LADIES OF LONG LINE - April 27, 2026

Utility Pilot

A&P Helicopters

Tori finished her flight training and worked as a CFII for Leading Edge Aviation in Bend, Oregon. From there she built time in the Grand Canyon and soon progressed to Type 3 fire fighting where she was first introduced to long lining. Since then she has flown mineral drills and Heli Ski in Alaska, is Forest Service Short Haul qualified, and currently flies precision powerline construction with Human External Cargo.

Commercial Pilot

Brandi is a commercial helicopter pilot and passionate advocate for women in aviation. With experience across multiple fixed and rotor wing platforms and a deep commitment to continuous learning, she is building a career in utility and firefighting operations  while inspiring others to pursue ambitions in aviation. Brandi combines wildly positive perseverance, professionalism, and approachable authenticity- sharing her journey to encourage more women to boldly step into their own dreams in aviation.

Fire Pilot

Fire Hawk Helicopters

Grace is a commercial helicopter pilot with a bachelors degree in mathematics and a background in outdoor education.

Her external load and vertical reference career began with Papillon at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, conducting a range of missions across the Southwest. She currently works for Firehawk Helicopters, flying the A-Star in support of fire operations.

Beyond her work in the field, Grace has served as a Part 135 check airman at both Papillon and Firehawk, reflecting her commitment to high standards, safety, and professional development.

Grace is a strong advocate for women in aviation and believes in the power of mentorship and community. She is committed to supporting future generations of pilots and embraces opportunities to give back to the industry.

Chief Pilot

Salmon River Helicopters

Response Specialist

Global Support and Development  

"Devin is a Response Specialist with Global Support and Development (GSD), bringing over seven years of frontline experience to disaster response. Since joining GSD in 2018, she has operated as a versatile technician deploying a toolkit that spans from UAS piloting and water quality testing, to chainsaw operating and long-line ground crew operations. Guided by a drive to make sense of complex crises, Devin combines a steady hand in chaos with a commitment to streamlining aid and delivering critical assistance to communities in need."

Aviation Specialist 

Global Support and Development 

Jennifer specializes in last-mile air logistics for humanitarian disaster response. As an Aviation Specialist for Global Support and Development (GSD), a disaster response non profit, she supported the creation of the orgs helicopter program, integrating flight operations with their humanitarian ship, the M/V DAWN. Today, she manages a network of fixed-wing and rotary-wing operators ready to serve communities during crises, while also coordinating training programs that ensure GSD’s disaster response teams are proficient ground crews. She is a CFI (fixed wing, with hopes to add a rotary-wing rating someday!) and the Co-Founder of a grass roots aviation disaster response non-profit that coordinates volunteer pilots to fly in aid and help communities rebuild after a disaster. While she was initially drawn to aviation for the adventure and challenge of flying, she quickly realized that the community and opportunity to give back doing what she loves is by far the best part of this journey. 

Co-Owner & CEO

Helius, LLC 

Cathy is first-generation Colombian/American and a mother of four. Cathy has an extensive background in financial exploitation investigation with the state of Arizona, but her world changed to aviation when she married her husband, John Stonecipher. She has been the Managing Member and co-owner of HELIUS and Prescott Wing & Rotor for the last 9 years. Cathy also attended the electric utility lineworker school at Yavapai College, so she could have the perspective of electrical work not only as a business owner, but as someone who would be working with her team.   She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Human Resources from Grand Canyon University. Cathy is excited to be a part of the helicopter industry which focuses on long-line work for utility companies. 

Senior Manager - Helicopter Operations

Pacific Gas & Electric

In Pete's distinguished 29-year career with Pacific Gas & Electric Company, starting as an Apprentice Lineman, he has held various roles in Electric and Helicopter Operations. Most notably for his work as an Electric Transmission Specialist developing helicopter Human External Cargo and 500kV Helicopter Energized Barehand work methods, launching his leadership role as an Electric Transmission & Distribution Supervisor. In 2012, Pete led the way in establishing the Helicopter Specialist role during the centralization of Helicopter Operations. Most recently, as the Senior Manager of Helicopter Operations, he has successfully led his team and a fleet of 75+ helicopters flying over 30,000 hours annually through numerous Public Safety Power Shutoff events and historic wildfires; some of the most dynamic event’s PG&E has experienced. He brings a wealth of experience and has a deep understanding of the Company's operations, project execution, and aviation expertise.

Pete also graduated from the University of Southern California in their Aviation Safety & Security Program. He currently serves the helicopter industry as Chairman of the Utility Patrol & Construction Committee through Vertical Association International. He lives in Oakdale, CA with his wife Julie and has two sons, Nolan and Brady; both attending Oklahoma State University.

Director of Operations

Aspen Helicopters 

Senior Vice President 

Quanta Aviation Services

Chief Pilot

Salmon River Helicopeters

Co-Owner & President

Hawkeye Helicopter

Jim is a co-owner of Hawkeye Helicopter LLC, a utility operator based in the Midwest. Jim has a degree in Business Finance from Kansas State University and spent his early career as an Operations Manager at Hawkeye for several years. In 2012, he began a short career of four years in the Nuclear Energy sector before turning back to his aviation roots. He returned to aviation as co-owner of Hawkeye in 2016, along with his brother Jarrod. Under the new ownership of Jim and Jarrod, Hawkeye began a transformation and expansion phase into Part 133 External Load operations, growing the company from 3 helicopters to a fleet of 12 today.

VP of Operations

A&P Helicopters, Inc

Assistant Chief Pilot & Safety Manager

Pollux Aviation

Amory grew up in Truckee, California, where a love of mountains and adventure shaped her early years. Her connection to Alaska began in 2020 while working as a guide at a remote backcountry lodge, where she quickly fell in love with both Alaska and aviation.

Amory is the Assistant Chief Pilot and Safety Manager at Pollux Aviation, one of the most established Part 135 operators in Alaska. With over 30 years of charter, utility, and longline experience, Pollux operates in some of the most demanding environments in the state.

She is passionate about safety and professional helicopter operations, and enjoys flying in Alaska while working in some of the most remote and rugged terrain.Lamar, and Radiohead.

Long Line Week Moderator

Senior Correspondent

Vertical

Jen is a helicopter CFI and CFII with experience flying throughout the West. She’s been putting the best of both of her worlds together, helicopter and journalism, for more than 25 years. A proud Whirly-Girl, she remains active in helping inspire and support the next generation of female helicopter aviators.

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