Straight Up Lifting Others: Nicole Battjes | S2E19

<p>Meet Nicole Battjes, owner of Rainbow Helicopters, the largest air tour company in Oahu, Hawaii. </p><p>Nicole founded Rainbow Helicopters in 2011 at just 27 years old, starting with herself and a single helicopter. Today, the multi-island Part 135 air carrier has grown into a thriving multi-million-dollar company with 55 team members and a fleet of 10 helicopters. With more than 13 years of industry and commercial flight experience, Nicole has flown over 5,000 tours and logged more than 3,500 flight hours — serving as Rainbow&#39;s chief pilot from 2017-2022, the only woman to hold that position in the Hawaiian helicopter community at the time, before stepping into her current role. </p><p>Beyond the cockpit, Nicole has led the vertical aviation community at the highest level, serving as the 2023-2024 board chair for Vertical Aviation International (VAI) previously the Helicopter Association International (HAI) — becoming, in a first for the association&#39;s 75-year history, chair while 7 months pregnant, and assuming her duties just two weeks after the birth of her second son. She was recognized in 2023 with Pacific Business News&#39; 40 Under 40 and the National Business Aviation Association&#39;s 40 Under 40 awards, and Rainbow&#39;s community-first culture — including its relief efforts for mothers and babies after the Lahaina fires — has earned honors including the National Aeronautic Association&#39;s Public Benefit Flying Award. </p><p>A longtime WAI member since 2002, Nicole has built a company where women are represented in every facet of the business, and she&#39;s made it a mission to help other mothers stay at the forefront of their careers while raising families. </p><p>🎧 Available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. </p><p>📲 Follow us on Spotify: WAI On Air Podcast </p><p>#WomeninAviationInternational #IamWAI #WeAreWAI #Aviation #Aerospace #WAITogether #WAIOnAir #WAIPodcast #AviationPodcast </p>