INFLITE - Meet the Team | Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters by INFLITE

Andrew Gutsell

LEAD PILOT

Operational Instructor | Base Manager

Aviation runs in Andrew’s blood; he’s been flying since his late teens. He feels privileged to fly in a beautiful natural environment and he values the opportunity to continue the deep historical tradition and sterling safety record of Mt. Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters.

Angus Ford

SKI PLANE PILOT

Fixed Wing Training Manager

The history of Mt Cook Ski Planes hooked Angus from the start. He feels privileged to carry it on. He’ll always recommend landing on a glacier on a ski plane, especially since the only place to do it in the Southern Hemisphere is Mt. Cook.

Hugh Sturrock

CUSTOMER SERVICE & GROUND OPERATIONS TEAM LEADER

A shrewd architect in everything from flight lines to front of house, Hugh leads with unsurpassed work ethic. When not on-base, he can be found along a trail, tucked in a hut, or jamming to live music, preferably out of doors.

P.M Paulie Fadden

GROUND CREW

For Paulie, it’s all about people, fresh perspective, aviation, and pow-turns. His guilty pleasure: a home baked chocolate chunk biscuit.

Kristina Schulz

GROUND CREW

Delights at the diversity of skills performed in her role and the unique experiences of the airbase. She sincerely hopes everyone who visits Mt. Cook has the time of their lives. Her words of wisdom: enjoy the views!

Simon Thorp

HELICOPTER PILOT

With a background in agriculture as well as tourism aviation, Simon finds the helicopter to be amazing for its capabilities and the unique experience it offers our customers.

Maurice O’Connor

SENIOR SKI PLANE PILOT

Two decades of fixed wing experience, and he’s still excited by flying the ski plane. Mauri most enjoys getting to know the passengers and sharing a good laugh.

Mark Hayes

SENIOR PILOT

With forty-five years in aviation, Mark still gets a kick from the people, terrain and energy of flying. And he is equally experienced as a bushman. To him, the thrill found in either is simply unparalleled.

Mark Graham

HELICOPTER PILOT

Flying strengthens his appreciation for dramatic mountains. He finds the high alpine of the Mt. Cook area to be particularly special and values meeting new people while exploring the high country.

Jenna Allan

GROUND CREW

She recommends a visit to our National Park neighborhood in a heartbeat, where her favorite track is stunning Sealy Tarns. For Jenna, everyday at work is a new adventure which she meets with a signature smile.

Jordan Hopcroft

HELICOPTER PILOT

A focused professional, Jordan prioritizes an excellent flight experience for our guests. He works hard in support of his Team on base, and his family at home.

Rhyss Bennett

GROUND CREW

A passionate cyclist, Rhyss has notched more than a few mega rides, around the world. He enjoys his sport and bakes a primo banana bread.

Sam Brady

HELICOPTER PILOT

He’s flown over Africa and Australia and begun a wonderful young family along the way. Trust Sam to be quick with a smile and a keen hand when it comes to fine coffee.

Sam Gray

HELICOPTER PILOT

With a father who is a gyrocopter pilot, Sam was raised in aviation and is proud to be following that tradition. To him, a scenic flight to marvelous Liebig Dome is one of life’s must-dos.

Kenny McCallion

GROUND CREW

Calm, Collected, and never far from his trusty cap, Kenny is amazed at Mt. Cook’s practically endless opportunities to explore, particularly the high alpine huts.

Roger Hartop

HELICOPTER PILOT

Roger is a very experienced helicopter pilot with a love of the mountains. He’s a steady hand on the stick and a dedicated family man as well.

Kirby Rose Wadsworth

GROUND CREW

Energetic and outgoing, she loves living in mountains and being a part of the joy aviation brings to a guest. To her, what is once-in-a-lifetime is absolutely priceless.