Creating a community of mentors to support the next generation of pilots

As a pilot for the film and television industry, Fred North has made a career of flying in the most challenging situations, whilst never compromising on safety. His new worldwide mentoring programme aims to help young pilots benefit from the wisdom of more experienced peers. 

“We’ve done so much ‘mechanically’ in the past 40 years that I think, today, helicopters are really reliable, if you do the maintenance correctly. Now, the weak part is us, as pilots, as human beings,” says Fred North. He wants to ensure aviators in the early phases of their career can connect with veterans so they have someone to whom they can pose all kinds of questions in a trusted and confidential environment. 

Somebody to turn to 

Increasing pressure on helicopter pilots, according to North, is the fact that the majority of them are alone in the cockpit. “I would say 80% fly alone. Only 20% fly with a crew, and only in large helicopters do you have someone else in the cockpit with whom you can ask questions, share emotions, or discuss doubts.” North wants to ensure that younger fliers don’t feel alone away from the helicopter and believes that mentoring can enhance safety. “I get many emails every day from young pilots,” he continues. “It’s difficult to give everyone the time they deserve. I started the mentorship programme so someone can be there for these pilots when they need them.” 

The approach is already making a difference. North recalls a moment at the 2025 Verticon aviation trade show, where a mentee spoke on a panel stating how life-changing the programme had been for her. She draws confidence from knowing she has someone with whom she can discuss anything from career guidance to advice on flying. North also emphasises the importance of finding good matches, taking into account the location of the participants and type of missions they are flying. “Each mentee has a dream or an aspiration to be a certain type of pilot,” says North. “The aim is to try to find a mentor that supports that, who is going to be a good fit with a mentee. Being a mentor is not a full-time job, it literally takes 5 to 10 minutes every other month to mentor someone, which is not so much time considering the huge benefits it brings to a young pilot. It makes an enormous difference for that person.”

Fred North (left) and Airbus Helicopters test pilot Olivier Gensse (right). Gensse is one of the programme’s mentors sharing his vast experience with younger pilots.

A holistic approach

As Head of Aviation Safety and Quality at Airbus Helicopters, Florence Verlut agrees with North that safety extends well beyond the product: “Airbus’ strategy is holistic, to not only look at the product, but to look at everything that can enhance safety.” Sponsoring the Fred North Helicopter Safety Mentorship Program is one part of the company’s quest to reach zero accidents. Verlut sees North’s mentors as helpful guides to transfer vital knowledge to a new generation of pilots. “90% of accidents are operational and with Fred’s personality and experience, he can reach a lot of people, so his mentors can reach all types of pilots. His willingness to think about the future by upskilling the new generation aligns with Airbus’ safety roadmap and can make a big difference.” 

Florence Verlut, Head of Aviation Safety and Quality at Airbus Helicopters.

Fred North needs you!

Today, over 350 people are being mentored worldwide, with a further 40 on a waiting list from places like North America and Europe, but also Bangladesh, Brazil, Panama, Pakistan, Mexico, New Zealand and the Dominican Republic. To satisfy such global demand, North is determined to recruit even more mentors to enable further support for pilots. He regularly uses his social channels for recruitment and also has a network of highly experienced pilots on the lookout for profiles who can offer mentees support. “I would love every young pilot doing his commercial license to be part of the programme,” states North. “I believe that this can help create a safer environment for that young pilot because they can ask questions now and not make that mistake eight years later.” 

To sign up as a mentor or mentee: www.thefrednorthhelicoptersafetymentorshipprogram.com