How Dr. Patrick Ryan Found Freedom in the Skies (Ft. Dr. Patrick Ryan)
What It’s Really Like to Become a Helicopter Pilot: My Conversation With Dr. Patrick Ryan
Hey everyone, Dr. Rob Beck here. If you’ve been following The Interesting MD podcast or catching our recent YouTube episodes, you know that I love exploring the hidden talents and unique hobbies of fellow physicians. It’s my way of both finding balance outside the clinic and hopefully inspiring all of you to try something new.
This week, I sat down with Dr. Patrick Ryan—a surgeon, entrepreneur, and yes, helicopter pilot. We’ve talked aviation on the show before, but this time we go way beyond your typical runway. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes (and what it really feels like) to fly a helicopter, this post is for you.
How Dr. Patrick Ryan Fell in Love With Aviation
Dr. Ryan’s passion for aviation reaches back to his childhood, where he was the kid building Estes rockets, obsessing over Star Wars, and hanging out at the small-town airport while parachutists from the local Air Force base trained overhead. His first flight? An old Cessna 182 piloted by the colorful “Waldo Pepper,” doing crazy parabolic loops and making a young Patrick (yes, it ended with a little kid puking into a towel—classic!).
Years later, even in the thick of medical school, he found creative ways to log flight hours, scraping together cash for gas money and training under instructors who just needed the hours as much as he did. Hear that, med students? With enough hustle, you really can make time for your passions, even during residency.
The Leap From Fixed-Wing Planes to Helicopters
Patrick didn’t stop at airplanes. After some time away from aviation (hello, life with young kids!), he eventually circled back—this time, taking on the real challenge: helicopters. Turns out, there’s a big difference between fixed-wing and rotorcraft.
Airplanes are dynamically stable. It means you can, in theory, let go of the yoke and the plane will mostly keep itself straight and level.
Helicopters? Not so much. As Dr. Ryan told me, take your hands off the controls and you’re going down. There’s so much going on with torque, constant micro-corrections, and the infamous “mast bumping” danger unique to the Robinson 22 (the rotor can literally shear off if you do the wrong maneuver).
This isn’t just Top Gun fantasy, folks—it’s physics, engineering, and muscle memory all at once.
What Is an Autorotation (And Why Is It So Important?)
One of the most fascinating—and nerve-wracking—maneuvers in helicopter flight is the autorotation. Autorotation simulates an engine failure. Instead of the rotor pushing the air down, the helicopter drops and airflow spins the rotor from below. If you ever lose power, that’s how you safely land a helicopter instead of, as most people imagine, “dropping like a stone.” Patrick described his first autorotations as “scary”—but with training, entirely survivable. In fact, he told me, engine failures in helicopters are statistically quite survivable when handled correctly.
What Does It Take to Become a Helicopter Pilot?
Thinking about adding “helicopter pilot” to your CV? Here’s the honest breakdown, straight from Dr. Ryan’s journey:
Private Pilot License (Helicopter): Minimum 40 flight hours—but most folks need a bit more, especially if you’re starting from scratch.
Ground School: Essential book learning, covering the physics, engineering, weather, regulations, and, of course, all the emergencies.
Checkrides: Oral and practical exams with an FAA-approved examiner, including emergency procedures like autorotation.
Dr. Ryan squeezed in lessons over late afternoons and weekends, balancing family, his surgical practice, and studying. For most people, you’re looking at six months to a year to get your private license if you’re working and have other commitments.
Cost? It’s not cheap. Helicopters are pricier than airplanes (think $300+/hour for a Robinson R22 rental), and with instructor time and exams, Dr. Ryan estimates $16,000-$20,000 to get licensed. Die-hard enthusiasts and career hopefuls will see it as an investment—especially when compared to a college degree.
Why Helicopters? The Magic of Going Anywhere
Why do pilots and non-pilots alike fantasize about helicopters? As Dr. Ryan puts it: “You can go anywhere you want.” Whether it’s flying tours over Nashville, searching for elephants in nature sanctuaries, or just settling down in a clearing, the freedom is intoxicating. And, for those of us in healthcare, it’s a mental challenge and focused meditation that’s totally different than clinic life.
Careers and Community in Helicopter Aviation
Most civilian helicopter pilots go into tourism, medevac, police work, or even search-and-rescue. And unlike airplanes, you don’t see many “helicopter clubs”—the community is tight, but it’s more workplace or professional-based.
If you want to go pro, consider the military—they’ll pay you to train on the world’s best machines, but expect to work hard and occasionally go places you’d rather not.
Take the Leap: Try a Helicopter Discovery Flight
As we wrapped up the episode, I asked if there were “discovery flights” for helicopters. The answer is yes! If you’re curious and want a hands-on taste, you can schedule a session (typically $100+), and maybe even take the controls for a few minutes under the watchful eye of an instructor.
Final Thoughts: Do Something Fun and Unexpected
I’m all about doctors—and humans—finding balance, avoiding burnout, and making space for joy. Dr. Patrick Ryan’s story is proof that you can keep your inner kid alive, pursue crazy goals, and come through it a better surgeon (or parent, or pilot) on the other side.
Thinking about flying, skydiving, or finally tackling that big bold hobby? Go for it. Book the discovery flight. Take the class. You’ll have an incredible story for the next Interesting MD podcast—and who knows, maybe I’ll be along for the ride!
If you enjoyed this story, subscribe to The Interesting MD on YouTube and join our social channels for more tales of career reinvention, wild hobbies, and the quest for meaning (and fun!) beyond medicine.
Questions or want to share your own adventure? Drop a comment below or reach out through our contact page.
Stay interesting, Dr. Rob Beck