Certified Flight Instructors

Growing up in Wisconsin, Abigail went to college in Nebraska to become an Occupational Therapist. She then found her passion for aviation when visiting her great grandfather in Canada, she would fly around with him in his float plane. Since then, she has been interested in flying and decided to follow her dreams of becoming a pilot. Her goal is to become a MediVac or an aerial firefighter pilot.

Amy grew up in Dallas, Texas. Becoming a helicopter pilot was never a childhood dream of hers, but after doing an intro flight for fun, she fell in love with flying. She saw an opportunity to do her flight training in Hawaii here with Mauna Loa Helicopters, and has stayed here ever since! Her goal is to start flying utility and long line operations, and eventually fly for a fire department.

Christian Schlicht was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico but moved from Montana to accomplish his training in Hawaii. After an exciting childhood filled with all different forms of aviation Christian Schlicht finally found the exact route to follow. Coming from a long line of family pilots he is now dedicated to helicopters and will pursue a long carrier flying and living the dream.

Born and raised in Central Texas, Christine has always been drawn to the outdoors. After graduating from Texas State University, she moved to New Zealand where she spent two years as an Adventure Cave Guide. In 2017, she moved to Kona as a Divemaster and soon became a Boat Captain. After a ride in the MD500 with Paradise Helicopters, Christine knew she wanted to fly helicopters. She thoroughly enjoys sharing her passion for helicopters with others and hopes to utilize her skills to try various jobs around the world.

Christoph started his career as a helicopter pilot in 2015 back home in Switzerland. His attitude was always to make the journey the goal. After an initial stop in California and completing the commercial training in Switzerland, he decided to continue his personal development with Mauna Loa Helicopters in Hawaii. His long-time goal is to fly long-line operations or even Search and Rescue.

Clay Cooper was born in the small town of Mayfield, Kentucky. He joined the Army Reserves right out of High School in order to use benefits from the reserve program for his helicopter training. His goal has always been to help people as a helicopter pilot. Therefore he is pursuing a career as an SAR pilot or an aerial firefighter.

Denis was born and raised in Russia, where his father sparked his passion for flying helicopters. From an early age, he was captivated by the beauty and complexity of the profession. With great enthusiasm, he began his training in the high-altitude Caucasus Mountains of southern Russia. However, his desire to explore the world and challenge himself in new environments brought him to Hawaii in September 2023. There, he embarked on his journey at Mauna Loa Helicopters, and he remains deeply grateful for the professional education and invaluable experiences he has gained from the exceptional team and breathtaking surroundings. Looking ahead, he aspires to work in mountainous regions, specializing in heliskiing and search and rescue operations.

Born and raised in Kailua-Kona, aviation has always been an intrinsic facet of Ethan's life. Through exposure within the field ranging from the F-35 to the MD 500, he set his sights on pursuing rotary wing as a career after working in helicopter flight operations via dispatch and ground crew. Upon completion of the Professional Pilot Program at Mauna Loa Helicopters, he considers himself fortunate to train the next generation of aviators in his home state of Hawai'i. His career aspirations include aerial firefighting/SAR, tours, executive charters, heliskiing and offshore.

Flying wasn’t an option growing up in northern Indiana. After obtaining an accounting degree, Grey spent four years behind a desk, where a tediousness, stuffy, and cold desk didn't fit his adventurous spirit. Making a career switch may have seemed like a U-Turn, but it was the perfect fit. After Mauna Loa, he hopes to use his helicopter career to help people and to help himself explore!

Hayzen Luneau is from a small town in rural Vermont and has always dreamed of flight. His passion for helicopters grew after an inspiring trip to Hawaii. Intrigued by the versatility of helicopters, he plans to start as a flight instructor, then move into aerial tours, and at some point possibly contribute to the development of E-VTOL aircraft. Hayzen loves to travel, and a helicopter career allows him to explore new places. Ultimately, he aims to work in emergency medical services/search and rescue, using his skills to help others.

Hunter loves exploring a lot by land and sea. One day a friend he met surfing introduced him to the skies. After trying to fly a sailplane at dillingham and viewing Mt. Ka’ala from above, he knew he needed to pursue aviation. He later worked in the Pu'u Kukui valleys and saw helicopters overhead, which sparked his interest in rotorcraft. Fast-forward and now he’s a stoked CFI.

I was raised in a small town called Breckenridge, Texas where the word “Work” defines who you are. After high school I found myself working 70+ hours a week in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator. I developed such a passion for the industry that I started my own business at 24 years old and by the age 30 I found myself running a military contract here at Pohakuloa Training Area. As my crew and I were wrapping up the final weeks of the contract, I reflected on a childhood memory of my brother and I flying through the canyons in my very 1st helicopter tour. I must have won rock, paper, scissors that day because not only did I get to sit in the helicopter, I got placed in the front of the cockpit with the pilot. Growing up, I never actually considered that I could be the one flying the helicopter, much less to make it a career. That all changed the day I walked into MLH for my introductory flight. It was no easy task, and there were obstacles and challenges along the way, but with hard work and dedication I passed every exam and check ride on the 1st attempt, and if I can do it, SO CAN YOU!

Oskar Andreas Olsen, 24 years old, from Norway. “My fascination for helicopters began during my childhood, watching the local EMS operations at the hospital almost daily from my house.” However, the helicopter fascination was paused as he planned to become an engineer. During high school, he realized his interest was in aviation and flying. After completing military service in the Norwegian Army, he was accepted into the Air Force pilot academy. However, it took an unexpected turn when he was cut from the academy. The dream was still alive, and he enrolled at the European Helicopter Center in Norway, where he completed his EASA licenses. Half a year later, he moved worldwide and converted his licenses through the Professional Pilot Program at Mauna Loa Helicopters. The ultimate goal is to finish where it started, return to Norway, and fly EMS from that hospital I watched in childhood.

Born in South Africa I discovered my passion for flying at 15, Initially pursuing fixed-wing aircraft. Then moved to the USA at 17. I shifted my focus to helicopters after exploring firefighting after college. I earned my private license in California then moved to Mauna Loa Helicopters to finish my training. Now, I’m thrilled to call the skies my office!

Born and raised in the foothills of the Everest region. Sonam has been witnessing mountain rescues since he was a child, which has sparked his interest in helicopters. Upon graduating from high school in Science, starting his professional pilot training program was a no-brainer for him. At the age of 19, he pursued his training and has been fond of flying over the Hawaiian volcanoes and valleys ever since. He aims to return home at some point in his life to become a high-altitude rescue pilot after gaining the necessary skills in his life and developing a strong mindset of being a safe captaincy & a disciplined pilot.