OU graduate becomes first certified flight instructor from growing helicopter program

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NORMAN, Okla. – Amid a national shortage of experienced helicopter pilots, the University of Oklahoma’s School of Aviation is addressing critical industry needs through training and education. A new milestone occurred this summer when a graduate from the university’s professional helicopter pilot program, established in partnership with Semper Fly Helicopters in 2024, became a certified flight instructor (CFI).

Soami Ellis graduated from OU last spring and has now completed her private pilot, instrument, commercial and CFI certifications. This makes her the university’s first professional helicopter major to earn a CFI rating.

Semper Fly Helicopters is an FAA Part 141 flight school that trains OU students in Norman. Ellis recently joined the school as an instructor while she works toward her certified flight instructor - instrument (CFII) certification.

“I'm enjoying every minute of it,” Ellis said. “I want to keep building here. I want to enjoy it while I've got it. One day maybe I'd look into firefighting and search and rescue, but it's a far-off thing.”

Ellis entered the program as a member of its inaugural class. She is now the first student from the OU helicopter program to progress through training and return as a flight instructor for the next generation of students.

“Nothing teaches you how much you don't know like teaching people for the first time,” she added. “So, I think there's so much room to grow in it.”

As an undergraduate student, Ellis was interested in joining a rotorcraft program. The School of Aviation–Semper Fly partnership formed at the right time, allowing her to enroll right as the program opened its doors.

“Flying is great,” said Ellis, who is the first in her family to take up a career in aviation. “Once you get up there, you get to see everything. It’s an incredible job to be able to have.”

While Semper Fly trains OU students, the flight school also works with law enforcement agencies and performs outreach to high schoolers. Brandi Rector, who is Semper Fly’s co-founder, co-owner and CEO, noted that it is working with the university to eventually train veterans through the program.

She also emphasized that the aviation industry offers strong pay for well-trained helicopter pilots. Flight school programs like OU and Semper Fly’s are providing pathways to high-demand helicopter careers such as air medical, search and rescue and firefighting.

“It starts with the quality of training,” said Rector, who is a Marine Corps veteran and owns the program with her partner Michael Sanford. “Then we have to find pathways to get our students to build the time that they need to get into the jobs that they want for a long-term career. And there are some people that love instructing, and they'll instruct forever.”

The helicopter program was also spotlighted this past Friday at OU football’s season home opener. Semper Fly pilots conducted a helicopter flyover of Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at the conclusion of the national anthem before kickoff. Ellis handled ground communications during the flyover.

Later during the game, Semper Fly staff were welcomed to the field alongside university President Joseph Harroz Jr. and Regent Rick Nagel, as the intercom system discussed the staff’s military backgrounds and highlighted the program.