GEOFF KEIR
DIRECTOR/CHIEF PILOT MERIDIAN HELICOPTERS
14 years experience in the commercial helicopter industry.
Geoff has accumulated years of operational expertise encompassing fire fighting, powerline maintenance and construction, precision lifting, aerial filming, mining support and exploration, disaster relief, remote area operations and more.
KAY DIXON
BUSINESS MANAGER
Kay has been with Meridian Helicopters for the past 4 years and is responsible for the day-to-day running of company financials.
Prior to Meridian, Kay worked as a bookkeeper for Regional Business Services and a 12 year stint in Administration for Ergon Energy.
PAUL VON BERTOUCH
OPERATIONS / PILOT
Paul has been working in the aviation industry for over 20 years in a wide variety of roles.
Paul started his aviation career as an engineer fixing helicopters in the Royal Australian Navy, since then Paul has accumulated experience as a Pilot, Operations Manager, Safety Manager, Instructor and Chief Pilot in civil and Defence organisations, within Australia and abroad. Paul draws on this broad experience to help maintain and improve Meridian Helicopters’ safe and efficient conduct of operations.
JAKE KEIR
GROUND CREW
Jake has been working in the family business since its inception and is responsible to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently in this airfield logistics role, with inspection, serviceability and cleanliness of all ground support equipment being key.
Jake along with support crew possess a good working knowledge of helicopter ground operations including re-fuelling, passenger transfer, and handling of long line loads.
MAGGIE MILLER
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Maggie is Meridians Director Geoff Keir’s Executive Assistant. She is also responsible for Meridians Human Resource Department. As her role is quite diverse- Maggie’s main goal is to instil integrity and strong values throughout the business and is focused on building relationships with business partners & colleagues.
ROB BROWN
PILOT
Rob has been in the aviation industry for 3 years, with a strong trade background prior.
Rob began flying remote area operations in Western Australia’s Kimberley Region before coming on board with Meridian in 2017, initially as ground support crew allowing him to learn the business from the ground up, and is now on board full time as a powerline inspection pilot.
ROB WINTER
PILOT
Requiring two phone books and a seat cushion to see over the dashboard, Rob started his flying training in a Cessna 152 at the age off 11 at Archerfield. Starting his helicopter flying training in 2003, Rob has worked all over Australia and Internationally and has experience in powerline maintenance, firefighting, flight instruction, precision lifting, remote area operations, check and training and disaster relief.
Rob is also a Grade 1 flight instructor and a CASA approved part 61.040 examiner for low level ratings and sling endorsements.
HAYDEN FRANKLIN
LOGISTICS & VEHICLE MAINTENANCE MANAGER
Hayden is Meridians Logistics and Vehicle Maintenance Manager. Hayden has been with Meridian since September 2019 and has a strong Vehicle maintenance/ mechanical background. Prior to working with Meridian, Hayden worked as a light vehicle mechanic for 10 years. His broad knowledge makes him a strong Asset to the business.
MICK TSCHIRN
OPERATIONS / AERIAL LINESMAN
Mick has been working co-currently in the helicopter and powerline industries throughout Australia and overseas for 28 years. He is Australia’s first and most experienced helicopter lineworker with over 10,000 hours performing highly technical airborne powerline tasks.
Mick has held multiple key positions within the industry, such as Training and Safety Manager, Quality Officer, as well as extensive experience project managing very large contracts in Australia and overseas.
Mick has been at the forefront of innovation, developing and overseeing many industry “firsts”, helping make the industry safer while delivering higher quality results and increased efficiency.
SEAN QUINN
AERIAL LINESMAN / PHOTOGRAPHER
Sean has been working in the powerline industry for over 18 years, gaining skills within electricity networks across all Australian states as well as overseas before joining the Meridian Helicopters team.
Over the years he has worked within the Distribution and Transmission systems throughout the mining and consumer industries.
Sean is vastly experienced in both airborne and ground-based powerline work techniques, including live line barehand, live line stick, insulator washing, fault finding and routine patrol work, including working within both the maintenance and construction sectors.