Mike Billow, CW5, AV
Mike Billow is perhaps one of the most versatile and amazing pilots you will ever meet. He comes to Cactus Air Force with over 15,000 hours of fixed and rotary wing flight time. His military combat experience is impressive, and he is highly decorated for his achievements during his time as an attack helicopter pilot during Vietnam and subsequent years of service.
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| Mike Billow in front of the AH-1 Cobra |
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Billow's extraordinary awards include military recognitions such as: Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 44 oak leaf clusters and a Governor’s Proclamation to name a few. For over 40 years, Mr. Billow served with the U.S. Army and Army National Guard until his retirement in 2009.
Retirement and civilian life have not been dull but rather a continuation of Billow's exceptional experiences. His civilian flight proficiency includes seasonal piloting for mineral, gas and oil exploration, emergency medical services and off shore commercial fishing across the globe. Additionally, Mr. Billow is a member of the Screen Actors Guild with major motion picture credits for his work on Courage Under Fire and Con-Air as an AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter stunt pilot. In 2002, Billow became an aviation record holder with the Federation Aeronautique Internationalle (FAI) and the United States Aeronautical Association for Class C-1.f Group II: Altitude with a 1000kg payload: 34,500MSL.
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