructor.
While flying under contract with the bureau of land management (BLM), I flew on desert fires, and tall tree fires in the mountains surrounding Las Vegas. Flying a Hughes 500 helicopter with a Bambi Bucket.
Among the first rescue helicopters to respond to the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino fire on Friday, November 21, 1980.
Trained helicopter pilots in Mexico to support the DEA’s drug program.
Served as an FAA Pilot Examiner, issuing pilot licenses.
Flew for Flight for Life in Las Vegas.
Transported personnel and supplies to offshore oil and gas platforms near Doha, Qatar.
Conducted search-and-rescue operations in Point Barrow, Alaska.
I was invited to FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C., to help draft regulations for flights using night vision goggles.
In 1978, I served as chief pilot for airborne security at the Nevada Test Site (Area 51), flying for EG&G in support of the Department of Energy.
Served as Senior Rotor-Wing Instructor Pilot and Check Airman at AAR Airlift Group in Melbourne, FL.
Served as Line Pilot, Flight Instructor, and Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) at Evergreen Helicopters in the Philippines.
Served as Chief Pilot and Director of Operations at Aviation Specialties in Boise, ID.
Ray is a recognized leader in aviation safety, Night Vision Goggle (NVG) training, and international flight operations. He assists FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C., in drafting regulations for NVG flights and mentors the next generation of pilots with a commitment to excellence.
Ray approaches his career with dedication, expertise, and a passion for flying. He continues to inspire and educate aviators worldwide by training pilots, upholding high safety standards, and sharing compelling stories of adventure, resilience, and aviation’s evolution.
For as long as I can remember, people have encouraged me to write a book. As you read, please keep in mind that I’m a helicopter pilot.
I have many stories to share, and I may write more in the future.
To everyone who asked me to put the stories I’ve told over the years into writing, thank you for your interest and encouragement.
I hope you enjoy them.
Sixty-two years later, I still love flying. I’ve traveled and flown worldwide and wouldn’t trade for a moment of it.
By sharing my experience with aspiring pilots, I hope to spark the same passion for flying that others sparked in me.
Ray
My journey began with a 50-cent helicopter ride. At eighteen, I joined the Navy hoping to fly helicopters, but things didn’t go as planned.
Flying took me places I’d never imagined, and I moved from seat-of-the-pants piloting to computers and satellite technology that once seemed like science fiction. Somehow along the way I few those Navy helicopters that I dream about at eighteen.
I also shared my experience with aspiring pilots who dreamed of flying, learning from them as they learned from me.
It all began with a simple declaration: “Yes, Dad, I want to be a helicopter pilot!”
Ray Poss, an accomplished aviator, recounts his 62 years of flying in his memoir, One Helicopter Pilot’s Experiences. From using maps to follow highways, dry riverbeds, and railroad tracks to navigating with advanced satellite technology to using advanced satellite technology, he shares compelling stories of adventure, resilience, and aviation’s evolution.
A must-read for aviation enthusiasts, the book offers a rare look at the challenges, triumphs, and lessons of a lifetime in the skies.