Marshall Murdock
SAFE #: S0000802
Hometown: American Fork UT, United States
Home Airport: KSLC
Occupation: Commercial Helicopter Pilot / Admissions Advisor
Education: Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, Upper Limit Aviation
Pilot Certificates: PP(H), Instrument(H), CPL(H), IGI
Airplanes Flying/Flown: Robinson R-22, R-44
Educational Specialty: High Altitude/Mountain Flying Environment
Q & A
What drew you to aviation?: A life-long fascination with flying, and serving on our County Sheriff's Search & Rescue Team, interacting with Intermountain Life Flight.
How long have you been involved in aviation education?: Two years.
What's your favorite part of what you do in aviation education?: Helping others realize their goal of becoming pilots.
What's your least favorite part of what you do in aviation education?: Paperwork & IACRA!
Do you have a memorable aviation experience you'd like to share?: Flying the helicopter "doors off" among the Rocky Mountains & desert with my favorite red-tailed hawks, & seeing herds of wild horses, elk & moose.
Why did you join SAFE?: To be the best Flight Instructor I can be, and also give back & "pay if forward" to those who follow along.
What would you like to see change in aviation?: Having a system where more of the most-experienced pilots are directly involved in the training process, for both the benefit of the students AND the newer instructors. Too many pilots are learning from Instructors that sometimes only have a few hundred more hours than they do, and no real-world experience.
Any suggestions on how the above might be accomplished?: Having the position of Chief or Asst. Chief Pilot be a stable, desired and lucrative one, where they fly regularly with students and Instructors, may be one way. Lower insurance premiums for schools, the higher the experience/hours levels of their Instructors, would be one incentive.
Any accomplishments in, or noteworthy contributions to aviation and/or aviation education you'd like to mention?: Recipient, 2012 Helicopter Foundation International (HFI/HAI) Commercial Helicopter Pilot Scholarship.
FAAST Team Gold Wings Level earned.
Numerous High School/Jr. High Career Day visits & open-houses conducted, to help youth who are investigating a career in Aviation.
Who are your role models in aviation?: Barry Lloyd – CAL Fire; Lyn Burks – Rotorcraft Pro Media Network; Randy Rowles – Night Flight Concepts; all are successful examples of excellence and giving back to those of us who follow them. I also admire any safe pilot who has a commitment to being a "Lifetime Learner".
