Flying with Purpose: Lisa Zumkeller on Aerial Firefighting, Medevac, and mentoring women in aviation

In this episode of the RotorHub International podcast, we are joined by Lisa Zumkeller, a contract precision longline pilot whose passion for vertical reference flying has taken her across some of Canada’s most rugged and remote landscapes. She plays a critical role in wildfire suppression operations and also flies medevac missions aboard the BK117.

Originally from Germany, Lisa grew up on a farm before immigrating to Canada with her family at the age of 13. Lisa began her aviation journey as a Second-in-Command on the Super Puma, later transitioning to the Bell 206 and then the H125. Over the past five years, she has flown extensively throughout Canada and the Arctic, building a diverse and dynamic career in rotary aviation.

Lisa is also an active member of the international organisation Whirly Girls, dedicated to supporting women in helicopter aviation. She is deeply committed to giving back to the industry and inspiring the next generation of pilots through mentorship and outreach.

This episode was brought to you by RotorHub International, the only international media portfolio dedicated to the civil and parapublic rotorcraft industry. For any enquiries on the podcast, contact Host and Editor Gideon Ewers.