DERRY TOWNSHIP, DAUPHIN COUNTY — As news of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven other people spreads, a Dauphin County pilot is sharing his condolences and thoughts on how crashes impact people in the aviation field.
Phillip Perez gave FOX43 a close look at Penn State Health’s Life Lion helicopters, which have added safety features, including two engines and wheels.
Perez is Life Lion’s Chief Pilot, with more than 35 years of experience flying helicopters for Maryland State Police and the United States Marine Corps.
Perez says, no matter what, medical pilots have an important job to do. When tragedy strikes the aviation community, pilots must compartmentalize the news and continue their work.
On average, Perez says Life Lion helicopters transport three patients each day.
“We have learned to compartmentalize what we do and fly the aircraft. We fly, and that’s what we do. It’s our job,” explained Perez.
Perez says Life Lion pilots must have at least 10 years experience flying helicopters before they can fly one of the fleets. They do have former military members on staff.
“I’m pushing close to 10,000 hours in the helicopter. That’s a lot,” Perez said with a smile. “It’s like sitting in this seat for 15 months.”
All in all, Perez has more than 35 years experience piloting the aircraft. He believes helicopters are a reliable mode of transportation.
“I equate it to some of the people who come in the aircraft as sitting in an elevator while you’re lifting up or stopping,” explained Perez. “You feel a little bit of a jolt, but otherwise, it’s a very safe and comfortable environment.”
Life Lion helicopters also have a lot of extra safety features on board, including a second engine and wheels.
“This helicopter is extremely reliable and safe,” said Perez. “With this large tail rotor, it acts like a wing. If we lose power to the tail rotor, it will continue flying. We can fly the helicopter to an airport.”
Nevertheless, Perez feels for the families impacted by the helicopter crash that claimed 9 lives.
“You always wonder what might have happened, and I feel bad for the families that have to endure the difficulties of losing a loved one,” said Perez. “They will have questions for a long time.”
