Here is my official Bio...yes there will be a gathering for adult beverages...I flew with some SA's back in 92 in the world championships....Buzz Bezoidenhout, (maybe not spelled correctly), and some others....
Gordon (Gordy) Cox
Redding Air Service
Office (530) 221-2851 Cell (530)410-3480
E-mail:
gordy@reddingairservice.com
Born into an aviation family, I have been in professional aviation since 1982 when I joined the British Royal Air Force. Since leaving in 1989 I have been in managerial positions in the helicopter industry in the US since 1991, having held the roles of line pilot, instructor, Chief Instructor, Chief Pilot, Director of Operations and numerous committee positions, across a wide spectrum of the industry.
Along with still being an active pilot, I strive on a daily basis to run a company as ethically and regulatorily compliant as possible while still watching out for the bottom line. I am a huge proponent of “education and outreach,” and would like to see the industry follow my lead in striving for excellence in all we do.
Aviation Background/Highlights
• I Joined the British Royal Air Force at age 18, served 8 years flying in the back of Nimrods, the British equivalent of the US Navy P3 Orion aircraft, as an Air Electronics Operator chasing Russian submarines and conducting Search & Rescue.
• Trained as a helicopter pilot in 1990 at Helicopter Adventures Inc.
• Former Chief Instructor and Director of Operations for Helicopter Adventures Inc. During the eight years there I wrote nine Part 141 courses, was an administrating official for all VA, J-visa and ACCSCT programs (1990 through 1998).
• During my time in the San Francisco Bay area I was also the named Chief Pilot for Whirlybirds Inc. on their part 133 and 135 certificates. I was part of the initial team of pilots for the Contra Costa County Sheriff Department. I was also designated FAA Air-boss for numerous airshows in the San Francisco Bay area, assuming full control (under NOTAM), of Class D airspace for national airshow performers.
• Was appointed as an FAA Accident Prevention Counselor in the Oakland FSDO in 1992, and continued counseling thru 1998 when I left for Hawaii.
• In Hawaii I flew as a line pilot and again worked my way up to managerial position of Chief Pilot for Island Helicopters Inc.
• Was voted as the Pilot Representative, and FAA appointed member to the Hawaii Air Tour Safety Working Group for the Honolulu FSDO. This work was the precursor to part 136.
• Was Director of Operations and Check Airman for Island Express Helicopters in Long Beach, CA for 5 years, and oversaw the growth of the company from 4 Astar helicopters to a fleet of 3 Astars and 3 Sikorsky S-76’s.
• Currently the Director of Operations for Redding Air Service in Northern California, overseeing a fleet of 8 light and medium helicopters working fire and utility contracts nationwide.
• I am currently the Chairman of the HAI Tour Operator Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Tour Operator Program of Safety, (TOPS), and a member of the HAI Regulatory Safety Working Group.
• I am a graduate of Helicopter Association International, (HAI), Advanced Helicopter Management Course, various “Flying in the Wire Environment,” accident investigation, Leadership, SMS and Advanced SMS courses.
• Throughout my almost 17,000 hours flight time career, I have conducted numerous different types of commercial flying, including: instruction, air shows, ENG, fire suppression, banner tow, law enforcement, oil rigs, aerial filming and photography, tours, and power & pipe line inspections.
More to follow.