A BLADE pilot talks 14-hour days, snap judgments in lousy weather, and nutritional hacks when life keeps you in the air.
Women pilots are all too rare, but Laura Douvier is no stranger to cruising the skies in a helicopter. As a professional pilot at BLADE, an Equinox Circle partner, Douvier has spent countless hours traversing New York City and the surrounding areas, carrying passengers to their final destinations. It’s a life that calls for flexibility in all things — weekly plans, wellness rituals, and lifestyle. And she can’t get enough.
Here, Douvier opens up about her unexpected career choice and how she keeps a sense of balance when life — or weather — throws some turbulence her way.
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Where did you grow up, and what did you want to be when you grew up?
“I grew up in Mapleton, Minnesota — a cute small town of about 1,500 people in the Midwest. Moving out here [to New York City] was a big change, but it’s been full of great adventures. As a kid, my dream career changed about 100 times. It ranged from all the classics — I wanted to be a veterinarian and a dancer — but I can tell you, a helicopter pilot never crossed my mind.”
When did it become a career possibility?
“When I was in middle school, my dad started learning to fly helicopters as a hobby. He got my older brother interested, who then made it his career. All through middle and high school, I would take these fun trips with my family, but it wasn’t until I was 17 that I had that lightbulb moment. I remember driving home from a dance class and, for whatever reason, thinking about what I wanted to do with my life. And it was like, ‘Hey, I like flying around in a helicopter, so why not become a helicopter pilot?’
“I knew it seemed a little wild, but I couldn’t think of a reason not to. When I told my family, they were shocked but excited for me. Funnily enough, my brother helped me get my first helicopter license. I’d meet him for lessons each day after my high school classes. We had a lot of fun together, although he made me cry once. [Laughs.] After that first license, I went to college at the University of North Dakota to get a degree and the rest of my helicopter licenses.”
What was your first solo flight like?
“Oh my gosh, I was absolutely terrified. My brother and I went out for what I thought was another standard lesson. We flew to a smaller airport nearby, did a couple of patterns, and then landed in an open area nearby. The next thing I knew, he was climbing out without me. I’m sure the look on my face was priceless. I can still remember shaking a bit as I went to pick up the helicopter by myself for the first time, but after a few rounds, I was having the time of my life. He had to wave me back in to pick him up and go home. In the end, it was definitely a confidence booster.”
What does your average day look like? Do you have a set morning and evening routine?
“My workday varies significantly. I used to be a heavy planner/scheduler, but becoming a helicopter pilot has changed me. Now, I have to have a flexible lifestyle. A lot of what we do is flying ‘pop-up’ charters. There could be a day with absolutely nothing on the schedule, and next thing you know, we have a full day of running around everywhere. Some days, we’re stuck at the hangar due to bad weather. Other days hit you at full speed. On the slower days (especially during the slower winter season), we have more time to catch up on some paperwork, study and review helicopter systems, and even relax a little. Suffice to say, the job never gets boring!
“Given my varied days, my routines matter a lot to me. They help me keep a proactive mindset. As soon as I wake up, I try to make my bed, and if I’m feeling it, I’ll even unload the dishwasher. Next, I get a glass of water and do a mini-workout. Depending on how much time I have left, I like to have some quiet time with my coffee, which consists of either my daily devotional, a time of reflection, making a list of things to do for the day/week, or a mix of all that. My evening schedule is pretty simple. I get home, make a quick dinner if I beat my husband (emphasis on the quick and easy route — my husband is a much better cook), watch a couple of episodes of something, read a little, and then I’m out like a light.”
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Curious about those mini-workouts — given how much time you spend in the air, how do you work fitness and wellness into your lifestyle?
“Well, I can tell you it’s tough sometimes. I work seven days on and seven days off, so I’ll plan longer, in-depth workouts on that week off. But for my week on, when I’m usually working 10- to 14-hour days, going to the gym after work is the last thing I want to do. After fighting that battle for a while (and typically losing), I accepted that a smaller goal is more achievable and better than nothing. I now do a quick workout in my apartment before I get ready for the day — basically, 15 minutes of bodyweight exercises and then some stretching afterward. It makes a difference. My husband is a physical therapist, which is extremely handy for planning circuits. He also helps if I have back problems from sitting in that helicopter seat too long.
“One of the other challenges I face in the health and wellness department is diet. When I started, there was a lot of, ‘I’ll just grab a quick slice of pizza when I have a second.’ I had to kick that habit real quick. [Laughs.] Now, I try to pack meals and snacks for the entire day. I used to struggle with getting enough veggies into my diet, so I typically fill my containers with veggies on the top and fruit or whatever else on the bottom — that way, I have to work my way through to the good stuff. Everybody makes fun of me for it, but it works!”
What's the hardest thing about your work? And the best?
“Dealing with bad weather. We try everything we can to accomplish the flight, but an essential part of the job is making tough decisions when the flight is no longer possible. Disappointing passengers is tough, even when you know you’ve made the right call.
“The best thing, though, hands down, is the views. Flying by the city at night, passing the ocean or through mountains — you can’t beat it. I also love the variety. I travel to other big cities constantly, might land in someone’s backyard one day and do a photo shoot the next, and I’m always meeting new people (you hear great stories from passengers). I’ve even helped transfer organs.”
Any incredible stories from your flights that you tell at dinner parties?
“This might be the hardest question. One year, my parents visited, and my dad, being the helicopter guru like he is, wanted a full city tour. Listening to their reactions was priceless. Spending time with some of my favorite people (mom, dad, and husband), and doing my favorite thing with my favorite views was about as good as it gets.
“My other favorite stories involve me landing at new places or terrains — like a polo field, just off a mountain, on a golf course, etc. It sounds boring on paper, but there’s just something about the constant new challenges. They’re unforgettable.”
Through Equinox Circle, you’ll receive exclusive access to BLADE. Commute by helicopter and choose between $50 off flights to/from the airport or complimentary personal escort and private SUV rides from the helicopter to the airport terminal. Plus, receive preferred pricing on BLADE Anywhere as well as the option to bring your pet (up to 35 lbs) complimentary when you BLADE to the Hamptons.
Photos: Laura Douvier