Once upon a flight…

With an already storied career as a helicopter pilot, Kodey Bogart saw an opportunity to inspire the next generation of pilots by writing the Helo Girls™ series of children’s books.

 

What inspired you to write these stories?

I was frustrated trying to find children’s books for my own kids that accurately represented the helicopter industry, especially ones that emphasised safety, teamwork, and featured a strong female lead. At industry events, I often hear concerns about the shortage of pilots and maintainers. While recruitment efforts focus on high school and college students, I believe we need to plant the seed much earlier—starting in grade school. To that end, I’ve been working with a STEM educator to develop aviation-themed STEAM lessons that correlate with the books. Through these stories and lessons, I hope to inspire children to see themselves in aviation roles and spark their curiosity about this incredible industry from an early age.

Are there any skills you learned as a pilot that come in handy as a writer?

Absolutely. There are many transferable skills between being a helicopter pilot and writing the Helo Girls™ series. As a pilot, every mission is meticulously planned, teamwork is critical, and safety is always the top priority. These same principles guide my writing. Each story is mission-oriented and designed to help children understand the value of working as a team and staying focused under pressure. Just like in aviation, storytelling requires problem-solving, decision-making, and a clear sense of direction. I draw from my own experiences in the cockpit to create authentic scenarios that children can engage with and learn from. My goal is to inspire young readers to see themselves as part of a team—whether as a pilot, mechanic, or another critical role—and to dream big while embracing the values of safety and collaboration.

What is it about helicopters and the missions they fly that are so exciting to children?

Helicopters are inherently exciting—they’re just awesome! I vividly remember the moment I fell in love with them—it’s the way they feel, smell, and sound. Helicopters are all-encompassing; they command your senses and spark curiosity. Children pick up on these same things, but what makes helicopters even more fascinating is the incredible variety of missions they perform. From firefighting to search and rescue, to law enforcement and medical transport, kids see helicopters passing overhead and imagine the adventures they’re undertaking. Through the Helo Girls™ series, I hope to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the diversity of roles helicopters play and the teamwork that makes each mission a success.

Which helicopter from Airbus Helicopters’ range would you most like to fly?

The H135—air ambulance. Most of my experience is in air ambulance missions, which are incredibly close to my heart. The H135 is a market leader in Helicopter Air Ambulance (HAA) operations for good reason. It’s a robust yet compact aircraft, perfectly suited for tight landing zones and urban environments where precision is critical. Beyond its size and maneuverability, the H135’s Helionix avionics system is a standout feature. Its full instrument flight rules (IFR) capabilities significantly enhance flight safety in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), which are a well-known challenge in the HAA sector. It’s the perfect blend of reliability, performance, and mission-readiness.

The Helo Girls have been on firefighting and law enforcement missions, what’s next?

I have around 20 titles planned for the Helo Girls™ series, each showcasing different missions and roles in aviation. Some of these stories will bring a few of the girls together for collaborative adventures. Up next is book three, The Air Ambulance Pilot, which introduces Zuri, a skilled and compassionate pilot dedicated to lifesaving missions. I’m excited to continue expanding the series and inspiring young readers.

*STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics
**STEAM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics