“The Drill Project”
From AFT’s Classroom to the Arctic: Louis Cannington’s Journey
Just three short years ago, Louis Cannington sat in AFT’s classroom, working his way through his 7 CPL(H) theory subjects (of which he passed with flying colours). Fast forward to today, and Louis is loving life as a Drill Pilot, flying in one of the most challenging and highly regarded helicopter roles in the industry in the remote Arctic of Canada.
Louis is based at an extremely remote camp in the Canadian Arctic called Angilak. Located within the Arctic Circle, the region is known for its significant uranium deposits buried beneath the permafrost, otherwise known as frozen ground/soil.
The remoteness of the operation is difficult to comprehend. The camp is approximately 500 km from the nearest food or water source, with no roads, cars or conventional landing strips connecting it to the outside world. Helicopters are the lifeline. Food, supplies, equipment and personnel are all transported in by helicopter.
But what exactly is Louis doing there?
Before a mine can be developed, extensive exploration and sampling must take place to determine exactly what lies beneath the ground. One of these stages is known as a Drill Project, where drill pads are established across large areas of remote terrain and specialised equipment is used to extract samples from deep underground.
The pilots responsible for supporting these operations are known as Drill Pilots – a role widely regarded as one of the most demanding and technically challenging helicopter jobs in the industry. For many pilots, becoming a Drill Pilot represents a significant career milestone, offering the opportunity to build substantial flying hours while developing an exceptionally high level of precision and consistency.
So, what makes it so challenging?
Drill Pilots act with insane precision to the EXACT level of a crane. Holding tension between bolts to be perfectly drilled through with barely any assistance. It is what some may call it “Lego building with a helicopter”.
Not many flying jobs demand the level of precision as this type of long line flying.
Louis’s journey is a fantastic example of where a career in helicopters can take you. From sitting in an AFT classroom just three years ago to now operating in the remote Canadian Arctic, his story is a reminder that the opportunities available to skilled helicopter pilots really can take you anywhere!
And this is exactly why we love hearing from our past students. Seeing where our students go after leaving AFT – the aircraft they fly, the places they explore and the careers they build, is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
The job prospects for a qualified and capable helicopter pilot are endless, and Louis is a great example of just how far that journey can take you.
Congratulations Louis. We are incredibly proud to see how far you’ve come, and we can’t wait to hear where the helicopter takes you next!
