> Heliwest students... where are they now?

Here's what some of our students have done since gaining their CPL(H).

Julian Ecclestone

After achieving his CPL(H) in July 2008, Julian took over the position of Base Manager at Heliwest Kalgoorlie. He performed scenic flights around the Superpit and Kalgoorlie / Boulder area in addition to various charter work throughout the Goldfields region. Julian was then endorsed on the B206/L and is now operating in the Pilbara.  Since that time, he has been trained as a co-pilot on the BO 105LS EMS helicopter.

Cameron Jackson

Cameron became a commercial helicopter pilot in December 2008. Heliwest have provided him with many opportunities to fly in the various festivals and field days around the state. He also played a significant role in providing the people of Bunbury incredibly popular scenic flights throughout the 2009 Australia Day long weekend. Cameron was then endorsed on the AS350 and has flown in Broken Hill, Gove and Newman. Since that time, he has been trained as a co-pilot on the BO 105LS EMS helicopter.

 Daniel Greening

Daniel completed his training in May 2009. Heliwest offered him employment and he became the Base Manager for Kalgoorlie. He conducted scenic flights around the Superpit, Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields region. Since then, he has been trained as a co-pilot on the BO 105LS EMS helicopter

Dave Pusey

Dave gained his CPL(H) in May 2008. He has been used by Heliwest on many occasions to work on festivals and field days around the state in addition to ferrying aircraft from place to place around the country. Dave was then endorsed on the B206/L including an across Australia Ferry. Since then, Dave has been trained on the AS350 and works in Perth on Charter/Scenic’s and instructing in the ground school.

Paul Debenham

After many years of flying fixed wing aircraft, Paul decided to move into the rotary world. He took his first lesson in April 2004 and passed his commercial helicopter flight test in January 2006. He now has over 1150 hours total rotary time including over 770 hours turbine. He is now endorsed in R22, R44, B47, B206, S300 and AS350. Paul is currently the longest serving Heliwest trained line pilot and the best looking (or so he likes to think!)

James Hall

James gained his CPL(H) in October 2008 and started his flying career by doing various events around the state for Heliwest. He then moved to Albany to start up the new Heliwest operation down there. He was performing scenic flight operations and various charter work in a Robinson R44. James then completed his instructor rating with Heliwest and is the latest addition to the flight school.

Jacynta Fong

Jacynta earned her CPL(H) in June 2008. She decided to go to the east coast to find employment and within a very short time she found a job. She works in Cairns/Port Douglas flying for Skysafari. It’s a full time position performing scenics, air tours and dive boat transfers.

Andrew Backhouse

After achieving his CPL(H) in May 2008, Andy started up and became Base Manager of Heliwest Kalgoorlie. He conducted scenic flight operations around the Superpit and Kalgoorlie / Boulder in addition to various charter jobs. When he returned from Kalgoorlie, he joined the Perth Head Office as Flight School Administrator. He also flies on the events around the state and various charter jobs that arise in addition to ferrying aircraft across the country.

Jon Smith

Jon became a commercial helicopter pilot in March 2009. Since this time, Jon has completed Flight School Administrator duties in addition to various flying jobs. Heliwest have now employed Jon to be fulltime Base Manager at Kalgoorlie where he will conduct scenic flights and charter operations.

Tim Hand

Tim’s first taste of the aviation industry was as a fixed wing student at age 14. He continued his fixed wing training to achieve his CPL(A), and now holds a Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating, Instructor Rating and a Bachelor's Degree in Aviation. Having worked for Heliwest for several years as a helicopter crewman and ground crew, decided it was time to complete his CPL(H). With his strong aviation background and experience he moved quickly through the company to become Chief Ground Instructor at Heliwest.

Chad Tippins

Chad gained his commercial helicopter license in September 2009.  After a short time performing ground crew duties and flying at various festivals and field days around the state, he took over as pilot of Heliwest's Albany operation.  He now conducts scenic flights for people visiting the area who want to enjoy the scenery from the best possible vantage point.

James Bogdanov

James became a commercial helicopter pilot in August 2007. During this time, he has worked for Heli West in various events around the state. He has also ferried Heliwest aircraft across the country.

Phil Treasure

Phil completed his licence in November 2007. Heliwest employed him to start an operation in the South West of WA. After this seasonal work concluded and after working for Heli West on various other projects, he started scenic flight operations around the Karijini National Park. After working for Smoothy Helicopters in the Pilbara, he moved over to NSW to work for Sky High Helicopters conducting tourism and general charter operations.

Laird Parsons

Laird gained his CPL(H) in December 2008. He ventured north within WA and found employment at Airborne Solutions in Katherine providing scenic flights for visitors to the area.