Career booster

The career path of Rachel Leist

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Training as a helicopter pilot PPL

Heliswiss AG (now Swiss Helicopter AG)

Ever since I was a child, it was my dream to become a helicopter pilot. In 2006, I was finally able to fulfil this dream and began my training at the Heliswiss flight school in Belp.

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Operations management and Inselspital

Heliswiss AG (now Swiss Helicopter AG)

From 2011, I worked part-time in operations management in Belp, while at the same time working in the emergency centre at Inselspital Bern. As Heliswiss International's operations management was housed in the same open-plan office, I gained exciting insights into the organisation of the ‘big guys’. I was particularly pleased that I was able to use my foreign language skills on a regular basis.

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Part-time Operations Manager

Heliswiss International AG

In 2018, the opportunity arose to switch to Operations Management at Heliswiss International - an opportunity that I gladly seized. Since then, I have been coordinating the worldwide operations of our large helicopters and organising teams, aircraft and all other necessary processes.

Especially when working abroad, it is crucial to know the local entry and customs regulations as well as the official processes. I benefit from the excellent cooperation with the respective project managers and my many years of experience.

 

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Operations Manager 80% part-time

Heliswiss International AG

Even after HSI moved from Belp to Küssnacht, I remained true to my role. Since 2020, I have been working both on site and partly from home. In 2021, I decided to end my work at the emergency centre after more than 30 years in order to devote myself fully to HSI. No day is the same - challenges and variety are guaranteed. Teamwork is the most important thing, but the boss is still the weather!

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Special function

Heliswiss International AG

Every January I am on duty in Davos, where I have been organising the operations management at the heliport during the Annual Meeting for several years. This task offers a very special change from my everyday work. Every year, it's challenging and fascinating to see all the different helicopters and participants from all over the world - exciting experiences included.