Inside the Cockpit with Robert Volm: HeliFlite Pilot Stories

September 2, 2025

At HeliFlite, every flight tells a story—not just of the destinations reached, but of the people who make each journey possible. This is the first in our new series, Untold Stories of a HeliFlite Pilot, where we sit down with our pilots to share their perspectives from the cockpit, their most memorable flights, and the moments that define why they fly. Today, we invite you to meet one of our talented pilots — and stay tuned as we continue to release more interviews and stories from the extraordinary aviators who make the best-in-class service behind HeliFlite.

From the Marines to HeliFlite: A Pilot’s Journey

Our featured pilot’s aviation story began in the U.S. Marines, flying Hueys and building a foundation of skill and discipline. “I got into aviation through the Marines and flew with them up until 2023,” Robert Volm shares. Transitioning to civilian aviation wasn’t easy—“I just didn’t have enough hours to really break into a lot of the civilian markets,” he recalls. Determined, he moved to Florida, built hours as a flight instructor, and leveraged his turbine and dual-engine experience to stand out.

A cold-call email to HeliFlite changed everything. “Vince, our chief pilot, called me and asked if I’d consider coming to New York. It was one of the few places my wife and I were considering, and the opportunity to learn from such a diverse group of pilots was a huge draw.” Robert describes HeliFlite as a place where “guys are coming from other military branches, international backgrounds, police departments, oil rig flying—so I can learn from a lot of different people.”

A Lifelong Love of Flying

For Robert, the most memorable flights are those that break the routine. “We have clients who want us to pick them up from their properties. Landing in someone’s backyard is always awesome—it’s a little extra planning, but it’s so rewarding.” He describes the thrill of seeing “modern day castles” from the air and the satisfaction of providing a unique experience for clients. HeliFlite’s strong presence in both Florida and New York offers exclusive advantages. “In Miami, we have access to pads that no one else does, making it easy for clients to get to the beach and beat the traffic. In East Hampton, we have a location where we’re the only ones going in—no delays, just a smooth, expedited experience.”

Behind the Scenes: Preparation and Teamwork

Safety and preparation are paramount. “As first officer, I get in early to prep the aircraft. Our in-house maintenance team is fantastic, and I do a thorough pre-flight check every time.” Attention to detail extends to the cabin—“My Marine OCD kicks in. I want the drinks placed a certain way, the belts looking a certain way, and the refreshments ready but not warm.” Planning doesn’t stop at the aircraft. “We use Google Earth to scout new landing zones, look for landmarks, and avoid overflying houses or schools. We also keep files on all these places, so future pilots know about obstacles like cranes or towers.”

What Passengers Don’t See

There’s a lot that goes into each flight that passengers might not notice. “We’re constantly updating our plans—checking weather, coordinating with dispatch, and making sure we’re not flying through restricted airspace. Even a 15-minute flight can take an hour of prep.” First-time passengers are often surprised by the luxury and comfort of HeliFlite’s helicopters. “They step inside and say, ‘Oh, this is really nice.’ It’s like going from a Honda Civic to a Mercedes. Even actors filming in the back are impressed by the interior.”

A Team Built on Experience

Robert credits HeliFlite’s strength to its diverse team. “The experience our pilots bring—from oil rigs, the military, police departments—creates a solid group of next-generation captains. Clients should feel very good with who they’re flying with.”

Carolyn Caretti Marino
cmarino@heliflite.com
973.273.7572