- Commercial pilot CPL(H) mit ATPL(H)/VFR
- Flight instructor FI(H)
Aviation career:
Arel grew up near the Lucerne Cantonal Hospital and, as a small boy, admired the REGA thundering over his house. It was already clear to him that he wanted to become a helicopter pilot when he grew up. As luck would have it, Arel met Dominik Simmen (now managing director of Airport Helicopter) at the “Voice Course” in 2009 and it quickly became clear where he wanted to complete his pilot training. Arel already had its PPL(H) license in its pocket in 2010. Between 2014 and 2016 he completed professional pilot training CPL(H) and further training to become a flight instructor FI(H). At the beginning of last year he also completed the ATPL(H) theory.
Education(s) and profession:
Arel completed an apprenticeship as a polymechanic in order to later work as an aircraft mechanic and thereby become a pilot. However, this never happened because he had previously been given the chance to take a seat “in the cockpit” with a permanent position at Airport Helicopter. He is now a flight instructor in Basel and Beromünster as well as a base manager in Basel. Arel also teaches PPL(H) theory for aspiring helicopter pilots.
Hobbies and leisure time:
In his free time, Arel enjoys traveling in his “off-road-ready” VW bus to discover new countries and cultures with his girlfriend. He also enjoys flying on his mountain bike or snowboard. If the helicopter stays on the ground due to strong winds, Arel sails “close to the wind” on Lake Lucerne.
Favorite helicopter:
Arels’ favorite helicopter is the good old workhorse that belongs in every stable. In aviation, these are more like squirrels than horses - the Ecureuil H125 (AS350).
Tip/motivation for anyone considering starting training to become a helicopter pilot:
“It’s better to start today than tomorrow, because there is nothing better in life than pursuing a passion and looking at the world from above.”
