Pingo has a natural love for the bush and adventure, growing up near to the Kruger National Park in the striking sub-tropical area of the lowveld bush, Nelspruit, South Africa, the natural choice in line for Pingo was to take to the Southern African skies over Botswana. Pingo complements our team at Helicopter Horizons with a wealth of bush knowledge and a broad flying background. If you are a keen birder, Pingo is the pilot for you knowing a large amount of the species found in the Okavango Delta.
With beautiful landscapes and an abundance of wildlife, be it the massive elephant or a small (in comparison) spotted hyena, both of which being his favourite mammals. Pingo enjoys sharing his knowledge with guests and flying for photographers and film crews, allowing for the perfect angles and opportunities to capture these memories making him an ideal choice for those who want an unforgettable experience while exploring this beautiful area of Botswana.
Michael, our seasoned pilot with a passion for aviation, was born in South Africa. After serving in the British Army, he began his career as a pilot and after training, he got a flying job in southern Botswana. His first flying role involved working with wildlife and veterinary services in the region.
Michael’s interest in aviation was sparked further during this time, and he went on to work with Helicopter Horizons in 2014. Now, he has the privilege of flying over one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, including the amazing Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the Okavango Delta. One of Michael’s most memorable moments was his first orientation flight, where he witnessed cheetah chasing impala through the floodplain. Today, Maun is Michael’s home, and he enjoys exploring the region with his family.
Luke, our resident military veteran and outdoor enthusiast, has a background as a Green Beret in the British Armed Forces. After pursuing his passion for fish guiding and helicopter flying in Canada, he decided to take on an even bigger challenge and expand his horizons by working in Botswana.
Luke is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to both fishing and helicopters. As a seasoned guide, he knows the best spots for Tiger Fish, and as a certified pilot, he can take you there in style. Whether you’re interested in fishing or just want to learn more about the local wildlife, Luke is always happy to share his expertise and insights.
With a degree in engineering, Alec is a man of action. After completing his master’s thesis, he wasn’t content to just the theoretical side. Coming from South Africa with practical experience in aerial game work, he later made his way to Botswana.
Alec is a valuable member of our Helicopter Horizons team, always eager to lend a hand and working tirelessly to ensure our operations run smoothly. His boundless energy and passion for flying make him a delight to have on board. Alec is eager to share his love of this beautiful part of the world with his passengers and show them the breathtaking views from the sky.
Originally from the lush and picturesque Vancouver Island in Canada, Liam joined the dynamic team at Helicopter Horizons in 2022. It was during his early years that Liam’s passion for flying helicopters was sparked by his father, who was a forestry firefighter. With a rich background in various professions, Liam brings a diverse set of skills and experiences to the table.
In 2021, Liam’s aspiration of becoming a helicopter pilot finally came true. He was drawn to the opportunity to explore the beautiful continent of Africa with Helicopter Horizons, and Botswana was an especially enticing destination. The chance to fly over the breathtaking Okavango Delta and share its wonders with guests is a highlight of Liam’s experience with our team. He particularly enjoys flying over the Gomoti area, which he finds to be one of the most captivating regions in the Delta.
Originally from the bustling city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Brendon was captivated by the thrill of flight at a young age. On a father-son trip, he embarked on a joyride in a helicopter and discovered his true passion for aviation. This dream of becoming a pilot was realized in 2021, and since then, he has been eager to share his love for flying with others.
As a member of the Helicopter Horizons team, Brendon has been given the opportunity to explore the vast expanse of Botswana, including the breathtaking Okavango Delta. Whether it’s soaring over the lush landscapes or delivering guests to their dream destinations, he takes pride in providing top-notch service with a touch of humour. When asked about his age, he often chuckles and replies, “Oh, I just got my license yesterday!”
Having grown up in the charming coastal town of Timaru, nestled in the South Island of New Zealand, Mat was inspired by his grandfather’s hobby for writing in multiple aviation magazines. This spark ignited a passion within him to pursue a career as a helicopter pilot. With unwavering determination, Mat achieved his dream in 2018, earning his license in the city of Christchurch.
When the opportunity to join the team here at Helicopter Horizons presented itself, Mat knew it was a great opportunity that can’t be turned down. He has been captivated by the breathtaking views of the Okavango Delta and the diverse wildlife that call this region home. As an accomplished pilot, Mat takes great pleasure in sharing his love for the skies and the great outdoors with our guests. Moreover, his warm and engaging personality has endeared him to everyone at camp, making him an integral part of the Helicopter Horizons family.
Spending his early years in Christchurch, New Zealand, James’s passion for helicopters took root. Growing up with his father in the RNZAF, aviation was practically in his DNA. Prior to arriving in Maun, Botswana, James called Franz Josef in the South Island home, contributing his skills to a helicopter company specializing in breathtaking glacier flights. James completed his training at Christchurch Helicopters in 2020.
The allure of Africa had always beckoned James, and when the irresistible opportunity to fly in Botswana presented itself, he couldn’t resist. The enchanting wildlife and landscapes unique to Botswana became a magnetic draw for him, and now, at Helicopter Horizons, he embraces the chance to make his aerial dreams a reality.
Growing up in the bustling city of Calgary, Alberta, Trent has always drawn to the thrill of adventure and new experiences. After completing a degree in Machining, he realized that the same routine day after day and being stuck inside all day wasn’t for him. As an Emergency Response Tech, he had the chance to work on some of the most challenging and rewarding assignments’. “From fighting wildfires to rescuing people from floods and accidents, I’ve seen firsthand the power of aviation in times of crisis. And it was these experiences that made me realize that being a helicopter pilot was the career for me”.
Once receiving his helicopter license, Trent has now landed here at Helicopter Horizons. With Botswana’s is a beautiful country that offers an endless opportunity to explore and experience new things, the friendly locals, the stunning landscapes, and the chance to go fishing and camping in the Okavango Delta has made it an irresistible destination to pursue his dream.
Alexander’s passion for flying began with a fascination for the behaviour of humans and animals. In 2018, after studying psychology, he started flying fixed-wing aircraft in and around the Nelspruit area, near to the Kruger National Park in South Africa. He soon discovered his love for helicopters and completed his helicopter license in 2022.
He was drawn to Botswana’s natural beauty, which is among the most stunning on the continent. Helicopter Horizons provided the perfect opportunity for him to explore the region and expand his skills as a helicopter pilot. One of his most memorable experiences in Botswana was flying over the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The vast, cracked salt textures gave the impression of being on another planet, and the openness of the landscape was awe-inspiring. Alexander is grateful to be part of the Helicopter Horizons team and looks forward to many more unforgettable moments in the skies of Botswana.
All the way from Vancouver, Canada, Matt witnessed the relentlessness of forest fires, sparking his desire to make a positive environmental impact. This aspiration led him to pursue a helicopter license at Chinook Helicopters in Abbotsford, BC. The initial motivation stemmed from his wish to combat the raging fires in the region.
Matt’s fascination with travel and adventure was ignited by his cousin’s captivating stories and photos from her adventures in Uganda. Eager to explore, he has made his way to the Helicopter Horizons team where Matt has the perfect opportunity to blend his passion for flying with his thirst for travel.
From a young age, having lived in Dubai, the home of the Emirates, New Zealand born Scott, harboured a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. However, his passion intensified at the age of 13 when he experienced his first helicopter flight. Initially venturing into the Air Force path, Scott was driven by the desire to explore the world once he earned his pilot’s license from MIDWEST Helicopters.
Fueled by a passion for travel and adventure, Scott set his sights on Botswana, where the prospect of flying with Helicopter Horizons presented an enticing opportunity. Scott’s preferred flying route traverses the captivating Xugana area, a region that offers diverse landscapes in a compact space, coupled with abundant wildlife—a combination that fueled Scott’s love for exploration and aviation.
Growing up in Iceland, Torfi’s roots are deeply embedded in its landscape, yet his journey led him to explore Florida & Portland USA, Australia, Sweden, and Canada. While Reykjavik served as his home base, his diverse career included construction in and a significant role in the Alcoa aluminium factory. Torfi comes from a family of pilots, with his father, sister, and brother all being pilots and his mother as a stewardess. Though they fly in fixed-wing aircraft, the transition to helicopters for him was inevitable once he took to the controls.
Torfi’s decision to pursue a career in Botswana’s skies was inspired by a fellow student’s recommendation. Fearing a lifetime of regret, he embraced the opportunity, diving into the unique world of Botswana – a stark contrast to his Icelandic roots. “Each day brings new and exciting lessons, and the scenic flights over the Okavango Delta often feel more like a dream than reality”.
Rob grew up in Oostvoorne, Netherlands. His love for flying was inevitable due to two family members being helicopter pilots in Australia and New Zealand. As soon as he hopped in the helicopter to help his uncle with agricultural jobs, he was addicted and couldn’t imagine a life without being a helicopter pilot. Rob knew the challenges that came with finding a job fresh out flight school. He decided to obtain an aircraft maintenance license first and worked as an aircraft maintenance engineer for 3 years on private jets, before deciding to follow his dream. This took him to Wanaka, New Zealand, in 2022 to obtain his commercial pilot’s license. Alongside this, he worked as a helicopter maintenance engineer to grow his knowledge.
When a friend of his came to work at Helicopter Horizons, he decided that it was the perfect opportunity for him to experience the stunning Okavango Delta, as well as give other people the opportunity to explore the beauty of this part of the world.
“Every flight feels like a nature documentary, only David Attenborough’s commentary is missing”.
Ryan grew up in Nelson, which is found at the top of the South Island in New Zealand. Before pursuing a career as a pilot, he was a Whitewater Rafting Guide for over a decade, working around the world in beautiful places including Iceland and Chile. Throughout his career, he was exposed to helicopters as they were often used to access remote rivers. The more he flew in them as a passenger, the more captivated he became and the interest to become a pilot continued to grow, until one day he decided to venture into flying.
He started training in Christchurch New Zealand and found himself drawn to Botswana due to his adventurous spirit, which is how he ended up flying for Helicopter Horizons.
“With hundreds of landing sites, thousands of kilometres to explore, and wildlife everywhere, there is no such thing as a dull moment in the delta”.
Cody grew up on a high-country farm located in Whitecliffs, Canterbury, New Zealand. This lifestyle introduced him to helicopters from a young age. Whether they were mustering cattle or spraying out gorse, he was always around them. A trial flight in 2020 was what sparked his passion even further, leading Cody to start flight training in March 2022 at Christchurch Helicopters.
Cody decided that he wanted to experience the wild and untouched beauty of the Okavango Delta and decided that Helicopter Horizons was the perfect company to gain experience as well as an adventure. His favourite part of the Delta is the Jao concession as it receives the flood waters early in the season, turning the area lush and attracting a wide variety of wildlife. You will always find Cody ready to greet you with a warm and welcoming smile!
Messiah grew up in Palmerston North, New Zealand, where his passion for helicopters started in intermediate school after a Huey from the Air Force visited their school. This exposure made him realise that there’s nothing else he would rather be doing.
Before becoming a pilot, Messiah worked in the New Zealand Army for six years. He then started flying helicopters early 2022 at Christchurch Helicopters in Christchurch, New Zealand. After seeing photos and videos from a friend of his working at Helicopter Horizons, he couldn’t resist and decided to apply for a position here. His favourite area to fly around has been Omdop, due to its natural beauty and the range of wildlife that can be seen from above.
Kane’s passion for flying took root in Christchurch, New Zealand, where he grew up with a fascination in all things that had an engine. His interest was sparked even further when it came to helicopters. A trial flight in 2020 solidified this for him, and he became determined to become a helicopter pilot. After training at Wanaka Helicopters and gaining experience at Southern Lakes Helicopter Mt Cook as ground crew, Kane began his flying career in 2022 at Wanaka Helicopters, showcasing his skills over the beautiful Wanaka basin.
Seeking a new adventure and a change of scenery, Kane found himself drawn to the diverse wildlife in Botswana, specifically the admired African lion. This led him to Helicopter Horizons, where he has been exploring the diverse landscapes since. His favourite area would have to be the Gomoti channel, which boasts a variety of wildlife and a permanent source of water.
Zac grew up in Te Anau, New Zealand, where helicopters were constantly on the move. He used to watch them fly over him as a kid, which was the start of his journey in becoming a pilot. As he got older, he realised that there was no better way to earn a living than by flying around unforgettable places.
He started flying in Wanaka, New Zealand, in 2020, and has been soaring ever since. Before joining Helicopter Horizons, he was flying for Te Anau Helicopter Services in Fiordland, New Zealand. Having worked and lived in the mountains for most of his life, he was keen for a change. With an interest in Africa, Helicopter Horizons was the perfect opportunity for him to gain experience elsewhere, and still explore a new continent and beautiful country in the process. Zac’s favourite area to fly in and around is the northern Okavango Delta as it has an amazing variety of landscapes and the wildlife around the floodplain is incredible.
One incredible Heli-Skiing trip was all it took for Riley to fall in love with flying and helicopters. The excitement and the incredible views from above sparked a passion within him, inspiring him to pursue a career in aviation. Hailing from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, Riley began his flying journey in Kelowna, BC, three years ago. After gaining invaluable experience flying helicopters while based in both Victoria and Vancouver, he decided to embark on an exciting new chapter by relocating to Botswana.
Transitioning from the typically mountainous and chilly landscapes of Canada, Riley was drawn to Botswana’s vast flatness, warm climate, and abundant wildlife. Although the Okavango Delta features a stunning mosaic of diverse landscapes, Riley’s favorite area remains the edge of the floodwaters. There you can witnessing the life that the waters nurture, creating a beautiful place to explore from above.
Cole grew up in Kamloops BC, Canada, where he aspired to be a Heli-ski pilot fresh out of high school. After living in a mountainous terrain and being exposed to helicopters from a young age, he decided to save up until he could afford to make his dream become a reality. This took flight when he became licensed in 2019 with Chinook Helicopters West Coast BC and landed him based across BC & Alberta in Canada. Cole decided to broaden his horizons and experience working in a foreign country, which is how he became a member of the Helicopter Horizons team. Although it is a tough decision, his favourite area to explore is the northern Delta, where the waterways branch out and the Okavango Delta landscapes come to life alongside the water.
Bradley grew up in Worcestershire, UK, a region known for its famous Worcester sauce. His passion for flying has been around for as long as he can remember. His journey began with RAF cadets, where he was flying Grob Tutors. A trial flight in a helicopter was all it took to get him hooked, which sparked his career as a helicopter pilot.
Before relocating to Maun, Botswana, Bradley was based in Leicestershire, where he worked as a Helicopter Flight Instructor for Bristow Cadets for aspiring students. He also flew Pipeline Operations for National Grid, covering various locations across the UK. His move to Botswana was driven by his long-standing desire to experience a safari and the chance to explore the delta from the air. The combination of adventure, incredible game sightings, networking opportunities, and the challenge of flying in a diverse environment made the decision an easy one.
Among the various regions in Botswana, Bradley finds the Jao concession particularly captivating. The ever-changing terrain and common animal sightings every 10 miles keep each flight exciting, and when the waters are high, the islands offer a tropical vibe.
© Helicopter Horizons 2024
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