Who We Are

Michael Patton, President, has 39 years of helicopter experience domestically and internationally. He formed Trans Aero Helicopters in 2003 and after a two year absence returned to Trans Aero to assume his current position in December of 2007. He has held the positions of pilot, Chief Pilot, Company Check Airmen, Safety Officer, Director of Operations and Vice President of on demand FAR 135 operations and a FAR 145 Eurocopter service center and repair station.

Robert Thydean, Director of Operations, has over 40 years experience in the utility aviation business managing operations all over the world, from fire contracts in the U.S. to oil exploration in Yemen, South America and Asia. He also has several years experience as a Program Manager of multiple Military Sealift Command/Navy VERTREP Programs.

Jim Hennessy, Chief Pilot, has over 40 years experience in the utility aviation business. He not only serves as the company’s training IP, FAR 135 / 133 check airman, but also the anti-drug and alcohol manager.

Tim Shannon, Director of Maintenance, has over 13 years of experience in maintaining helicopters and overseeing aircraft overhauls / rebuilds for Eurocopter products. He has previous experience maintaining aircraft under ISO-9000 standards.

All Trans Aero Helicopters pilots are highly skilled High Density Altitude, vertical reference qualified, and most are USFS/NBC carded. All Trans Aero Helicopters pilots are seasoned seismic pilots highly trained in the use of the Kodiak GPS system, carousel and bag runner. Several of our pilots have several years experience flying high production drill operations.

All Trans Aero Helicopters mechanics average over 5 years of maintenance experience on the type of aircraft operated by Trans Aero Helicopters. They are all A & P licensed, USFS carded and are CDL qualified to drive fuel trucks. A mechanic accompanies every Trans Aero Helicopters aircraft deployed in the field.