Everyone sees the helicopter… but almost nobody knows what it takes to be on it. 🚁
Behind every flight is a team of pilots, paramedics, and crew members operating at a level most people will never see. The training. The pressure. The responsibility.
This is Under the Rotors—a weekly series taking you inside LAFD Air Operations to show you exactly what it takes to do this job.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes… you’re about to find out.
⬇️ Drop your questions below—what do you want to see first?
What happens when the engine quits… and you’re already in a hover?
In the Bell 505, there’s no room for hesitation. A hovering autorotation is one of the most critical emergency procedures a pilot can perform—executed in seconds, with precision, discipline, and trust in training.
Our pilots train daily to stay sharp under pressure, because when the unexpected happens, muscle memory takes over. Every rep, every drill, every scenario—built for the moment it matters most.
Prepared. Proficient. Ready.
Top 5 Hashtags:
#aviationtraining
#helicopterpilot
#emergencyprocedures
#aviationsafety
#flighttraining
Day 4: Our Air Operations Pilots and Ground Crews are working tirelessly around the clock to gain control of this brush fire. Thank you for your support as we continue the fight! #LAFD #LAFDAirOps #AW139 #Firefighters #BrushFire #WildfireResponse #FirePilot #PalisadesFire #Palisades #aviation #airattack #Helitack #Pilot
Not every mission starts on the ground… some are led from above.
In this episode of Under the Rotors, meet Lead Pilot (Pilot IV) Brandon Prince—the one coordinating the mission when everything is on the line. From the HLCO ship directing aircraft and ground crews, to managing time, fleet readiness, and training the next generation of pilots, his role is the backbone of Air Ops.
This position isn’t given—it’s earned. After serving as a Pilot III, candidates must prove their leadership, decision-making, and mastery of human factors to step into this role. Because when multiple aircraft, crews, and lives are in play… clarity, control, and experience matter.
Tap in and hear what it takes to lead from the air.
#aviationleadership #helicopterpilot
#lafd
#leadershipmatters
#aviationlife
Everyone sees the rescue… few see the road to get there.
In this episode of Under the Rotors, meet Trainee Firefighter/Paramedic Samantha Ralston—new to Air Ops and stepping into one of the most demanding roles in the fire service.
From earning her 418 certification as an Aeromedic to training as a Rescuer Trainee, every step requires precision, discipline, and relentless repetition. Hours of flight time. High-stakes training. Zero room for error.
Because when you’re the one on the end of the hoist, the standard isn’t average—it’s elite. And that’s exactly what the people of Los Angeles deserve.
Hear her perspective as she takes on the challenge.
#paramediclife
#womeninfire
#helicopterrescue
#firstresponders
#aviationtraining
Trading seats for annual standardization testing! To stay sharp, every crew member (pilots included) has to run through every cabin position: Hoist Operator, Rescuer and Safety member. Here’s a behind-the-scenes peek at the rotation. 🚁
#LAFD #Pilot #hoistoperator #aw139 #helicopterrescue
Not every rescue ends when the patient is found.
In this episode of Under the Rotors, Firefighter/Paramedic John Carton takes you inside the role of a rescuer and crew chief—where patient care starts on the side of a mountain, continues under the rotors, and doesn’t stop until the hospital doors.
It’s more than the hoist. More than the flight. It’s critical decisions, constant assessment, and doing whatever it takes to bring someone home.
This is the human side of the mission.
What else would you like to know about our Aeromedics? Drop your questions below ⬇️
#paramedic
#firstresponders
#rescue
#helicopter
#ems
LAFD Air Operations was proud to take part in the 35th Annual Law Enforcement Fly-In at the Rose Bowl, joining aviation units from across Southern California for a day of training, coordination, and shared learning.
You may see multiple helicopters overhead during exercises like this. We are working hard to strengthen the partnerships that matter most when seconds make a difference -- wildfires and major emergencies demand coordinated air operations to help protect lives and communities across the region.
📷: Jake Asner @jakeasnerphoto
#LAFD #AirOps #RoseBowl #FlyIn #Training #helicopter
