“Long before I joined REACH, I went for a demonstration flight. I meet the guy, he introduces me to the helicopter. I thought it was kind of small. He’s using language I’ve never heard. The engine starts. The blade spins. I’m thinking to myself, ‘God, I hope this guy knows what he’s doing.’

“He picks it up and we just hover three feet off the ground. I was sold,” explains Vicky Spediacci, now REACH's Helicopter Chief Pilot, most often seen in a bright red REACH Air Medical Services helicopter, providing training to the many other pilots in the growing company.

Vicky is at the pinnacle of a long and successful aviation career. “My main duties include pilot training and education, pilot evaluations, and maintenance test pilot work. When REACH was a smaller company, I was also a line pilot. ‘If I can get a patient to the hospital a half hour faster, that makes a difference.’ That’s the humanistic way to look at what we do. As an aviator, I am forced to temper that impulse, because REACH hires helicopter pilots to make professional decisions, not to get caught up in the emotional aspects of patient care, which could cloud your judgment to make safe calls.

“Working as an air ambulance pilot is part adrenaline junkie. You get to do things that humans aren’t supposed to do—like flying itself. It’s fascinating as far as the beauty you see. You see things differently,” she smiles dreamily.

“I’m fortunate to have grown up with REACH. We have a very good reputation because we put patients’ needs first. The leadership of REACH has allowed the flight department to take advantage of technological breakthroughs like night vision goggles and GPS. Because of this we have a reputation as an industry leader. REACH is growing, adding new people, new aircraft, and new technologies,” Vicky explains with excitement in her voice.

 

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