Description
A highly experienced helicopter pilot with experience in helicopter operations and helicopter business management. A former U.S. Army commissioned officer and helicopter pilot, he served in Vietnam and in the Panama Canal Zone. Shortly after his distinguished military service, he formed and managed a highly successful helicopter company in Northern California. He has managed and conducted a wide range of helicopter operations including FAR Part 135 air carrier operations, flight training, energy exploration, logging, power and pipeline patrol, firefighting, search and rescue and external load operations, focusing on effective Helicopter Operations. In addition to operating up to 20 aircraft, the company he founded also performed maintenance and repair as an FAA certified Aircraft Repair Station.
Academic Background
- Bachelor of Science Montana State University 1965
- Small Business Management University of California Berkeley (extension), 1971
- Helicopter Association International Management Course, 1977
- University of Southern California Helicopter Accident Investigation, 1979
Professional Experience
- RTI Forensics, LLC, Hayward, CA, Aviation Air Traffic Control, Safety and Accident Investigation, 2011 to Present
- President ARIS Leasing, 2000 – Present
- President ARIS Helicopters Ltd. – 1972 – 2008
- Blue Aviation, Helicopter Flight Instructor and Charter Pilot, 1971-1972
- S. Army, Commissioned Officer, 1966-1970
Military Experience
- ARMY ROTC Flight Training, 1964/1965
- Commissioned Second Lt. US Army Engineers, 1965
- S. Army Airborne Training, 1966
- S. Army Rotary Wing Flight School, 1967
- Army Aviation Commanders and Staff officers course, 1967
- S. Army Transportation Corp Officer Basic and Advanced Course, 1976
- S. Army Command and General Staff College, 1983
- Served in Republic of Vietnam – Helicopter Platoon Commander, 1967/68
- Served in Panama Canal Zone – Various Command and Staff Assignments, 1968-1970
- S. Army Reserve, Various Aviation Command and Staff assignments, 1971-1981
Professional Associations and Activities
- Helicopter Association International, Board Member and Past President
- Helicopter Association International Committees:
- Heliport Development
- Government Contracting
- Economics
- International Society of Air Safety Investigators
- Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
- American Helicopter Society
- Twirly Birds, (Elected President 2010)
- Member of the Development “Blue” Team for McDonnell Douglas MD 900 Helicopter
- Member California Wire Strike Task Force
Selected Presentations & Publications
- National Transportation Research Board
- FAA Symposiums
- Accident Prevention Seminars
- Flight Instructor Refresher Courses
- Contributor to Helicopter Association International Guide For The Presentation of Helicopter Operating Costs
- Co-Author Helicopter Association ROTOR Magazine – What Are Your Training Costs
Certificates and Ratings
- Airline Transport Pilot, Helicopters and Airplanes
- Helicopter and Airplane Flight Instructor
- Helicopter Instrument Instructor
- Basic and Advanced Ground Instructor
Aviation Training
- Army ROTC Flight Training, 1964/65
- S. Army Rotary Wing Training, 1966/67
- S. Army Instructor Pilot, 1968
- S. Army Fixed Wing Transition, 1975
- Various Civilian Flight Training Courses
- Various Helicopter Manufacturer Training Courses
Flight Experience
- 10,500+ Flight Hours as Pilot in Command Helicopters
- 11,000 Flight Hours as Pilot in Command Airplanes
- 1,000+ Helicopter Flight Hours in Combat
- 3,100+ Hours as Helicopter Flight Instructor
- 500 Flight Hours Helicopter External Loads
- Administered 200+ Helicopter Check Rides as Designated Check Airman Under Far 135
- Administered 540 Flight Tests as an FAA Designated Examiner Authorized To Issue: Private, Commercial, Instrument, Flight Instructor, Instrument Flight Instructor and Airline Transport Pilot Certificates and Ratings
- Estimated 300 flight hours as military instructor pilot
Awards
- Air Medal with 38 Oak Leaf Clusters
- Silver Star for Gallantry in Action
- Helicopter Association, Life Member
- Helicopter Association Safety Award for 5,000 Accident Free Flight Hours
- National Aeronautic Association Certificate of Honor 2003
- Lawrence D. Bell Salute to Excellence in Management Leadership Award 2008