TEAM
Meet Our Team of Global Advisors and Their Experience In Flight Opertions
Andy McKay
Andy McKay is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in aviation and law enforcement, bringing over 25 years of experience in leadership and operational roles. His expertise spans CEO, Chief Pilot, and Chief Flight Instructor positions, and he is widely respected as a helicopter subject matter expert.
Currently, Andy serves as the Standards Lead (Helicopter) for the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand and is also the Director of CAA for Niue. Under his leadership, the Heliflight team provides aviation advisory services across Southeast Asia and North America.
As a recognized subject matter expert, Andy plays a key role in accident investigations and court proceedings as an expert witness. His deep industry knowledge and analytical approach make him a sought-after consultant in aviation safety, due diligence projects and regulatory compliance.
Previously, Andy was the General Manager of PT Eastindo in Jakarta, Indonesia, overseeing corporate jets, helicopter, and a turboprop fleet for international and utility operations in Sumatra. His leadership in this role strengthened operational efficiency and regulatory compliance in complex aviation environments.
Andy holds an ICAO certification in Risk Assessment, Auditing, and Safety Management Systems and is a Certified BARS Auditor. With over 8,000 flight hours, he is rated on 18 heavy and light helicopters and remains active as a flight examiner. He also contributes to FAA and U.S. aviation safety working groups, ensuring best practices in global flight operations.
A passionate educator, Andy frequently lectures on Emergency Response Planning and helicopter flight operations, sharing his knowledge with industry professionals and stakeholders.
Additionally, he is a graduate of Cranfield University’s Applied Air Accident Investigator Course, reinforcing his expertise in forensic accident analysis. His law enforcement background as a former Detective with the Royal New Zealand Police further enhances his investigative skills, particularly in aviation accident forensics and in due diligence reporting.
Andy is known for delivering comprehensive, no-nonsense reports to boards of directors, ensuring a thorough and honest assessment of both strengths and weaknesses within an organization. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to integrity make him a trusted leader in the aviation industry.
Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Andy continues to play a pivotal role in aviation safety, regulatory oversight, and expert consultancy worldwide.
Frederic L. Wilken
Frederic L. Wilken is a highly experienced aviation professional with over 50 years in both civilian and military aviation. He is an Airline Transport Pilot for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, holding type ratings for the Hawker 400, G200, and G550, and an FAA-licensed Aircraft Engineer (A&P, IA). He is also a retired FAA Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR).
With 13,700+ flight hours (6,200+ fixed-wing, 7,400+ rotary-wing), Frederic has held key leadership roles, including Director of Operations, Chief Pilot, Director of Safety, and Civil Aviation Safety Officer across FAA, DGCA, and international regulatory environments. He has led over 800 fatal accident investigations, consulted on aviation safety programs for airlines and corporate operators, and conducted pre-purchase inspections for A320s, B737s, G200s, and G550s.
His expertise spans airworthiness conformity, risk assessment, accident reconstruction, and regulatory compliance. He has consulted for the U.S. Forest Service, auditing firefighting operations, and has worked with oil companies, airlines, and insurance firms worldwide. His military service includes combat flying CH-47 Chinooks, serving as a Test Pilot, Maintenance Officer, and State Safety Officer.
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Frederic holds an MBA (Lindenwood College) and a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (Arizona State University). Recognized for his contributions, he has received the Distinguished Flying Cross, four Bronze Stars, and 32 Air Medals. His extensive background makes him a leading expert in aviation safety, accident investigation, and regulatory oversight.
Andy and Ric have worked extensively supporting each other in Southeast Asia and the USA for the past 17 years so make for a formidable team.
Sara McKay
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Sara McKay leads our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and specialist counseling services, offering dedicated support for aviation professionals facing the unique pressures of the industry. With firsthand experience managing a busy helicopter operation and living as an expat in Indonesia, she understands the personal and professional challenges that come with aviation careers.
A qualified counselor with a Bachelor’s in Counselling, Sara specializes in anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, and relationship challenges. Trained in Person-Centred Therapy, CBT, and Narrative Therapy, she provides practical, tailored support to help individuals and teams navigate workplace and personal struggles.
Aviation Wellbeing & Support Specialist​
With a deep understanding of cross-cultural work environments and aviation management, Sara helps aviation professionals build resilience, clarity, and balance, supporting both personal well-being and professional success.
Hannah McKay
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Hannah McKay is Heliflight’s resident aviation analyst, specializing in detailed data analysis, records review, and operational assessments. With a keen eye for accuracy and compliance, she plays a vital role in due diligence and strategic evaluations, ensuring aviation operations meet the highest standards.
Before joining Heliflight, Hannah worked as a Consultant at a leading Architecture, Engineering, and Design consultancy in Auckland, where she honed her expertise in data-driven strategy, stakeholder engagement, and complex project management. Her diverse professional background working with a variety of clients, including central and local government agencies, private companies, and non-governmental organisations, has contributed to her a broad analytical perspective that enhances aviation decision-making.
Aviation Analyst
Hannah’s career has taken her to London, where she had a number of temporary contracts in technical support, office management, and production coordination. This experience developed her ability to adapt to high-pressure environments, manage intricate datasets, and deliver actionable insights—key skills in aviation analysis.
Beyond her corporate experience, Hannah has been involved in humanitarian efforts, including work on a relief and development project in Nepal. This role reinforced her ability to operate in challenging environments, manage logistical complexities, and contribute to mission-critical initiatives—a mindset that translates directly to her work in aviation.
At Heliflight, Hannah’s expertise is instrumental in risk assessment, operational efficiency analysis, and regulatory compliance support. Her meticulous attention to detail and structured approach make her an invaluable asset to any due diligence project, ensuring clients receive comprehensive, data-backed evaluations that enhance aviation safety and operational integrity.
Global Team
Heliflight has 10 aviation advisors in various countries around the globe whose expertise and experience include Flight Operations, Safety Management Systems, Airworthiness, Airports Offshore Auditing, Safety Auditing, Risk Management Sales and Inspection.
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​Countries included :
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USA
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Canada
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Europe
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African continent
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Middle East
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Central and South America
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Australia
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Singapore
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Indonesia
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South East Asia
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PNG
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Pacific Islands
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New Zealand
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China
“Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding. ” - Albert Einstein.