Breathtaking panoramic views of some of far north Queensland's most stunning locations convinced former fixed wing pilot, Katie Miller that flying helicopters was her true calling. 

Ms Miller, 32, already had a commercial airplane license but decided to enroll at GBR Helicopters' recently established flight training school last November.

A picturesque practice flight to Port Douglas, Ms Miller said, convinced her giving fixed wing aircraft away was the right move.  

"I did a few flights over towards Mt Mulligan and Port Douglas," she said. 

"Some of the scenery was just absolutely amazing and I loved every minute of flying helicopters.

"It was just so much fun." 

In February Ms Miller became the first student to complete the Mareeba-based program.

Considered a 'model student', GBR Helicopter's director, Chris Cooper said the school's first graduate had paved the way for a further 21 students currently completing their training.

"According to our Senior Flight Instructor, Tim Borella, she was an enthusiastic student who showed great commitment to the program and managed to complete her flying time and pass her theory exams in record time," Mr Cooper

As a result of already having a commercial airplane license, Ms Miller was only required to complete 60 hours flying time rather than 105 hours. 

As a pilot, Ms Miller said 'choppers' beat planes any day. 

"I think you've probably got to be a little more on top of things in a helicopter," she said.

"I know I'll probably get in trouble from some of my friends for saying this but it is so much more fun than fixed wing flying." 

Ms Miller is currently looking for her first job as a helicopter pilot and said she'd love to continue flying around far north Queensland.

GBR Helicopters main headquarters are located at Cairns Airport but the company also operates out of Port Douglas, Horn Island in the Torres Strait, the Cairns central business district and a new flight training school in Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands.