The Heli-1 Team
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Jordan Gipe, Director of Operations
Jordan brings over 8,500 hours of helicopter flight experience and a lifelong commitment to aviation, having started in his family’s helicopter business at age 13. With an ATP, CFI, and deep operational knowledge in air ambulance, seismic, fire, lift services, and instruction, he has worked in nearly every corner of the industry. As Director of Operations, Jordan is focused on delivering safe, expert service with a customer-first approach.
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Andrew Wilcox, President
Andrew Wilcox, founder of Heli-1 Corporation, brings over 20 years of multi-location business leadership and a deep passion for aviation. A seasoned IFR pilot with over 3,200 flight hours and type ratings in the Falcon 10 and Eclipse 500, Andrew’s aviation experience spans both fixed-wing and rotorcraft. Under his leadership, Heli-1 has grown into a world-class helicopter operator with a strong focus on team culture and operational excellence.
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Andrew Hawkins, Director of MX
Andrew is a seasoned maintenance professional with over 15 years of rotorcraft experience across Canada and the U.S., specializing in wildfire support, heli-skiing, and remote field operations. He holds both Transport Canada AME and FAA A&P licenses and has led teams in high-performance engine conversions and large-scale maintenance programs. In 2024, Andrew joined Heli-1 as Director of Maintenance, bringing deep technical expertise and leadership to support mission-critical helicopter operations.
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Ryan Gembala, Chief Pilot
Ryan, a Montana native, began flying at age 13 and has built thousands of flight hours across diverse missions including wildfire suppression, pipeline patrol, Alaska tours, and heavy utility work. With experience in aircraft like the UH60, H145D3, Bell Medium, and H125, he’s flown for some of the top helicopter operators in the Northwest and Alaska. Since 2021, Ryan has served as Chief Pilot at Heli-1, bringing expert leadership and a deep passion for both aviation and the outdoors.