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Helicopter pilot Pingo

Pingo

Chief Pilot

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.

Helicopter pilot Michael

Michael

Senior Pilot

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.

Helicopter pilot Jack

Jack

Senior Pilot

Jack hails from the picturesque Southland region of New Zealand, known for its rugged coastline and natural beauty. He was struck by the similarities between the Linyanti wetlands and dry landscapes of Chobe National Park and felt at home here.

Jack’s passion for flying brought him to Maun in 2021, where he found the perfect combination of adventure and opportunity. Each day at work offers a new adventure as he takes to the skies and explores the beautiful Delta. He is thrilled to spot elephants, leopards, wild dogs, and of course, his favorite – the lion. Sharing this incredible experience with others is what truly makes Jack’s job worthwhile.

Luke

Senior Pilot

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.

Helicopter pilot Alec

Alec

Senior Pilot

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.

Fondy

Senior Pilot

We are delighted to introduce you to Fondy, a skilled and experienced bush pilot at Helicopter Horizons. Born in the southern Netherlands, Fondy has always been drawn to the vastness of the world beyond Europe, and he embarked on an epic journey south. After one year of cycling through Africa, Fondy arrived in Kenya, where he became a seasoned bush pilot.

Fondy’s passion for aviation and love for exploring new destinations brought him to Botswana, where he was amazed by the beauty of the Okavango Delta. As an accomplished bush pilot, Fondy is a valuable member of our team and has many fond memories of flying in the stunning landscapes of Botswana. One of his most cherished experiences was flying over the salt pans with a crystal-clear water mirror below, surrounded by flamingos and a beautiful blue sky. Fondy’s love for adventure and passion for aviation continue to make him an excellent pilot and a valuable addition to our team at Helicopter Horizons.

Helicopter pilot Liam

Liam

Line Pilot

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. 

Helicopter pilot Brendon

Brendon

Line Pilot

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!”

Ruben

Line Pilot

Ruben’s journey to becoming a helicopter pilot began with a passion for engineering in Belgium, but he soon found his true calling was in the skies. After obtaining his commercial pilot’s license in Canada, he embarked on a new adventure in Botswana, eager to explore the diverse landscapes and hone his piloting skills.

One of Ruben’s most memorable experiences in Botswana has been the Santadandiba area, a breathtaking location that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and aviation challenges. The friendly and welcoming nature of the local Batswana people has also made his journey all the more enriching. Ruben is thrilled to be a part of the Helicopter Horizons team, where every day brings a new opportunity to push the boundaries of aviation and explore the incredible wonders of the Okavango Delta.

Helicopter pilot Alexander

Alexander

Line Pilot

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.

Helicopter pilot Trent

Trent

Line Pilot

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.

Helicopter pilot Mat

Mat

Line Pilot

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.

Matt

Line Pilot

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.

James

Line Pilot

James’s journey took flight after receiving a 20-minute trial helicopter lesson on his 9th birthday, this initial spark led to solo flights at 16 and the acquisition of his first license at 17. Raised in the lush landscapes of New Forest in Southern England, James underwent his private helicopter training in Bournemouth before relocating to West London for university studies, culminating in the attainment of his commercial pilot’s license. He subsequently worked as a private charter helicopter pilot crisscrossing the United Kingdom and extending his flights into France.

The allure of Helicopter Horizons (HH) gripped James through the vivid narratives and captivating images shared by a close friend who was a former HH pilot. These tales, infused with the charm of northern Botswana and the Okavango Delta, ultimately brought James to explore these enchanting landscapes firsthand. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans emerged as James’s favourite areas to fly over – “a surreal experience similar to soaring over the Moon”.

Scott

Line Pilot

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.

Torfi

Line Pilot

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”.

Helicopter pilot Bart

Bart

Seasonal Pilot

Bart’s connection to Africa runs deep, and Botswana holds a special place in his heart. His love for the region was further ignited during family safari trips and an overland adventure in 2013, which started in the Netherlands and ended in South Africa. Bart sees combining his passions for travel and flying as a natural fit, and he brings this enthusiasm to his role as a pilot for Helicopter Horizons here in Botswana.

After completing his training in the United States, Bart gained extensive experience navigating the stunning landscapes of The Grand Canyon. He appreciates the beauty of water, especially in regions where it is scarce, and this appreciation for the value of water is reflected in his love for Africa, where the precious resource is treasured. Bart and the other pilots at Helicopter Horizons are eager to welcome you to Botswana and show you the beauty of the Okavango Delta from the air. With their combined experience and love for the region, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Helicopter pilot Barry

Barry

Seasonal Pilot

Barry’s love for flying and adventure brought him to Botswana in 2015, where he joined the Helicopter Horizons team. With his vast experience and knowledge of the country, he quickly became an integral part of the team. Barry’s expertise and friendly demeanor make him a favorite among guests, who appreciate his humor and easy-going nature.

One of Barry’s most memorable experiences in Botswana was a thrilling Wild Dog Hunt, which he piloted from the air while guests were on board. The sight of these incredible animals in their natural habitat was amazing, and Barry’s skill as a pilot ensured that everyone had a safe and unforgettable experience. Barry’s passion for flying and his deep knowledge of Botswana make him an excellent host for helicopter safaris. With his ability to connect with guests and share his love of the region, he is sure to create unforgettable memories for years to come.

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© Helicopter Horizons 2021
Explore Your World

Instagram Facebook Tripadvisor

© Helicopter Horizons 2021
Explore Your World

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