About The Owners
Mike Green started his career in the aviation industry in 1967 by joining Bristow Helicopters in an Operations capacity at a base in Lincolnshire, where that company was engaged in early North Sea oil exploration support work. A requirement for this job was to hold an aircraft radio operating licence and in Mike's case this formed part of a fixed wing Private Pilot's licence. Moving onto a similar posting in the Middle East and then to Peru and Ecuador, working as a Loadmaster on 'Heli Rig' operations in the Amazon basin; he subsequently commenced a commercial helicopter pilot's course at Redhill in Surrey.
Having qualified as a helicopter pilot in 1972, Mike was posted to Malaysia and Singapore, flying as a First Officer on Sikorsky S61N aircraft engaged in the offshore oil support role. Ensuing years saw him flying a variety of helicopter types mainly in the offshore role and working in the Middle and Far East as well as Africa and Papua New Guinea. Returning closer to home, Mike's flying career continued in the charter field which has consisted of flying the Bell JetRanger helicopter on pipeline survey contracts, as well as a host of other applications including VIP passenger work and operating from a luxury yacht in Monaco. During his career, Mike has clocked up some 9000 flying hours in helicopters.
Sales has always been another interest as well as writing aviation related articles for a number of publications. Having been in the helicopter industry for so many years, this brings with it a wide database of contacts and as a result, Mike has sourced and sold several helicopters on behalf of clients and considerable expertise in this field. Additionally he has written an air test report for 'Pilot' magazine on the popular Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter as well as writing several articles of interest relating to past flying experiences, all of which have been published.
In recent years he has flown a Robinson R44 for a private owner also acting as safety pilot when the owner flew it. Now only flying occasionally mainly in a safety pilot capacity, Mike is committed towards developing his business on both helicopter and fixed wing charter availability, primarily aimed at the horse racing industry based in North Yorkshire, although there are a number of other areas to explore such as aerial tours, weddings, shooting parties and so on.
Mike is working in association with Tony Verbeken, a local former hotelier who has been a racehorse owner as well as chartering helicopters on occasion. He recognises a need for such a service in the area and together with his contacts in the racing industry as well as tourism, provides invaluable assistance in promoting this business.
