MEET THE BOARD.

PRESIDENT

Jim began his flying career mustering cattle for Helimuster in 1986. Since then, Jim has flown in excess of 13,000 hours as pilot in command on a wide range of operations including up to 9000 hours on mustering and feral animal control. For over 25 years, Jim has also managed companies operating large fleets of helicopter and fixed wing aircraft. He has also acted as CEO of a maintenance company and an avionics business. Under Jim’s control, these companies regularly flew in excess of 16,000 hours per annum with a fleet numbering over 20 aircraft.

Testimony to his management abilities is that he was seconded to the Sydney Olympics Broadcasting Organisation to manage and control all aviation operations during the successful Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. His experience in similar operations extends to the management of operations in PNG and India. Jim has also had much experience in flying and managing helicopter drill rig shifts for clients such as BHP Billiton and the Sydney Catchment Authority

Jim has dedicated himself to improving the safety and efficiency of those organisations under his control and has also contributed greatly to the industry in general.  Outside of his working life, Jim is a dedicated family man, having raised two sons and has always been very active in local community sporting organisations.

VICE PRESIDENT

Ian is the Commercial Manager of the HM Air Group.

His career includes 20 years in finance with the Commonwealth Bank and 24 years with McDermott Aviation as Chief Operating Officer, followed by 10 months with Microflite Aviation.

Ian has been instrumental in establishing aerial firefighting and lifting operations throughout Australia, USA, Canada, Europe, New Caledonia, PNG and Indonesia. Having dealt with numerous foreign regulatory authorities, he has a solid understanding of international regulations and foreign aircraft operations.

As a designated Contract Manager with the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) since it was established in 2003, Ian has been actively involved in the evolution of aerial firefighting in Australia.

Ian is passionate about finding solutions to the engineering challenges being experienced globally across our industry and in fostering a safe and inclusive workplace culture.

In 2020, Ian completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course and has held a board position with Aviation Insurance Brokers of Australia.

DIRECTOR

John commenced helicopter flying in 1974 as a private mustering pilot in the Northern Territory before completing the Commercial Helicopter Pilot Licence in 1980. He worked at Victoria River Downs (VRD) as a pilot and later as the Operations Manager for twelve years. During this time he held CASA approvals/delegations as a Check and Training pilot for Low Level/Mustering/Sling operations and held endorsement approval for Bell 47 helicopters.

Following his time at VRD, John established a helicopter company specialising in mustering/survey/agriculture operations utilising R22/R44/B206 helicopters. He is also the Chief Pilot of the company.

John brings strong business experience to the AHIA having previously owned and operated two tourism venturers in the Northern Territory in a partnership. He has experience in agri- politics over many years having represented the cattle industry at state level.

His greatest concern for the Low Level Airwork helicopter community centres firstly, on ability of the industry to understand the recent legislative changes and secondly, with the expansion of the industry, the potential lack of exposure of current pilots to the tips and techniques (mentoring) that enhance safety but cannot necessarily be recorded in technical notes or legislative documents.

DIRECTOR

Over the past 30 years, Alan has provided a diverse range of aviation solutions to the private and government sectors. With experience in business management, aircraft engineering and aviation operations, (both fixed wing and rotary aircraft) gaining a reputation for delivering exceptional quality, safe aviation solutions.

As Heliwest CEO, Alan's focus is on creating positive change and process improvement to their values-based organisation. He is committed to building on their culture of safety and excellence, and providing their diverse portfolio of clients with the support needed to keep them moving. Alan is honoured to enjoy the trust of his clients including the WA Health Department, Dept of Fire and Emergency Services, BHP, FMG, Rio Tinto and Western Power.

As the son of two pilots, flying is 'in his blood' and he continues to get up in the air at every opportunity. He now looks forward to training the next generation, including his teenage sons.

Heliwest Group provides a full suite of services including;

helicopter transport services
engineering servicing
helicopter sales and valuation
spare parts
emergency medical services
Fire and Police Surveillance
flying training
night vision goggle operations and training
RPAS operations and training
powerline & pipeline inspection
mining services
geological survey
mosquito control.

DIRECTOR

Shannon O’Hara is the Legal Counsel to the Aviation Team at QBE Insurance Australia Pacific. In this role she partners with the aviation underwriting and aviation claims teams to efficiently assess and provide legal guidance on underwriting risk exposures, aviation litigation and claims strategies and general insurance law matters affecting the aviation business. In addition Shannon works closely with QBE’s Aviation’s industry development team to support, promote and develop aviation safety, industry growth and thought leadership.

Prior to joining QBE Insurance in February 2019, Shannon worked in private legal practice for 14 years specialising in Australian and international aviation law with a particular focus on aviation insurance and litigation. Shannon has managed commercial and litigated disputes across Australia, the United States of America, Papua New Guinea, the United Kingdom, Fiji, and the Pacific Islands with particular experience in managing major aviation losses and personal injury claims for aviation operators in Papua New Guinea.

A constant industry contributor, Shannon is a Director on the National Board of the Aviation Law Association of Australia and New Zealand (ALAANZ), Vice-President of the Queensland Branch of ALAANZ and more recently has joined with the Board of the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA). Shannon was recently nominated to take part in the #celebratingwomeninlaw campaign recognising women who have had an influence on the legal profession, in 2015 she was identified by Australasian Lawyer as one of “50 Women to Watch / Experts in their Field” and has been recognised by Best Lawyers (Aviation) in 2018 and 2019.

Shannon holds degrees in Law and Commerce with a major in Politics and Public Policy from Griffith University, is a mother to two beautiful children, a self-confessed av-geek, prolific reader, pilates and yoga addict, traveller and foodie-in-heels.

DIRECTOR

Lachie gained his Fixed Wing licence in 1990 and Helicopter licence in 1993.

Lachie started Fleet Helicopters in 1990 and has since amassed over 30 years and 13000+ hours experience of providing helicopter and fixed wing services nationwide. In 2014 Lachie purchased Commercial Helicopters and now also owns and operates aircraft maintenance and aviation refuelling companies.

Lachie’s focus is on low level aerial work including firefighting, aerial shooting, external load, aerial agriculture, utilities support and construction. He also has a focus on ensuring there is a strong and sustainable aviation industry with the capacity and capability to satisfy the community and emergency service industry needs.

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

With nearly 20 years of experience and a few thousand flight hours in the aviation industry, Rob Bentley-Johnston has gained a unique and well-rounded perspective, having been involved in almost every aspect of aviation. His background includes flying, instructing, hands-on maintenance, aircrew winch operator, remote systems operator and business management - making him well-versed in the challenges and intricacies of the aviation world.

Rob is also a director on the board of the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA), contributing to the development and growth of the helicopter sector in Australia. He holds a postgraduate diploma in Aviation Management from the prestigious University of New South Wales, further strengthening his expertise in the field.

In addition to his aviation experience, Rob’s time serving in the Australian Army as a Combat Engineer has shaped his approach to problem-solving, providing him with valuable skills in high-pressure environments. This diverse background enables Rob to bring a creative and practical approach to addressing complex challenges in the aviation industry.

DIRECTOR

Alana McKenna is an experienced and accomplished professional in the aviation and insurance industry, currently serving as a Senior Underwriter at QBE Insurance, covering the Asia/Pacific region.

With a career spanning over a decade, leading Maintenance Repair Organisations, Alana continues to be a trailblazer in the aviation industry, advocating for diversity, and innovation, to support future leaders and attract new talent to the industry.

With a strong background in risk management and aviation, she plays a crucial role in assessing and underwriting policies within the aviation sector. Alana's expertise and strategic insight ensure that QBE delivers tailored solutions to clients across the industry, helping them navigate complex risks with confidence.

Alana's dedication to the aviation industry extends beyond her professional roles. She is a passionate advocate for fostering diversity and supporting the growth of women in aviation. Her commitment to these causes is reflected in her involvement with, industry bodies such as, Aviation/Aerospace Australia and the Australian Helicopter Industry Association, as a Board Director she is able to advocate and promote the industry within and externally.

In recognition of her significant contributions to the aviation sector nationally and within the Cairns aviation precinct, Alana was honoured as the Cairns Regional Council, 2024 Cairns Woman of the Year at the International Women's Day ceremony along with being a finalist in the Australian Aviation Awards. These accolades acknowledge her leadership and dedication to inspiring a new generation of professionals in a traditionally male saturated field.

Alana McKenna continues to be a respected leader, driving innovation and progress in both industries while supporting key initiatives that enhance the future of aviation and aerospace.

TRESURER

DIRECTOR

Sam commenced his helicopter career in 2006 in Kununurra and later Northern Territory, flying from Victoria River Downs (VRD) and serving as a CASA-approved Check and Training Pilot for Low Level, Mustering, Sling operations, Firefighting and Gimbal G2 endorsements.

He has managed and flown in companies specialising in mustering, utility, include multiple fire seasons with B206L, AS350 and B407.

Alongside his aviation expertise, Sam brings strong business acumen having worked in Agri finance for Agricultural Management Company after attending Marcus Oldham College.

Sam is currently the managing director of Vertical Aviation which is the parent company of HM Air and the Heliwest group. 

DIRECTOR

Hylke Kijlstra is the owner and operator of Helico Australia, a specialist maintenance organisation focused on the maintenance and rebuild of Robinson helicopters.

With close to 25 years’ experience working on Robinson helicopters, Hylke developed a strong connection to the aircraft type while travelling extensively across Australia, supporting operations in a wide range of remote regions and demanding environments. For a change of scenery, he also spent time working in Antarctica and on Macquarie Island with Helicopter Resources, maintaining Eurocopter aircraft in sub-zero conditions. A challenging experience that provided invaluable skills and unforgettable memories.

In 2013, Hylke and his wife Neri settled in North Central Victoria to start a family and establish a small Robinson helicopter maintenance facility in an old shearing shed on the outskirts of Alexandra.

What began as a modest operation completing just a handful of rebuilds each year has since grown into a thriving business supporting five bases Australia-wide. Today, Helico Australia employs 31 staff and continues to expand, recently bringing Hylke’s vision for a purpose-built maintenance facility to life with the support of a Government grant. This growth has also enabled Helico Australia to broaden its maintenance capabilities, expanding beyond Robinson helicopters to support additional aircraft types as the business continues to evolve.

Like many in aviation, Hylke has experienced the loss of friends and colleagues through helicopter accidents. At one point, frustration with the number of avoidable incidents led him to question his future in the industry. It was his father who reminded him that he had two choices: “Leave the industry, or stay and try to make a difference.”

That philosophy continues to guide Helico Australia today. Through improved regulation, collaboration, and the sharing of knowledge, Hylke and his team are committed to supporting a safer industry, upholding the Robinson brand, and developing Helico Australia as a trusted support hub for other maintenance facilities while leading the advancement of skills and technologies.

Hylke is also passionate about addressing the ageing workforce of Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers across Australia. Helico Australia actively recruits and trains young apprentices and advocates for clearer, more accessible training pathways to ensure the long-term sustainability of the aviation industry.