Female Pilots Networking Group Working and Training in External Load / Utility / Fire
Register Now
Be part of the largest growing network event for female long line / aerial fire fighting / utility pilots and crew
April 27 -28, 2026 | Campbell, TX
About Ladies of Long Line
Our Mission
"Our mission is to connect women working in the long line industry with those interested in external load operations and aerial firefighting. By fostering networks, education, careers, and lasting support, we aim to empower and advance women in these specialized areas."
- Kim & Andre Hutchings
Co-Founders: Volo Mission / Volo Lift / Volo Support
Connection
Join us to meet inspiring women, gain insight into external load operations, and become part of a supportive long line community.
Education
There is a lot of misinformation when it comes to working in the external load industry. At Ladies of Long Line, we not only help educate women on what the industry is about, we also provide a basic understanding of equipment used, flight and ground operations, different sectors within external load, and much more.
Ladies of Long Line Annual Event 2024 & 2025
Agenda
April 27th
Education and Networking
Learn About Equipment
An introduction to external load equipment, terminology and safety.
Hear from Panel Guests
Hear inspiring stories from panel guests.
April 28th
Learn what it feels like to fly the line
Fly The Line
Today is the day for experiencing first-hand what it is like to fly vertical reference and a 100ft long line.
Networking
Celebrate with your friends as they try vertical reference and longlining for the first time!
April 29th
Legends of Long Line
Industry Panels
Listen to experts in the external load industry as they share their wisdom and experience.
Live Demonstrations
Watch these pilots put their skills to the test as they demonstrate a series of different loads.
Networking
Meet ladies who are working in external load and/or those that would like to be more involved in the industry.
Hosted by: Volo Mission | Campbell, TX
2026 Panel Guest's
Elan Head - Moderator
Elan Head - Moderator
Elan Head - Moderator
Elan is the Senior Editor of The Air Current and contributor to Vertical Mag. She is a commercially-rated helicopter pilot and FAA Gold Seal flight instructor. You can find Elan exploring the world by air, including long lining.
Tori Palmer
Elan Head - Moderator
Elan Head - Moderator
Utility Pilot
A&P Helicopters
Tori finished her flight training and worked as a CFII for Leading Edge Aviation in Bend, OR. From there she built time in the Grand Cantyon and soon progressed to Type 3 fire fighting where she was first introduced to long lining. Since then she has flown mineral drills and Heli Ski in AK. Tori is USFS Short Haul qualified and currently flies precision power line construction and Human External Cargo (HEC).
Brandi Truesdel
Elan Head - Moderator
Brandi Truesdel
Commercial Pilot
Brandi Truesdel is a commercial helicopter pilot and passionate advocate for women in aviation. With experience across multiple fixed and rotor wing platforms and a deep commitment to continuous learning, she is building a career in utility and firefighting operations while inspiring others to pursue ambitions in aviation. Brandi combines wildly positive perseverance, professionalism, and approachable authenticity- sharing her journey to encourage more women to boldly step into their own dreams in aviation.
“Live on Mission, Build on faith, Fly with purpose, Love for legacy”
Grace Wagner
Grace Wagner
Brandi Truesdel
Utility Pilot
Firehawk
Grace is a commercial helicopter pilot with a bachelors degree in mathematics and a background in outdoor education.
Her external load and vertical reference career began with Papillon at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, conducting a range of missions across the Southwest. She currently works for Firehawk Helicopters, flying the A-Star in support of fire operations.
Beyond her work in the field, Grace has served as a Part 135 check airman at both Papillon and Firehawk, reflecting her commitment to high standards, safety, and professional development.
Grace is a strong advocate for women in aviation and believes in the power of mentorship and community. She is committed to supporting future generations of pilots and embraces opportunities to give back to the industry.
Jen Lockwood
Grace Wagner
Jen Lockwood
With over a decade of experience in General Aviation, Jennifer specializes in the intersection of "last-mile" logistics and humanitarian disaster response. As an Aviation Specialist for Global Support and Development (GSD), she supported the creation of the organization’s helicopter program, specifically integrating flight operations with their humanitarian ship, the M/V DAWN. Today, she manages a network of fixed-wing and rotary-wing operators ready to serve communities during crises, while also coordinating training programs that ensure GSD’s disaster response teams are proficient ground crews—whether they are operating on a ship's deck or in remote areas ashore.
Jennifer is a fixed-wing pilot holding Commercial, Multi-Engine, Instrument, and CFI ratings (with hopes to add a rotary-wing rating someday!). She is also the Co-Founder and Board President of an aviation disaster response non-profit that utilizes volunteer pilots to fly in aid and help communities rebuild after a disaster. Having spent years as a mission planner, Jennifer remains focused on the "last mile," ensuring that despite the challenges, help and supplies reach the people who need them most. While she was initially drawn to aviation for the adventure and challenge of flying, she quickly realized that the community and opportunity to give back doing what she loves is by far the best part of this journey.
Sponsorship Opportunity
Support Ladies of Long Line
Female helicopter pilots make up a small part of the aviation industry, with even fewer specializing in external load operations and aerial firefighting. Your support helps bring greater awareness to the external load industry—introducing it to those who may have never considered it as a career path.
DIAMOND TITLE SPONSOR
As a Diamond Sponsor, your brand takes center stage throughout the event and across all promotions.
Your company will be featured in an exclusive Diamond Sponsor Spotlight Reel on the official Volo Mission social media account, showcasing your sponsorship and commitment to empowering those in external load industry.
Event Host - Volo Mission
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Need to Know
Getting Here
Sulphur Springs Airport
Getting Here
There are two airports in Dallas: DFW and DAL. DFW is approximately 80 miles from Campbell and DAL is approximately 70 miles from Campbell.
Hotel
Sulphur Springs Airport
Getting Here
Local Hotel Rates. Please mention Ladies of Long Line when booking. Prices subject to change.
Holiday Inn - Greenville
Phone: (430) 247-1408
$92+ tax / room / night
Hampton Inn - Sulphur Springs -
Phone: (430) 247-6691
$91+ tax / room / night
Clarion Pointe- Sulphur Springs
Phone: (430) 303-1391
$99+ tax / room / night
Please mention Volo Mission Long Line Week
The Ranch
Sulphur Springs Airport
Sulphur Springs Airport
Volo Mission, situated at 590 County Road 3202, Campbell, TX, is a casual and welcoming space. Attendees are advised to dress lightly and comfortably due to the outdoor setting. The location can be reached by exiting at 104 on Interstate 30E, following the frontage road, and making a right turn onto County Road 3202. Volo Mission is about
Volo Mission, situated at 590 County Road 3202, Campbell, TX, is a casual and welcoming space. Attendees are advised to dress lightly and comfortably due to the outdoor setting. The location can be reached by exiting at 104 on Interstate 30E, following the frontage road, and making a right turn onto County Road 3202. Volo Mission is about a mile and a half down this dirt road on the RIGHT.
- Attendees should dress in jeans/pants, casual tops, and closed-toe shoes, keeping in mind the fluctuating Texas weather. Hats and sunglasses are suggested for sunny days.
- We will be outside all day. Participants are encouraged to bring their own sunscreen and water bottles, although refreshments will be available at the venue.
- For those signed up to fly on May 2nd, Volo will supply a headset.
Sulphur Springs Airport
Sulphur Springs Airport
Sulphur Springs Airport
Sulphur Springs Airport is located approximately 20 miles from The Ranch.
Day 2 - hands on flying will be at SS airport.
Address: 1220 Cessna Dr, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved.
Mel Robbins
