Lars Helmoe
The Tiger Photo
Lars and Lis Today
Returning to Denmark from Vance AFB I started, like all the other Danish air force pilots, on a transition course, flying the old T33. This was to learn about the operational environment in our area.
Thereafter I was sent to a fighter bomber squadron, flying the F 35 (the Swedish Draken). I had a terrific time in that squadron the next 6 years, the last two years also as an instructor.
After the end of my 8 years contract, I decided to continue in a civilian airline, so in January ´79; I started in Maersk Air as co pilot on the B 737-200.
After app. 1 year, I was still among the last on the seniority list, so when the company had to reduce again, due to one of the many crises we have seen in this industry, I was redundant for 11 month. I was lucky, thou, to get a contract for 4 month, flying out of Manchester UK, for Eagle Air (Iceland). They were flying on a summer contract with Britannia.
Back in Maersk Air, I was promoted as captain in ´87 on the Dash 7, and after app. 1½ year changed to Fokker 50. In ´95 I returned to Boeing 737-300/400/500/700. Besides that, I had the privilege to also fly the Challenger (Maersk shipping company plane) the last 2 years.
After 27 magnificient years in Maersk Air, the company was sold to an Icelandic fond, and we were merged with a smaller company called Sterling Airways. After 3 miserable years in that airline, flying B737- 500/700/800, the company went bankrupt. I was lucky to continue in a new started company called Jet Time, still based in Copenhagen. From there, I will be pensioned by the end of July, and I´m looking forward.
In 1985 I was married and we were blessed with 3 sons. Unfortunately this marriage ended after only 9 years.
Now, in this high age, I´m married again, with Lis, who I have known for many years. Lis is a nurse, sister in a surgery department.
All our sons, 3+1, are grown up and live by themselves. So Lis and I are enjoying life, skies a lot in the Alps in wintertime, sailing in summertime and are now trying to play golf, still as beginners.