Helinet Aviation, one of the largest and most respected helicopter operators on the West Coast, announced today the appointment of Jim McGowan as President. Jim brings over 28 years of aviation experience and is formerly from FLIR Systems Inc. While there, Jim held various management and leadership positions for FLIR’s government and commercial focused segments. Most recently, he served as Vice President within the surveillance segment and was responsible for domestic business development for government airborne, maritime, land and man-portable systems and radar solutions. Jim also oversaw the development and execution of the company’s commercial sales and distribution strategy for outdoor and tactical enforcement handheld and weapon-mounted thermal imaging products.

McGowan held a variety of leadership positions within the aviation industry before joining FLIR. Jim’s previous experience includes developing and managing the fleet and special mission aircraft market at Pilatus Business Aircraft, and leading aviation system engineering and field service operations at Envirovac Inc. Prior to that, Jim performed in aircraft engineering and FAA Repair Station roles at Alaska Airlines and McDonnell Douglas respectively.

“Jim brings a wealth of experience from all facets of the industry, and I look forward to having him be a key contributor to the continued growth and expansion of Helinet,” said CEO Kathryn Purwin. “He understands our culture, commitments, and disciplines and I feel fortunate to bring him on board as we expand upon our nearly 30 year legacy of providing superior service.”

Helinet provides a multitude of services ranging from VIP charter, emergency patient and organ transport, electronic news gathering (ENG), to film and television production. Its technology division is a leading provider of surveillance solutions for law enforcement agencies throughout the country.

“I am excited and honored to take on this role at Helinet and look forward to working closely with Kathryn and the Helinet team,” said McGowan. “The old aviation adage, ‘you will never do well if you stop doing better,’ comes to mind as I look ahead at leading the excellent Helinet organization to do more, better.”

McGowan holds a bachelor’s degree in Aviation from San Jose State University and is also a certificated FAA A&P mechanic. He is fluent in the German language and is a named inventor on numerous United States patents.

Jim is a devoted family man, having been married to his wonderful wife for 23 years. The couple also has two sons in college.

About Helinet Aviation

Helinet Aviation Services is a diversified helicopter transportation provider located in Van Nuys, California. With nearly 30 years in business, the company has earned a highly trusted and widely respected industry-wide reputation for its exceptional pilots and other team members, unparalleled service, and an outstanding safety record. Helinet serves the following markets: VIP transportation, emergency medical services including patient and organ transport, electronic news gathering (news helicopters), motion picture, television and commercial production, and helicopter fleet management. Its mission is, and has always been, to be Southern California’s preferred carrier for safe, responsive and reliable rotor wing transportation. For more information: www.helinet.com/

About Helinet Technologies

A division of Helinet Aviation, Helinet Technologies is an international provider of aviation technology solutions to the law enforcement, government, and public safety markets. Backed by decades of experience deploying customized surveillance and transmission systems for agencies across the globe, the firm offers a full suite of services, ranging from basic equipment sales to fully turnkey surveillance solutions. For more information: www.helinettechnologies.com