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The most rewarding thing about flying the NH90 is the variety of missions // Humans of NATO Days

The dynamic display by the NH90 Display Team of the German Bundeswehr has literally lit up the sky above the Mosnov airport twice already. One of the pilots of this machine is Captain Heinz Nilsmann, who was part of the NH90 helicopter crew last year and it was supposed to be the same this year. Although the plan fell through, he still told us a number of interesting things - like how and where the friendship between the NH90 Display Team and the Bavarian Tigers with Typhoons started, how both teams got involved when they heard about the floods, or the journey of a German soldier up to the cockpit of the NH90. 

We were not able to see the NH90 helicopter at this year's NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days, due to the cancellation of the show because of the flooding. Still, your team together with Bavarian Tigers remained involved in the Moravian-Silesian Region. Can you tell us more about it? 
The Bavarian Tigers and our NH90 Display Team were looking forward to participating in the 2024 NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days. Due to the flooding we wanted to support the region by collecting donations and organising the transportation to Ostrava by NH90 in order to hand over the donations as one team.

NH90 Display Team is part of the German Army, Bavarian Tigers with their Eurofighter Typhoon are part of the German Air Force. But there seems to be a very friendly connection between the two teams. Is there any story behind that? 
Our connection started at the Royal International Air Tattoo this year. We’ve been supporting each other for a long time at a variety of air shows around Europe but are now planning on developing one German Display Team with, i.e. a joint appearance 

You have been to the NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days before, as a member of the NH90 crew participating in 2023. What are your memories of the show?
It was a blast! Outstanding organisation as well as many interesting conversations with the visitors and the other participating nations.

We were happy that we could welcome both NH90 of the German Army and of the German Navy in previous years, and we expected them also this year. Is there a "friendly rivalry" between Army and Navy units? How do the army and naval versions of the helicopter differ?
As far as I’m concerned there is no such thing as a rivalry because we all go through the same training and have missions from which both army and navy can profit.
The army and navy versions primarily differ when it comes to the electronical equipment. 

What was your journey to the Army, and especially to become a NH90 pilot?
As every pilot I went through many different kinds of training. For example, general military training followed by air law, aerodynamics etc. After completion of the basic helicopter training and some years of flying I finally got to go to the NH90 transition course.

What are the primary missions the German Army uses the NH90 for? Are there any particular roles that it excels in?
Our primary focus is on troop transportation but the mission dictates our role. For example, flying the NH90 in a MedEvac or Doorgun role is also possible.

What do you find most rewarding about flying the NH90? Can you compare it to other helicopters?
The most rewarding thing about flying the NH90 is the variety of missions as mentioned above. One day you’re flying troops and the other day you find yourself on the shooting range with our doorgunners.

As an NH90 pilot in the German Army, what is your typical daily routine when you're not deployed (or participating in an event like NATO Days)?
Our typical day starts with a briefing with everything we need to know for the upcoming (flying) day. A huge part of flying is planning. So most of the time I find myself planning.
It goes without saying that being physical fit is also very important for us.

What was the most challenging mission you've ever flown as an NH90 pilot?
Every mission and every deployment is very challenging and demanding as there are so many different influences. 

What qualities do you think are essential for someone aspiring to become a military helicopter pilot? What advice would you give to young people who would like to become pilots or are just starting their careers in the military?
In my opinion it is important to be a team player since you have to work with so many different people involved in the process of realising (international) flight missions.
Furthermore, start preparing early and focus on academics in the early years of flying.

What’s one thing you wish civilians understood more about the life and work of a military helicopter pilot?
The long hours and deployments far from family, and high-stress environments are part of the job. Flying a helicopter in the military isn’t just about piloting an aircraft, it's about managing immense pressure while completing complex missions, often in an unpredictable and dangerous environment. 

Can we look forward to seeing you and your team at NATO Days 2025?
Yes of course, we will be there!