VAI scholarship enables Casey Campbell to gain training beyond the cockpit Discover how VAI scholarship recipients have turned opportunity into achievement—and how you can do the same—in this exclusive VAI Daily series. The VAI scholarship program is back for 2026, with scholarships available in aviation maintenance, commercial helicopter pilot ratings, and pilot safety. And now, VAI has extended the deadline to submit your application for a 2026 scholarship to today, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. A benefit exclusively for VAI members, the scholarships help vertical aviation pilots, mechanics, engineers, and aspiring professionals cover the costs of their education and training. Not a VAI member? Join the association and enjoy access to the VAI scholarship program as well as a host of additional educational, safety, and other benefits. VAI Daily is highlighting past VAI scholarship winners in an exclusive series of articles. In this installment, we hear from Casey Campbell, 37, of Anchorage, Alaska, USA, recipient of a 2025 Michelle North Scholarship for Safety. Campbell talks about her inspirational mentor, her long-term goal of working in search-and-rescue or wildlife conservation operations, and her experience at VERTICON 2025 in Dallas, Texas. VAI Daily: How has the VAI scholarship helped you? Casey Campbell: The scholarship provided me with a rare opportunity to acquire education and training beyond the cockpit. For example, I’m interested in bridging the gap between management and pilots and improving leadership culture within organizations. Attending “Advancing Company Culture in Helicopter Operations,” with instructor Kim Hutchings [CEO of Volo Mission], at VERTICON 2025 provided valuable insight into what’s currently being taught in the industry on this topic and what the main barriers are to effective leadership. Attending VERTICON through this scholarship was also an incredible opportunity to travel outside Alaska and meet people from all corners of the vertical aviation community while learning about the innovation that’s happening in the industry. What are your career goals? My immediate professional goals include completing my ATP certificate and continuing to build a wide base of foundational skills. I’m lucky to be in a position early in my career to have the chance to gain twin turbine-engine time, NVG [night-vision goggles] and IFR experience, and become well versed in a crew environment. I’d eventually like to get back to flying in big mountains, and my dream job would include search-and-rescue operations or wildlife conservation. I’m interested in almost every facet of the industry, from policy to mental health and the new [US Helicopter Safety Team] Peer Pilot Program to accident investigation. I’m excited to see which direction my long-term career takes! Who is someone who’s helped you along the way? I’ve known my greatest mentor, Betsy Pimentel, since I was 4 years old and only recently learned how accomplished she is! She was a parent figure and basketball coach to me long before she became my inspiration in the aviation and aerospace industries. She broke barriers as a member of the first US Air Force Academy class that admitted women, retired as a lieutenant colonel, and has had an incredible career in aerospace and defense across the military, government, and civilian sectors. Betsy has demonstrated the value of building and maintaining relationships across both time and space and has repeatedly gone out of her way to help advance my career in aviation. What do you like about working within the vertical aviation community? I’m excited to work in vertical aviation because of the endless opportunities for challenge and novelty. I became bored quickly after working in other industries, and nothing held my interest for long until I started flying. I love that it’s a dynamic, high-stimulus environment with real consequences and immediate feedback. The helicopter industry is the perfect venue to combine intellectual pursuits across a breadth of subjects, physical skill, risk management, and decision-making with my interests in leadership, interpersonal communication, and conflict management.
