News
Helicopter pilot happy to give back to community
April 24, 2012 By Carey Fredericks
April 24, 2012, Nanaimo, B.C. - Business has begun to lift off for Jenny Janecek and her British Columbia Mountain Helicopters, the only operation of its kind currently at the Nanaimo airport.
Janecek is the owner and, for the time being, is also the sole pilot for BCMH which has been offering helicopter tours of the area for both recreational and professional uses for the last year-and-a-half.
She is also becoming well-known for helping out local charities.
Janacek said she supplies a growing "niche" market in the mid-Island area for customers looking to book her and her Robinson 44 helicopter for sight-seeing tours of the area by tourists, as well as by local residents who book rides on the helicopter as birthday, anniversary and Christmas presents for their loved ones. Janecek said she is also seeing an increase in business from real estate companies and contractors as she gets more established and well-known at the Nanaimo airport.
Clients want aerial views of sites in the region where they are planning projects, as well as for quick transportation for companies and individuals when they need to travel somewhere on the Island.
She also assists charities and other causes she sees as worthwhile when she finds time.
One of those is the Rotary Club of Lantzville's annual Helo Golf Ball Drop that will be held at Fairwinds Golf Club on June 1.
It's the second year in a row that Janecek is offering her services to drop thousands of golf balls, that have been sold for $20 each, onto the course from about 40 metres in a contest that sees the owners of the five balls closest to the target receiving prizes. "She gives us a handsome discount for her services in the annual event, and also donates a one-hour tour as one of our prizes at the fundraiser," said Sucha Ollek, president of the Rotary Club of Lantzville.
"We certainly wouldn't be able to hold this event without Jenny and her helicopter and we really appreciate all the help and support she has given us."
Janecek said she sometimes offers helicopter tours as prizes for fundraisers in local schools, as well as other charities.
"I see it as providing opportunities in which everybody comes out ahead," she said.
