I PASSED! This is how I became a commercial helicopter pilot in 14 months

I have just passed my commercial helicopter pilot skill test and it feels FANTASTIC! In this video I go right back to where it all began and share some of the highlights from the last 14 months of hard work. I hope this video will inspire others that anything is possible and you should never give up on your dreams. Smash the like button and thanks for watching!
#Helicopterpilot #flighttest
0:06 How did I get here?
4:01 The big reveal to my parents
5:01 The boy who dreamed of becoming a pilot
5:24 I've done it!
6:09 My wife is amazing!
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[@airman64]

What a Great wife, Congrats mate !

[@RoryOnAir]

Yeah she’s a legend. 👍

[@TheFlyingReporter]

Just perfect Rory. The joy on your face, and your parent’s reaction. Thrilled for you pal.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you Jon. It’s been a rocky road at time but I really am over the moon.

[@RedEyedJedi]

I was smiling like an idiot while watching you tell your mum and dad. Massive congratulations, Rory. I'm made up for you mate.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you - I’m delighted you enjoyed watching.

[@thomassimpson9699]

well done, superb achievement, many congratulations.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much Thomas.

[@nelsonoliveira1007]

Amazing experience. Congrats.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Nelson. :)

[@davymiller2256]

Congratulations and well done - follow your dreams mate :-)

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you - I'm very fortunate that's what I am able to do!

[@davymiller2256]

@@RoryOnAir I was fortunate to have been a Cabin Manager with easyjet in Edi for the last 14 and a half years until I opted for VR last summer but absolutely loved every minute 😉

[@RoryOnAir]

@@davymiller2256 Sounds great! I bet you had some adventures doing that.

[@ranbirsingh7666]

Well Done Rory, you are truly an inspiration to us all. 👍👍👍🤘🤘.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much!

[@rolandbaird8661]

Many congrats. Happy landings

[@RoryOnAir]

Cheers!

[@markwise3862]

Congratulations on passing

[@RoryOnAir]

Cheers

[@ramjet4025]

Got to love those gold bars. Just one problem, they are excess weight in any aircraft.

[@RoryOnAir]

They do look the part. :)

[@davidcartwright5591]

My absolute heartiest congratulations . You are an inspiration to anyone who chases their dreams , you have proved that determination and hard work can overcome obstacles and achieve your dream . Well done Captain Rory .

[@RoryOnAir]

Wow, thank you David. That’s very kind of you. I’ve seen your name in the comments regularly so thanks for sticking with me all this time. Lots more to do before I land a sexy turbine job but I’m very happy.

[@marysemazeres1430]

I discover you on the island, diging for pit helping for a while your parents on the place you grew up, and its the same guy so proud, so easy speaking, congratulation, sur you will have a great life.

[@RoryOnAir]

You’ve actually discovered my brother, Hamish’s channel - it’s him cutting peat. We are quite similar though!

[@gordonkerr1]

Well done Captain Rory!!! As a recently retired 744 captain, that took me right back to the day I passed my initial IR! Welcome to the best career in the world!!!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much Gordon! I’m very excited about the future, if a little apprehensive about all the things I still need to learn. It’ll be fun though. 👍

[@paulbury2366]

Congratulations Rory - awesome achievement

[@RoryOnAir]

Cheers Paul.

[@medzamedza9138]

Conglatulations Rory, a real cool pilot. Any mother will be proud of her son being a captain of a commercial helicopter. Good luck.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much! 😁

[@BenAtkinsonVideos]

Superb effort all round. Real determination with server also hurdles in your way. Well done

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you mate - I'm so pleased to have made this far!

[@kay110]

Hi Rory - absolutely excellent that you passed. You can see the joy in your posture and the beam on your face!!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you - it does feel pretty awesome.

[@bearpilotuk]

Huge congratulations to you Rory! I’m so pleased for you. Best of luck with your career going forwards 😀👍👍👍

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks so much Kevin. It’s very exciting!

[@malcolmrowe1794]

Congratulations Rory I am really delighted for you. I wish you all the best for your future career. Please keep making the videos for us armchair pilots!!!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Malcolm, you’ve been a supporter for a long time and I appreciate it. Many more videos to come.

[@PlaneOldBen]

Super proud of you - absolute legend!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you mate. You helped make me believe I could do it. 😁

[@shaundarley4108]

I had to wipe away a tear. I’ve followed your channel since I started my own pilot training journey in September 2019. I’ve watched most of your videos as both entertainment and training. They’re all great and very helpful to those of us following in your footsteps. I’m delighted for you. Well done.

[@RoryOnAir]

Hi Shaun, thanks very much. I’m delighted you’re undertaking your own Aviation journey - it really is a fantastic thing to do. Good luck and please keep watching when you have time. 👍

[@mustaphamohamed770]

No words to describe 😭😭👏👏👏

[@RoryOnAir]

@@mustaphamohamed770 thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😁

[@edknight1982]

You seem a little happy, you have worked hard so congratulations. Thanks captain for the vids

[@RoryOnAir]

Totally delighted I think! Thank you.

[@ecossearthur]

Congratulations mate!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you!

[@rogerclarke3291]

Superb mate. well done. so please you passed. Thanks for posting. it's gone quick.

[@RoryOnAir]

Well if you’re pleased you can guess how chuffed I am! What an experience. 👍

[@neilwarwick479]

Congrats Rory. Hope to see more content from you and your new career...

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Neil. I certainly plan to make plenty more videos.

[@richardtierney7724]

Fabulous Rory !!! Congratulations :-)))))

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you!

[@stuartlloyd2000]

Fantatstic Rory - well done. Were you able to continue flying during the latest lockdown?

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you - yes I have fortunately. We have been on a professional course for a commercial licence so it's allowed.

[@halbo101]

Brilliant Rory!! What an achievement, especially during the current circumstances! So well deserved as someone whose passion for aviation comes through in every video. Can't wait to see where this will take you!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much Hal. I’m glad it comes across to you because I really do love it!

[@cephasgunn1993]

You've inspired many more a pilot mate, congratulations thats fekkin brilliant mate. once again great job.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much. 😄

[@ianlivsey7200]

Brilliant Rory. Many congratulations. Never in doubt though. Well done mate.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much Ian. Good to have you onboard all this time.

[@toshawebster6523]

😃😃😀 amazing I feel so emotional 😢 and smiling at the same time to see how you are happy it gives me more inspiration 💪 congratulations 🎉👏🙏🏾😇 god blesses your wonderful family ❤️

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Tosha, glad you enjoyed it. 👍

[@barries7957]

Congratulations Captain .. fantastic achievement and best wishes for your future career. Good luck with the continued training and hour building. All the Best 😀🥂🚁

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much Barrie.

[@LostInTheSwing]

Congrats Rory. Enjoy your future flights.

[@RoryOnAir]

Will do, thanks!

[@jonwrench3127]

Congratulations Rory. Very well done and you deserve it for all the hard work put in. Seeing you on a high reminds me of when I gained my PPL, didn't come down for a week. Enjoy the moment.

[@RoryOnAir]

Yes, I think I might be up here for a while too!

[@TheMicroPilot]

Rory a HUGE congrats and what a brilliant video! I start HC2 next week and it is a little daunting but having watched this it only fills me with even more excitement. Well done mate!!

[@RoryOnAir]

Cheers Tom. I know you are - very exciting. I think I’m going to be joining your induction day for a chat about the course.

[@michaelherriott9230]

Well done Rory you have done very well Congratulations , keep well and stay safe regards Mike from yeovil retired from Westland helicopters.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you Mike.

[@thecogan]

Absolutely fab mate ! Well done !

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you silver pants!

[@howwerv9699]

Awesome job Rory. Looking forward to future videos seeing how you progress.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Wallace, I'm glad you enjoy my films!

[@HeliHolic]

Well Done Rory I began my flight training in June 2018, as a class of 6. Sadly 2 left us and i am last of us 4 to pass. I had major setbacks with exam fails, but have only 1 left to pass and finish my last 50 hours. I cannot wait.. Congratulations Cap't

[@RoryOnAir]

Well done for staying in the game Mark, it's very tough at times. Cheers!

[@DJBoysToys]

good effort well done indeed

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Declan

[@DJBoysToys]

@@RoryOnAir your very welcome wish you all the best for getting a job also :)

[@simonmonkman4638]

Behind every great pilot.....congratulations Captain 👍

[@RoryOnAir]

Is a great woman and it’s true. Lizi is a diamond. 😍

[@patch13a34]

Congratulations Rory. Cant wait to see where you go from here

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks - it’s very exciting!

[@rustynuts4426]

almost brings tears to my eyes! I don't think I can pass the class 1 medical as I was born with asthma (fit as a fiddle otherwise) but nice to see others achieve their dream. Good luck with Bristow.

[@RoryOnAir]

I’m sorry to hear that. I had bad asthma as a child too, and couldn’t join the military as a result. I grew out of it by 16 and have not had any symptoms for decades which is very lucky. You don’t know unless you try getting a class 1. Thank you for watching and good luck.

[@CR4ZYHOR5E]

Brilliant - well done chap...reminds me of when I did my fixed wing CPL...looking forward to seeing what happens next, enjoy that bottle of bubbly 👍🏻

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you! It's a great feeling.

[@patrickaalto]

Congrats!! Looking forward to following your new career!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Patrick. Lots of cool stuff to come I think. :)

[@furryhenry]

You see, dreams do come true ! well done Rory.

[@RoryOnAir]

Yes they do! 😁

[@michaelcooke1672]

Congratulations Rory,yes what a journey you have had and we have been able to enjoy it with you.Well Done Captain Rory.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Michael. It's been great to be able to share it.

[@AnthonyVella]

Great video, Rory. And congrats! Blaise is the lad who told me about your channel. Subscribed!

[@RoryOnAir]

Well welcome aboard! I hope you’ll have a look around and that you enjoy what you see. 👍

[@johnsingleton774]

Superb Rory very well done i too had something in my eye, in these challenging times it was brilliant to enjoy your happiness and enthusiasm, enjoy your well deserved bottle of fizz.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks John. Must have been some grit or something eh? 😉👍

[@JackPimblett]

Fantastic video, could feel your elation just watching 😀

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you. I still feel amazing even 24 hours later. 😁😁👨‍✈️

[@MarkW_]

Congratulations Rory, well deserved. Wish you many good flights in the future!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you!

[@alanmcgrath2009]

Well Done Rory, delighted for you looking forward to plenty more videos, go and celebrate lad you deserve it 👍👍👍

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks a lot Alan. 👍🥂

[@alanmcgrath2009]

Cheers Rory 👍

[@richardsimpson3943]

Congratulations I have followed the journey all the way,well done,from a Leicester chap who wishes he could get up to the airfield to watch the aircraft. Really enjoy your channel Best wishes for the future Rick

[@RoryOnAir]

Cheers Richard. Leicestershire has been good to me and I’ll always be grateful for that. 👍

[@briantinkler]

Well done and congratulations Rory .

[@arhalimi5883]

Congratulations Captain .. from Malaysia

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much. 👍

[@cebolenkosinxumalo1354]

CONGRATULATIONS RORY

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks!

[@axiom666]

Absolutely brilliant, had i been a lot younger I would try too. I too fly light sports aircraft.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@andrewwaugh1191]

Chapeau Rory. You chased your dream and you’ve earned the right to enjoy it. Best wishes, Andrew

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much. 🙏

[@dectracker]

Seriously Rory you shouldn’t bottle your emotions 😂 Congratulations 🥳

[@RoryOnAir]

Ha ha ha - heart on my sleeve, gold on my shoulders - that's how I like it.

[@briantavner5688]

Well done very pleased for you, big smiles all round.

[@RoryOnAir]

Mine is 😁👍

[@thecorbies]

Hi Rory. Heart felt congratulations on becoming a captain. I dare say you've been in some bars in your time, but those 4 gold bars are like no other eh? I came to your channel relatively recently, but right from the word go I had no doubt that you'd make it. Well done indeed. Looking forward to all your next exploits. Regards Mark in the UK

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much Mark. It feels great. I can’t wait to be able to actually go in a bar to celebrate! Cheers

[@paulgibbs6839]

Many congratulations Rory . I’m really pleased for you Paul from Ponteland

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Paul. 👍

[@chrishall2054]

So excited for you Rory, hearty congratulations! Your face says it all, you endear yourself to so many with your infectious and passionate presentations. Keep the videos coming.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much Chris - very kind of you to say. I love aviation so much and I really get a buzz from sharing it with others. I’m glad that comes across. 👍

[@samarmstrong4160]

HUGE congratualtions Rory! Deserved every bit of it. Fly safe... Captain ;)

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much Sam!

[@kevchilton908]

WOW! I can feel your excitement Rory! CONGRATULATIONS!!! A very brave decision to leave your job and follow your dream deserves the success you’ve achieved. I’m so pleased for you! I wish you and Lizzie every success in the future 👌👍👏👏👏

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you Kevin - this is very kind of you. You’ve been a long time supporter here too and I appreciate that. I can wait to take Lizi up in the heli and share that here too. Cheers!

[@paulmarkman5247]

Have been following you all the way Rory - very many congratulations! All the very best. Paul

[@RoryOnAir]

Cheers Paul, always good to see you in the comments. 👍

[@minisynthcollective7822]

Well done mate. Should be really proud of yourself.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much. 👍

[@gordonbruce2416]

Well done Rory, fantastic news. Onward and upward.

[@RoryOnAir]

Absolutely! Thanks.

[@anthonyyoung5225]

Congratulations Rory! I look forward to following your new career. All the best!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much. It’s nice to have you onboard. 👍

[@markk5764]

Well done Rory, brilliant achievement!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much. 😁

[@amfwelsh]

Well done! only just saw this post. look forward to your adventures. hope your subs go through the roof!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much Ant - I’m glad you found it! The subs are going up nicely but I’m really pleased people seem to like my videos. 👍

[@C42Microlightflyer]

Congratulations Rory you followed your dream and made it happen, total respect! It's been interesting to ride along with you from the very beginning with microlight flying, LAPL conversion, and now commercial helicopter pilot, good luck with all that it brings you.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you so much for sticking around! I have kept you guys on your toes a bit haven’t I. 😂👍

[@MrAlwaysBlue]

Well done! Its great your family were supportive. Unfortunately my family hasn't been. However I going to France next month to do a microlight instructor course, travel restrictions allowing!

[@RoryOnAir]

Well I’m sorry to hear that. I’m very fortunate. I hope that works out for you. 🤞👍

[@clearofcloud2038]

Well done.... and what a lovely video to mark the achievement.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@popmacca]

Fantastic Rory, Peter Mac

[@andybakr]

Just seen this Rory, well done mate look forward to seeing your next ventures

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much Andy. Nice to have you onboard.

[@cmprophoto]

I could not be more thrilled for you Capt. Rory! 😁👍 Thanks for taking us all with you on the virtual ride and I look forward to following along as you start the next chapter. Enjoy the 🍾 you have certainly earned it!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Chris. I’m excited to fly virtually with everyone as we move into better times ahead.

[@BS25BaldEagle]

Many congratulations Rory. Happy landings, and keep the videos coming.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you! Will do. 🚁👍

[@slowstick86]

Congratulations Rory, its been great following you on your journey!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you! I’m delighted to have been allowed to share so much of it. Lots to come as I go exploring!

[@graemewatts9090]

Wow congratulations Rory that is fantastic news well done, please keep vids up,I enjoy watching them🚁👍

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Graeme. Lots to come! 👨‍✈️🚁👍

[@pjcrowther]

That's great news, Rory! Really nice to have some good news at the moment!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Peter - it feels great.

[@richardkaberry8790]

Fantastic Rory well done! Looking forward to following the next stages of your adventures.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you! Lots to come.

[@mikeyswingsacrossthesky2244]

Captain Rory huge congratulations this is a major achievement you deserve to be so happy, elated and proud of yourself. You gave up a good life and job to follow your dream and now you will always be Captain Rory. Now go on and enjoy a long flying career, and a toast for that bottle, though it is long gone by now I guess," may all your takeoffs be followed by landings!!!"

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you! It’s been a big life change but so many people don’t get the chance to do what I have so I am going for it with both feet. That’s a great toast too. 🥂 Cheers!

[@musoseven8218]

Congratulations Rory, hell of an achievement! Tough year (for many reasons) brave of you at so many levels too, I'm really pleased for you. And well done Lizzy, lovely girl and a great wife.

[@RoryOnAir]

She really is a star for even letting me do this, let alone supporting me throughout the course. I’m very lucky. Thanks for your support here too.

[@musoseven8218]

Hi Capt. Rory, lovely to see you supporting each other. Re my watching your videos - you're most welcome, I've loved every minute of the microlights and the helicopter course.

[@harrykirby1369]

Congratulations Rory, hopefully see you at Turweston again sometime soon!

[@RoryOnAir]

Yes. I hope to being Lizi over when restrictions lift!

[@owainwright6055]

Well done my man, brilliant job. Look forward to the next episode 😎👍🥂

[@RoryOnAir]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@kerryhinton6901]

Great work Rory an inspiration for us all

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you, that’s very kind.

[@ShaneFleming]

Well done lad. Massive achievement.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you!

[@lawrencemartin1113]

I am very late to the party for this video, (not sure how I missed it!) but HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on passing Rory. I just love the look on your face and hearing your mum and dad on the phone was lovely. Looking forward to many more great films over the months to come. Good Luck.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you Lawrence - I’m delighted you found the video and enjoyed it. I’m so excited about all the flying to come. Cheers.

[@jetjames1655]

Congratulations Rory!! 🎉🎉

[@RoryOnAir]

Cheers James. Good to see you in the comments.

[@mickmoore4710]

Congratulations Rory - chuffed for you and nice to have some positive news! Very well done and good luck going forwards with the rest of your training.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much indeed Mick. 👍

[@mrtreebus]

Congratulations mate 😊

[@robertcoutts6035]

Brilliant news Rory, WELL DONE ;)

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks Robert. 👍👍

[@dave8832]

Congratulations Rory! Thoroughly well deserved, and here's to your successful career!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much Dave. :)

[@dave8832]

@@RoryOnAir Of course! You’ve worked extremely hard for it! I visited Helicentre a couple of years ago with the dream of doing the same as you, but financially it wasn’t viable, so I’ve lived it vicariously through you ☺️ Looking forward to the next videos!

[@RoryOnAir]

@@dave8832 well I’m sorry it doesn’t work out for you but I’m delighted you enjoy my videos.

[@JodelFlyer]

Huge congratulations to you Rory (and well done Lizi) I know how hard you have worked for this and we are all genuinely ecstatic for you. As someone who has followed you from the very start of your KZbin existence I can honestly say we have all very much enjoyed sharing your journey and we look forward to where ever you will be taking us next. Good luck and best wishes! 😎👍👏🚁

[@RoryOnAir]

Thanks very much Tim. It’s been amazing and I’m so glad to have been able to share it here. Here’s to great flying this year. 👨‍✈️🚁👍

[@tp2fly]

Fantastic. What an achievement. Well done.

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you very much. 👍😁

[@ShukokaiStu]

Wow! Well done Rory, chuffed to bits for you. 👍

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you. 😁👍

[@coleschofield4044]

Well Done Rory! I'm currently a PPL(A) student at Barton, and hoping to get into the RAF one day. Congrats!

[@RoryOnAir]

Good luck - Barton is a great place to fly from.

[@yahelbouaziz3767]

Congrats buddy !!! Persistence is key 🥳 So happy for you !!!

[@RoryOnAir]

It really is I think, and great support.

[@peenergysolutionslimited8903]

Congratulations Rory! Well deserved. Clearly you have worked extremely hard to achieve your stripes!!

[@RoryOnAir]

Thank you! It has been hard work but totally worth it.