Meet Our Helicopter Instructors

Chris Jordan

Helicopter Chief Instructor

Jay Bunning

Director of Training

Matt Smith

Director of Student Progress

Scott Hampton

Helicopter Instructor

Clay Webster

Helicopter Instructor

Kevin Moore

Helicopter Instructor

Nicholas Rodriguez

Helicopter Instructor

Sarah Trask

Helicopter Instructor

Howard Hoddick

Helicopter Instructor

testimonial Kuecker, Chris

Chris Kuecker

Helicopter Instructor

Jarrod Heli testimonial

Jarrod Kiefer

Helicopter Instructor

Henderson Scott testimonial

Scott Henderson

Helicopter Instructor

Matthew Bousfield

Helicopter Instructor

Judah Willett

Helicopter Instructor

Adam Elis

Helicopter Instructor

Layne Kulhanek

Helicopter Instructor

Elijah Shanklin

Helicopter Instructor

Bodie Blakely

Helicopter Instructor

Dylan Delahunt

Helicopter Instructor

Cole Hill

Helicopter Instructor

Andriy Wybaczynsky

Helicopter Instructor

Josh Casciano

Helicopter Instructor

HELICOPTERFLEET

Our Helicopter Fleet

Are you ready to fly? We select our helicopters for their safety, reliability, and flight learning progression. Modern and meticulously maintained, they’re ideal for beginners and career pilots alike. 

LEARN MORE
Robinson R22 Helicopter

Robinson R22 Helicopter

Robinson R22 Helicopter

The two-seat R22 helicopter is a proven workhorse that has delivered exceptional value in various applications for over thirty years. It’s the most popular airframe used in flight schools worldwide. The R22 is a piston-powered helicopter with a two-bladed rotor system and the latest Robinson technology. Operating cost plus maneuverability make this airframe our primary platform for Private, Commercial, and Flight Instructor training.

The two-seat R22 helicopter is a proven workhorse that has delivered exceptional value in various applications for over thirty years. It’s the most popular airframe used in flight schools worldwide. The R22 is a piston-powered helicopter with a two-bladed rotor system and the latest Robinson technology. Operating cost plus maneuverability make this airframe our primary platform for Private, Commercial, and Flight Instructor training.

Robinson R44 Helicopter

Robinson R44 Helicopter

Robinson R44 Helicopter

The four-seat Robinson R44 helicopters are high-performing, reliable, and easy to maintain. R44s have a two-bladed rotor system and the latest in Robinson technology, including streamlined instrument panels and bladder fuel tanks. Their aerodynamic fuselage optimizes airspeed and fuel economy, while hydraulic controls eliminate feedback forces and provide responsive handling. Because of its increased stability and range, we use the R44 for instrument, mountain, long line, and NVG training courses. 

The four-seat Robinson R44 helicopters are high-performing, reliable, and easy to maintain. R44s have a two-bladed rotor system and the latest in Robinson technology, including streamlined instrument panels and bladder fuel tanks. Their aerodynamic fuselage optimizes airspeed and fuel economy, while hydraulic controls eliminate feedback forces and provide responsive handling. Because of its increased stability and range, we use the R44 for instrument, mountain, long line, and NVG training courses. 

Bell 206 Series Helicopter

Bell 206 Series Helicopter

Bell 206 Series Helicopter

The Bell 206 series helicopter is a two-bladed, turbine-powered helicopter. They are flexible, all-purpose helicopters that comfortably seat 3-5 passengers. We use these aircraft for tours and our turbine transition, long line, and mountain courses.

The Bell 206 series helicopter is a two-bladed, turbine-powered helicopter. They are flexible, all-purpose helicopters that comfortably seat 3-5 passengers. We use these aircraft for tours and our turbine transition, long line, and mountain courses.

Frasca AATD R44 Simulator

Central Oregon Community College’s Frasca simulator is standardized to match the instrument cockpits of our actual aircraft. Students expand on maneuver techniques and emergency procedures and learn to fly in adverse weather and visual conditions to any of the 100,000 airports. All in a controlled learning environment without the risk and stress of actual flight. Additionally, for the instrument rating, students can gain up to 40% of the instrument flight experience required for an FAA instrument rating at a fraction of the cost.

Chris Jordan Chief

Helicopter Instructor


Though he now serves as our Chief Helicopter Instructor and the Director of Operations, Chris Jordan started his aviation career as a Leading Edge Flight Academy student. Chris started flying with LEFA back in 2006—when there was one helicopter, one instructor, and no  more than five students. Following flight training, Chris spent 8 years in Alaska flying utility jobs and fire contracts, both with Leading Edge and for other companies. 

Chris’s aviation journey brought him back to beautiful Bend, Oregon, where he’s continued to grow the flight school program by providing exceptional instruction to our students. When asked what advice he’d offer to an aspiring helicopter pilot, he responded that success requires perseverance, dedication, and never saying no to something that will further your career. 

“If you make the decision to start flight training, stick with it. Dedication is number one.” — Chris 

Why Fly With Leading Edge?

At Leading Edge Flight Academy, we’ve built our flight school experience on four core values: safety, service, expertise, and integrity. Learn more about what that means for students like you. 

GET STARTED

Helicopter Training Podcast Episode 1

Your complete guide to starting your journey as a helicopter pilot. Whether you’re just curious or ready to begin, we’ll walk you through:

  • The steps to earning your pilot certificates
  • How to choose the right flight school and helicopter airframe
  • Funding options, including VA benefits, scholarships, and loans
  • Free resources and tips to get started today
  • Recommended supplies and books to set you up for success

Listen to the Helicopter Training Podcast

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“
My week at Leading Edge was an absolute success from start to finish: educational, fun, and humbling in all the best ways. The whole experience felt like concierge-level service. I came in with a list of objectives, and even when surprises came up, the team kept everything moving and put every available hour to good use. The amount we accomplished in five days was staggering. The instructors were exceptional: safety-first, warm, encouraging, patient, and genuinely skilled at conveying knowledge. Every ground session was well-paced, and every flight maximized learning without pushing into fatigue. Student housing was perfect, and the line service crew was prompt, careful, and always right on time. Leading Edge showed me what a top-notch student experience should look like.

wurzel, Whirlybird Aviation LLC

wurzel, Whirlybird Aviation LLC
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“Leading Edge Aviation has always been a very good source of well-trained professionals that work hard and make our customers very happy. TEMSCO currently employs several Leading Edge Aviation pilots who are at various stages of experience from 1st year tour pilots to contract pilots, and we are very happy with all of them.”

Eric Eichner | Chief Pilot | TEMSCO Helicopters

Eric Eichner | Chief Pilot | TEMSCO Helicopters
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“I work for PJ Helicopters in Northern California and have been there for four years now! I started flying a Bell 407 for firefighting and have since transitioned into power line and wire work, along with Human External Cargo (HEC) operations. I enjoy the variety of work we do and hope to continue growing within the company.”

Sami Gotschall

Sami Gotschall
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“For the past 2 years I’ve been working for Columbia Helicopters as an SIC in multiple aircraft types supporting their missions worldwide, whether that be domestic fire fighting operations or overseas part 135 work for the DOD.”

Tanner Oldenkamp

Tanner Oldenkamp
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“I started with LEA in 2007 as a flight instructor. There were two R-22’s, an R-44, and the Jet Ranger (316CF). After a couple years of instructing the company purchased two L-Model 206’s and we began the hunt for fire contracts. I believe it was 2010 or ‘11 when we got our first contract in Miles City, MT when I began my fire career. It was around that time I became the chief instructor and was in that roll until 2013 when I moved on. I began working for Hillcrest Aircraft in 2013 flying a 206L4 and in 2014 was transitioned to the 407. In 2016 I was fortunate to get transitioned into the Bell 205 flying rappel contracts.  Have been back and forth between the 407 and 205 ever since. In December of 2023 I became Chief pilot for Hillcrest Aircraft.”

Brandon Knox

Brandon Knox
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“After attaining my 1000hrs, I took a job in the New York City region at first flying tours and charters. The off airport and cross country experience I gained at Leading Edge proved vital to help me fly in this area due to all of the right waterfront and hospital rooftop helipads we often land on as well as the random off airport pickups or drop offs we have. Following that job, I took a position with an ENG company doing the news. I’m having a great time flying!”

Robert Rodgame

Robert Rodgame
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“I instructed at LEFA from 2018-2021. I then went to tours at Maverick, then on to EMS with Sanford Health. Aside from the 22/44 I have time in the 206, 130 and currently the 145 as a SPIFR role. I miss my time at LEFA, it was the foundation I needed to move forward. My advice? Just keep working hard and flying safe, and opportunities will come. And don’t forget to network.”

Cole Schwerin

Cole Schwerin
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“My stage check prepared me for the checkride because the ground was far more in depth. I found my weak points in my knowledge and was able to focus more on them before my checkride. The flight gave me a good example of what a checkride will feel like.”

Christopher Woerner

Christopher Woerner
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“After LEFA I spent two summers working for TEMSCO in Skagway, AK. The company utilizes AS350 B2/B3s to fly tours. I spent my time flying people from cruise ships to various glaciers and our dog camp location. I absolutely loved Alaska! The beauty is unmatched. And the flying was both challenging and rewarding. After Alaska I was looking for a change of pace. So I went back to flight instructing, but this time for the US ARMY. I currently am an Instructor Pilot at Fort Novosel, which is where all Army helicopter training takes place. We currently train in EC145s.”

Becca Voltin

Becca Voltin
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“Training at Leading Edge Flight Academy was key to preparing me for a successful career flying helicopters in Alaska’s oil and gas industry. The school’s location in Bend gave me the opportunity to learn how to handle the fast-changing weather conditions typical of Alaska, with a strong focus on quick decision-making and situational awareness. The chiefs are always approachable and have their office doors open, creating a supportive learning environment. The instructors’ vast experience, combined with the school’s strong network of alumni and industry connections, played a major role in helping me land my job. I’m incredibly grateful for the skills and opportunities that Leading Edge Flight Academy provided, which set me up for success in such a demanding and dynamic environment.”

Jackson Howery

Jackson Howery
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“I trained at Leading Edge from 2009 to 2016 and set a goal early on to fly Helicopter Air Ambulance. After graduating, I flew tours with Papillon in the AS350 and EC130, then moved on to Bristow flying the Bell 407 and Sikorsky S-76C++. I spent time with Guardian Flight flying HAA in the AS350 before joining LifeFlight Network, where I currently fly the AW119 and EC135. My goal when I started was to be part of a team that helps people, using my skills where they matter most. I am fortunate to be where I am and very thankful for it.”

Dustin Ballard

Dustin Ballard
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“My instructor was very thorough during the End Of Course check. I was beyond prepared for my checkride and went into it with all the information I needed to pass.”

Josiah Stranberg

Josiah Stranberg
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“Currently, I am a pilot with Air and Marine Operations as an Air Interdiction Agent with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Leading Edge set the foundation for my career goals. The wealth of knowledge I learned while at LEFA is still with me to this day. Leading Edge Flight Academy helped me get to where I am now in many ways! First, while a student, I worked Line Service and then in Dispatch, where I learned aircraft scheduling, maintenance coordination, and the importance of ground support. Then, when hired as a flight instructor, I had great mentors who taught me the valuable information that I now use flying every day!”

Mario Armendariz

Mario Armendariz
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It was a really fun experience to be able to help ferry the MD500 across the country and fly through extensive airspace. It’s one of those things that, as an instructor, you always talk about and teach but not everyone has done it. I’m truly grateful to have had the opportunity. It’s definitely something I look forward to passing on to another person one day. It was nice to fly one of the coolest helicopters around too, so I can’t complain!

Cody Davis

Cody Davis
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“I really enjoy the culture, professional atmosphere, and how welcoming and friendly everyone is from the top down. There is so much to learn, and I haven’t asked a question and gotten anything other than an answer or help finding one, and friendly chats and conversations are easy to come by.”

Nick Clements

Nick Clements
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“While pursuing my Private Pilot Certificate, I tried out three different flight schools that either closed their doors for good or weren’t the right fit. LEFA was one of the few schools that could honestly stand by their GI Bill® program. Their instructors accelerated my training and helped me achieve my CFII in 9 months. Finding a good flight school is hard! I’ve talked to so many students recently who have been failed by poorly operated schools that don’t hold up their promises. After completing my flight training and instructing at LEFA, I got the opportunity to fly tours in EC 130s and AS 350s in the Grand Canyon. Those experiences prepared me for the 2020 fire season, where I went on to fight fire in Central Oregon. Over the past few years I have had the opportunity to fly a variety of utility work, to include Alaska Heli-Ski and Power Line Construction. Attending Leading Edge Flight Academy built my foundation and provided me with the tools that I use on a daily basis to fly safely in challenging environments.”

Tori Palmer

Tori Palmer
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“I’m having a great time and look forward to the rest of my time learning here!!”

Andriy Wybaczynsky

Andriy Wybaczynsky
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“I want to thank all the instructors and staff at Leading Edge Flight Academy for providing us with top notch pilots over the years. Some of these pilots have stayed with us long term and have been upgraded from SIC to Captain positions in the Bell 212 for our oil and gas operations here in Alaska. The high skill sets and strong work ethics they have learned at Leading Edge Flight Academy has made this partnership immensely valuable to our operations here at Hilcorp Energy.”

Captain Trevor Piersee | Hilcorp Energy

Captain Trevor Piersee | Hilcorp Energy
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“What would you have liked different in training? Nothing comes to mind, compared to the previous school where I did my primary training, Leading Edge is on such a higher scale of professionalism with safety a top priority, I have no complaints!”

David Cloutier

David Cloutier