Chantelle Hughes
Pilot – HeliFish
Morris Aviation
My role as a HeliFish pilot involves flying customers to some of the Top End’s most remote and pristine fishing destinations, hoping they can land an elusive metre-long barramundi. When I’m not out fishing, you can find me showing off the Northern Territory’s many waterfalls and escarpments, anywhere from Litchfield to Kakadu. I also take passengers on the classic HeliFish pub crawls.
This is my first full-time role in aviation since obtaining my commercial pilot license. I saw the ad for this role and knew it suited me down to the ground. I am a mad keen angler, so what better way to kick start my career in aviation by combining them both!
My workday usually starts at the hanger a couple of hours before my scheduled departure time. I do my daily inspection on the aircraft, and the fuel bowser before I start to pack the helicopter with the gear that I need for the day, check the weather and do a flight plan. Once the passengers are checked in and briefed, we head off to our first fishing spot, and I’ll point out some interesting sights along the way. If we’re lucky, I can spot a wild croc or water buffalo. We fish for most of the day before heading back, hopefully with some cool stories to tell – sometimes about the ‘one that got away’.
To be good at this job, you need to have a passion for sports-fishing and a unique ability to be able to read your clients so that they can have the best possible experience. We deal with customers from all backgrounds and fishing abilities, so you must be conscious of this and tailor your skills to meet their needs. I find it very rewarding being a part of creating memories that will last a lifetime. You can’t describe the smile on a customer’s face when they land their first barra or being part of a romantic proposal.
Flying in the territory has taught me some invaluable lessons in aviation and critical decision-making. No two days are the same especially when it comes to the weather. Storms can develop rapidly and become quite fierce, so you need to think on your feet and have a backup option to ensure the safety and comfort of both yourself, and your passengers.