Feature Article Dave McRobb
FEATURE ARTICLE The Heavy Metal Pilot
The Heavy Metal Pilot
Hello friends, fellow pilots, and aviation enthusiasts. My name is Dave McRobb and I was so graciously asked to write about some of my experiences as a pilot, and the connection to my career in the music business. Not as obvious a connection as one might think. My journey into the business side of music started back in 1999 as I was embarking on to the next chapter of my life. This new start would include earning my private pilot’s license and a new career in the music industry working with one of my favorite groups: the legendary metal band, Megadeth. An intimidating name perhaps, but with our young and reckless days behind us, we're all a little older and wiser now, and they're a great bunch of guys. I've had a passion for aviation ever since I can remember. My brother
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APRIL 2021
started his flying career at 17, while I went the rock ‘n roll route. Who would have known that while he went on to become a respected captain in the industry, I'd finally come around and pick up my license years later.
In June of 1999, I earned my PPL through the Victoria Flying Club and was presented with the Top Flight Test award at the VFC banquet the following year. I started my new career working with the band, which has continued for the past two decades. It’s a fastI've taken him up in a 172 and paced lifestyle: working out of my can recall when I flew above the home office year-round, touring Lions peaks along the North Shore the globe, and being an integral Mountains in Vancouver and by The part of the team. Back in the early Black Tusk on our way to Whistler. days, before I was touring full-time, It’s funny: he commented how he, I would get excited about being as an airline pilot, would never have able to fly myself and a buddy or come so close to the mountain two to their shows and events. The peaks. We're both from Toronto, band would always get a kick out of and he hadn't been VFR flying me showing up in one of the club’s in some time. For us, mountain 172s. flying on the beautiful west coast lends to some of the most amazing I recall a time when we once flew flying experiences. One of my into Spokane. It snowed that night, favorite local scenic flights to do so I arranged to have the plane with friends is flying to the top and put in a hangar, safe from the around Mt. Baker. It is absolutely elements. We spent the next couple breathtaking up there. of days carrying on with a rented car through Washington and Idaho.
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