Ministerial Statement – Minister Dempster Congratulates Women Helicopter Pilots for Making Aviation History

June 23, 2021

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Labrador Affairs:

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say that some leaders are born women. I wish to inform my colleagues of two women who are making aviation history.

Captain Allison Rumbolt and Captain Zoe Webb recently earned the distinction as the first all-woman crew to fly a helicopter for Cougar Helicopters to the offshore. This is a ground-breaking event that was made even more special as both pilots are from Labrador and have been long-time friends.

The moment wasn’t lost on Captain Rumbolt, who made a comment to the media after the flight, humbly stating: “At the end of the flight, you kind of look at each other and say, ‘Wow, we have come a long way in the past number of years’.”

Allison Rumbolt, who hails from Mary’s Harbour, is the first woman to captain the Sikorsky-92 helicopter for Cougar Helicopters. Zoe Webb, who comes from the North Coast of Labrador, became the first woman captain for Cougar Helicopters a few years ago when she piloted the Super Puma.

Women are marking their presence in non-traditional areas, but the field of helicopter aviation hasn’t experienced the same growth. Captain Rumbolt offers encouragement to women and girls to follow their dreams. That’s what she did when she met Zoe Webb as a young girl. They are friends and share a common bond.

Please join me in congratulating helicopter pilots Allison Rumbolt and Zoe Webb. These high-achieving professionals stand tall as role models for women and Labradorians. We are immensely proud of these two Indigenous daughters of Labrador who are leading the way, breaking down barriers, and inspiring others to succeed.

Thank you.

NT5