Welcome to the NHV Employee Spotlight Feature!
Name: Rogier Morssink
Job title: Co-Pilot H160
General
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and who you are?
I came to NHV by taking a less conventional path. My career has spanned a wide range of fields, from studying animal care and training police and service dogs to working with other companion animals, and eventually pursuing a career at sea. I first worked on the North Sea as a trawler fisherman at the age of 16. Later, I joined Allseas, a global pipelaying and offshore construction company, where I worked as a hydrographic surveyor on projects around the world.
What led you to pursue a career in Aviation?
After ten years in the offshore industry, I felt ready for a new challenge and an opportunity to develop myself in a different direction. Over the following months, I explored various options, and at one point I asked myself, “What if I looked at this with a wider lens?”
That was when the idea of becoming a helicopter pilot first emerged. Having spent nearly a decade as a passenger, watching the professionalism and skill of the crews in the cockpit, I found myself increasingly drawn to the challenge. The more I thought about it, the more I realised it was something I genuinely wanted to pursue.
I found a great partner in Rotor & Wings, whose support and guidance helped turn the idea into a realistic plan. Over the next six months, I explored the path with them in detail, completed an assessment flight, and began my training. To make it happen, I even sold my house to finance my studies. A few years later, here we are.
What do you find exciting about the industry and what is something specific about your role at NHV that you love doing?
People in this industry are incredibly passionate about aviation and are committed to excelling in the role they play within it. During my short time at NHV, I have found that same mindset throughout the company.
In Den Helder and across NHV, my colleagues are highly professional and genuinely dedicated to delivering work of the highest standard. Being surrounded by people who take such pride in what they do motivates me to continually develop myself and contribute at the same level.
Being part of a team that shares that commitment to excellence is something I truly enjoy.
Can you tell us a bit about a favourite project or experience that you’ve had at NHV?
This question might get a better response in a year or so, but I’ll give it a shot. The integration of the H160 into the fleet is my only project so far, therefor also my favourite to date.
Focussing on the H160
What was your first impression when you flew the H160 for the first time?
Nimble and responsive to the inputs you give it, and lots of creature comforts and flight aiding systems at our disposal in the cockpit. In general, a very nice place to be.
How does the H160 compare to other helicopters you’ve flown in terms of handling and responsiveness?
Coming from the Bo-105, which is a very potent and responsive airframe, the H160 is actually remarkably responsive and feels way lighter than the medium class she is in.
What stands out most to you every time you step into the cockpit?
The ergonomic work space and the large field of view. She has a large windowed cockpit, which makes for great visibility during helideck approaches.
The H160 is known for its advanced avionics, how does that impact your workload during a flight?
The avionics are well designed and put together. With all features and capabilities it holds, it will take some time before we have used them all operationally. But what I have seen and experienced so far, the avionics systems are a great addition to our work; lowering the workload.
Can you describe how the automation systems assist you in critical phases like take-off or landing?
Since the profiles, also OEI profiles, can be performed by the automation it brings the pilot flying more capacity to observe the situation at hand with a broader view. Which gives the opportunity for better decision making.
How intuitive is the cockpit layout compared to previous-generation helicopters?
I find the cockpit layout very intuitive.
Have you experienced situations where the H160 exceeded your expectations?
Fuel consumption appears to be quite a bit better than expected. Also being quiet for bystanders on the ground when flying overhead.
From a pilot’s perspective, how does the H160 enhance passenger comfort?
Wide doors for easy access, lower noise levels, and air-conditioning with dedicated temperature regulation for the cabin. Overall she gives a smooth flight.
What safety features of the H160 give you the most confidence as a pilot?
Not really a confidence thing, but it is reassuring that all windows are (wide) emergency exits. For the rest I do not think that the safety features, with which we are well equipped, attribute to my confidence as a pilot of the H160. It is the helicopter as a whole, preventing us from needing the safety features, which gives me confidence.
Thank you Rogier for the interview!
