GEOFF KEIR
FOUNDER | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | CHIEF PILOT MERIDIAN HELICOPTERS
With 20 years experience in the aviation and commercial helicopter industry.
Geoff has accumulated years of operational expertise specialising in aerial 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.
SUSAN VICKERS
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Susan has a long and established career in finance. Along with Sue’s role as company CFO she instils 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.
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.