Eagle West Helicopter Services

Our Mission

Your Safety is our priority. You need every tool in your tool bag when an emergency occurs. To support our inclusive community, we provide a personal approach, tailoring learning methods to each student's needs.

First-Rate Course Offerings

We embrace a learning environment that will prepare you for the path ahead. Our classes incorporate traditional learning styles as well as hands-on experiences. Our classes are taught by a dedicated and experienced instructor. Using proven teaching strategies, they make sure that every student finds a path to success.

Dedicated instructor

Dave has been flying and instructing in MD helicopters since 1998. He retired after 20+ years in Law Enforcement where he learned to fly the MD 500. Dave taught NVG flying, skid riding for SWAT and TRT, external load operations along with initial and recurrent pilot training. During his time at MDHI, Dave was the Lead Pilot, Lead Instructor Pilot and Senior Production Test Pilot along with many other duties. Dave has instructed and test flown all of the MD products along with training pilots from all over the world. While at Bell Helicopter, he became a Senior Demonstration Pilot qualified in most of Bell products traveling and demonstrating world wide.

What Customers think of our training

In my over 23 year career as a Law Enforcement pilot Dave has provided the most comprehensive and tailored training I’ve ever received. He is a subject matter expert whose teaching style and methods are unsurpassed! Dave Salem and Eagle West have my highest recommendations for those looking for an excellent training experience!

Richard M. Law Enforcement Pilot/CFI HBPD

I have trained with Dave exclusively for more than 10 years. I always come away with more knowledge after each of my training sessions and Dave goes above and beyond to share with me the lessons he has learned over the years. I highly recommend this training.

Karel P. Private Owner

In March 2020, I was fortunate enough to embark on my first flight with Dave. His expertise and composed demeanor created an excellent educational atmosphere. Dave's proficiency in the aircraft is unparalleled, and his seamless control and flying technique made the learning process not only enjoyable, but also effortless. Despite having ample flight experience with the 500, Dave customized our training to suit our working surroundings and imparted new techniques to us. I wholeheartedly endorse Dave as a trainer, regardless of whether you're new to the aircraft or seeking a refresher. You will not be disappointed!

Damien O. Utility Pilot Rotor Power LLC

Dwayne Williams

Chief Pilot, Bell Helicopter (Retired) Chief Pilot, Director of Flight Operations, MD Helicopters (Retired) FAA Designated Engineering Representative Flight Test Pilot Recipient of FAA's Wright Brothers Master Aviator Award (2016) Recipient of HAI's Dub Blessing Flight Instructor of the Year (2020) Recipient of HAI's Lifetime Achievement Award (2022)

I consider Dave a personal friend that I have known and worked alongside for many years, and I consider him to be an extraordinarily talented professional in all aspects of helicopter operations, but none more so than as an instructor pilot. He is not only a FAA certified flight instructor pilot in a wide variety of helicopters, but is also a NVG instructor pilot as well. I take great pride in highly recommending Dave for any type of flight training you may require to suit your future needs.