Kodey Bogart is a former United States Army warrant officer and aviator who flew the Blackhawk during medical evacuation missions. She is a decorated combat veteran who has received two Air Medals and a Sikorsky Rescue Award. Kodey has extensive experience across aviation operations, including aviation safety, flight training, maintenance test flights, helicopter air ambulance, and aviation law enforcement.
Kodey lives with her husband and children in Merritt Island, Florida. She loves to share her passion for aviation, especially with her daughter and sons, by showing the diversity in the mission. The sky is not the limit!
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: The Helo Girls series was inspired by my own aviation career and my desire to show kids—especially girls—that helicopters, aviation, and public service missions are exciting, achievable, and meaningful. By highlighting real-world public service roles and medical, law enforcement, and firefighting missions, the stories also help children understand that helicopters aren’t scary—they’re here to help. I wanted to create realistic, mission-based stories that build readers’ curiosity, confidence, and trust in the people and aircraft serving their communities.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: Start with what you know and what you care about. Don’t wait for perfection—write first, refine later. Also, be open to feedback and understand that writing is a process of rewriting. Basically, just put pen to paper and let your passion flow.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: That’s a tough one. I’ve always been drawn to stories that blend adventure with purpose. As an adult, I enjoy reading books by Dan Brown, and as a child, I was part of the Disney Book Club. Getting a book in the mail and carrying it around in my book tote made me feel excited—and special.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: The characters aren’t modeled after one single person, but they’re inspired by the many incredible pilots, crew members, and public servants I’ve had the pleasure to work with over the years—and by the curious, capable kids I hope will one day fill those roles. In many ways, the true main character is the mission itself, with a strong focus on accuracy, teamwork, and making safe, thoughtful decisions.
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: Seeing the story come together visually—when the mission, the lesson, and the illustration all align. That’s when the message really clicks.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: It’s absolutely a developed skill. Natural talent can help, but good writing comes from practice, feedback, and persistence—just like flying.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: I don’t really have a single favorite, but one line from The Goonies that really aligns with Helo Girls is, “This is our time.” It reflects courage, teamwork, and stepping up when it matters, which is—exactly the message I hope kids take away from the series.
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: Yes! I’m already working on expanding the Helo Girls series into book four. Each book focuses on a different mission and learning objective and blends aviation, public service, and STEAM concepts.
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: I have no specific author in mind. However, I admire authors who educate through storytelling—those who respect young readers enough to challenge them with real-world concepts rather than oversimplify them. That’s the standard I aim for.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A:
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, because it is a powerful reminder of why stories matter, especially in the darkest moments.
- A comprehensive aviation safety handbook, because habits die hard
- The Bible, for perspective and grounding
- A children’s book from the Helo Girls series, as a reminder of purpose
- A blank journal, because stories (and plans) still need to be written
Learn more about Kodey Bogart, and her newest installment in the Helo Girls series, The Air Ambulance Pilot, here. Coming soon February 24, 2026!