From Alpe Jungen to the cockpit
Hübi’s journey to becoming an Air Zermatt pilot
As a young boy, Hubert ‘Hübi’ Pollinger from St. Niklaus stood in Alpe Jungen and watched the red helicopters fly past. Today, he’s the one sitting in the cockpit, having reached his first major milestone on his journey to becoming a pilot with Air Zermatt. After years as a task specialist, Hübi’s now flying the Air Zermatt helicopters himself. In this interview, he talks about his training, some memorable moments in the air and his fascination with flying in the Valais mountains.
Hübi, congratulations on reaching this milestone with Air Zermatt! How does it feel to be an official member of the Air Zermatt pilot crew?
I’ve always wanted to fly helicopters. Like so many other young boys, I was fascinated by the red Air Zermatt helicopters, watching them for hours from Alpe Jungen. I was completely captivated, and this sense of wonder has never left me. The bird’s eye view is absolutely unique – it’s something you really have to experience yourself.
What were the stages of your pilot training that shaped you the most along the way?
Your very first solo flight as part of your training for a private pilot’s license is definitely something that stays with you. It feels less like flying a helicopter, and more as if the helicopter is flying with you. After a certain number of flight hours you can apply for other licenses like the MOU mountain license. This is really something special, especially here in the unique Valais mountains. On the other hand, all the theory you have to learn for a commercial pilot’s license is not so exciting – it’s definitely one of the more demanding and less enjoyable parts of the training.
You still have a long way to go before qualifying as a rescue pilot. What keeps you motivated?
It’s not so much the idea of getting to fly rescue missions one day, but more the variety, which is what makes our company so special. When I see our experienced pilots returning from a taxi flight from an airport, then moving straight on to a mountain hut with an underload and then, at the end of the day, bringing construction workers down from a remote building site at the other end of the Upper Valais, it reminds me how varied and exciting this work can be.
What do you think it takes to be a good pilot?
Enjoying what you do is one of the most important things. You definitely need to be spontaneous and flexible in this job. But the most important thing is your health – this takes priority over everything else.
"For me, flying means freedom and a great respect for our mountains."
What was your first flight with Air Zermatt, and what was the experience like for you?
I’ll never forget my very first flight with passengers around the Matterhorn. It was an unforgettable experience. Not just because of the breathtaking backdrop, but also because of all the effort and commitment it took me to get to this point in the first place. At the same time, I was really grateful to have the chance to enjoy such a unique experience.
Are there any aspects of the work that make you a little nervous?
Flying is fascinating, especially when the weather and all the other conditions are right. But these ideal moments are the exception rather than the rule when it comes to commercial flights. It’s important to be confident about your abilities, but at the same time to always be aware of what could go wrong. Being a pilot means taking responsibility, and this is a vital approach when it comes to being professional about what you do.
And what do you enjoy the most?
There are so many unforgettable moments in this job. No two days are the same and you have so many new experiences, keep on growing and benefit from the knowledge and expertise of the experienced pilots.
What does flying mean to you in one sentence?
For me, flying means freedom and a great respect for our mountains.
