Heidi Hoefer grew up uniquely aware of the role aviation has played in the economy and building of the North and its industries.
In a heavily male-dominated industry, where women make up just five per cent of pilots, it's still an unlikely career path.
At 26, Hoefer obtained her commercial helicopter pilot's license, which will enable her to fly into remote locations, she said in an interview with Yellowknifer.
She won't be the first female pilot to grace the territory – and not the first to fly helicopters – but could become one of Yellowknife's only female pilots at her age.
Getting certified to be paid to fly is costly.
Hoefer had to save a small fortune to put herself through flight school – all in around $80,000, she said.
If other Northern youth see aviation as a viable career option, she said, the North's flight careers can be staffed by more locals.
“I had to save a lot money to do it. It was a lot of understanding that it was an option. Because it’s so masculine dominated, it felt very unapproachable for a very long time,” she said.
Hoefer trained in Edmonton alongside a number of other female students.
“It was like, OK, other people are doing this. It's not an unrealistic goal,” she said.
Floating her education on two aviation scholarships, Hoefer received her certification this month.
“Nothing with helicopters is cheap. When I was 19 or 20, I did what’s called a discovery flight. That alone was $500,” she said.
Hoefer isn't knocking fixed-wing planes, but helicopters have a certain allure, she said.
“I think that's what the advantage of being in the North is. Everything is heavily dependent on aviation,” she said. “Helicopters are how you get into those really remote and interesting jobs. Don’t get me wrong, planes are great but it’s really easy to get stuck on a milk run.”
A helicopter's license is “a great way to work in the bush,” said Hoefer.
Inspired to follow her career dreams, Hoefer says she plans to speak to youth and inspire them to pursue aviation.
Greater diversity in flight school made pursuing aviation that much easier.
“Seeing other women there, I knew I didn’t have to be a trailblazer, and didn’t think I’d have to be able to shape other people’s opinion,” she said.
“It was good to know there is a path ahead, it’s not easy and there are still guys who will second guess you or listen to a male student more seriously,” said Hoefer.
“It’s about having to prove that you’re just as capable as the next person,” she said.
Hoefer recently spoke at Sir John Franklin to a group of students, to increase Northern participation in the industry, she said.
“No matter where I’m at, the North will always be home and we’re really underestimated just as people,” she said.
In her early career, Hoefer worked alongside pilots often.
“Very rarely did I meet a pilot that was from the North. All these (Northern) students here have a huge resource with funds and nobody is ever talking to these kids about aviation,” she said.
Helicopters play an important role in staking and exploration of mines, said Hoefer.
“It always felt so sad that (Northerners) were never considered and people were more than willing to bring up guys from the south and work in our backyard,” she said.
“I have to give back to a place that gave me so much,” she said.
Hoefer is seeking work through a program designed for pilots just out of school to prove their skills and build hours.
In 2011, Yellowknife was awarded the most female friendly pilot airport by Women in Aviation International, a U.S. organization dedicated to providing networking, education, mentoring, and scholarship opportunities for those who strive for careers in the aviation and aerospace industries.
“That’s not handed out willy-nilly and it's harder to come across female pilots,” she said.
In a perfect world, Hoefer would start flying right away, she said, “but with any company you start with, you wait and build your time and get up to their calibre.”