Cavoodle Miley May helps future pilots as they get ready to take off at Townsville Helicopters

Future helicopter pilots training in Townsville have found the ultimate study buddy in the form of an energetic but calming ball of fluff.

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SHE is the secret weapon helping our helicopter pilots get to a 1000ft, and she stands barely a foot off the ground.

Meet two-year-old cavalier king charles spaniel cross toy poodle Miley May.

She has become the ultimate study support for budding helicopter pilots as they take on the tough commercial pilot’s licence exam.

The energetic and calming pup is one of the staff at Townsville Helicopters, coming on as the much-loved ‘theory therapy dog’ lifting students’ spirits during their studies.

Theory therapy dog Miley with Georgie Arnold at Townsville Helicopters. Picture: Evan Morgan

Operations co-ordinator and theory tutor Naomi Mowbray said Miley May was “joyful”, “cheeky” and “loveable”.

“It is intense theory course and she just comes and brightens the mood a bit and takes some of the pressure off and reminds people it will be OK,” she said. “Miley is super friendly and she is not afraid of strangers at all and she loves to get up in everyone faces and will sit in your lap when doing your book work.”

Students study five days a week for six months for their helicopter and fixed-wing pilot’s licence. Students Australia-wide choose to study in Townsville.

Ms Mowbray said Miley May had given her “comfort and joy” when she arrived two years ago to become a pilot.

“When I started studying here I missed my family dogs back in Sydney and it was so good to have Miley May to cuddle,” she said.

Originally published as Cavoodle Miley May helps future pilots as they get ready to take off at Townsville Helicopters