Women of Aviation Week
March 7th to 13th is Women in Aviation week. This week gives us a great opportunity to learn, celebrate and spread the news about women’s accomplishments in the Aviation industry. We are proud to be showcasing some of the women who are instrumental in delivering aerial wildfire suppression services and Critical Care air medical transportation to the province of Manitoba.
Recently we had the opportunity to sit down with Kim Hooper, Maintenance Planner, for Babcock’s aerial wildfire suppression services in Manitoba.
Q. What is your professional background?
KH: Prior to being involved in Aviation, I worked in the accounting field. This was very helpful as maintenance planning involves lots of number crunching.
Q. What attracted you to a career in Aviation?
KH: I was working for the Government of Manitoba doing Accounts Receivable and they offered me an opportunity as Technical Records Clerk for their Air Services Division. I took the opportunity and quickly began to fall in love with Aviation.
Q. What is your favorite part of the job?
KH: My favorite part of the job is all the amazing individuals I get to work with at Babcock! They really are the cream of the crop. I also get a huge thrill each spring when we release the water bombers to service and we get to see them take off.
Q. What is one piece of advice you would give to young women just starting out in their careers in aviation?
KH: Go for it! Don’t limit yourself to traditional female administrative roles.
Q. What motivates you in your career?
KH: Being appreciated is very important to me as well as being part of the Wildfire Suppression Program that saves wildlife, trees and protects communities from forest fires.
Q. What advice do you have for someone interested in pursuing a career in aviation?
KH: It is a really interesting career, with lots of different opportunities! You must pay close attention to detail. This is an industry with little room for error. Learn as much as you can from those around you.
To learn more about Babcock Canada’s Wildfire suppression services: Aerial Firefighting – aviation + tanking + training | Babcock Canada Inc. : Babcock
