From Hurricane to the Skies: A Local Pilot’s Return to Southern Utah

Raised in Hurricane, Utah, and now serving as Chief Pilot at Zion Helicopters in Virgin, one local aviator has come full circle—returning home to share the landscapes that first inspired his love of flight.

Growing up in Southern Utah, he spent much of his time exploring the region’s terrain, from Water Canyon Arch to the historic Canaan Mountain logging cable drop. Hikes to Angels Landing and Observation Point, along with weekends spent in the remote beauty of Kolob Canyons, helped shape a deep appreciation for the land—one that now defines his career.

After years away building flight experience, returning home has offered a renewed perspective. His aviation background includes flying Grand Canyon tours, providing flight instruction, and serving as a check pilot, all contributing to a strong foundation in safety and professionalism. Today, that experience carries into his leadership role at Zion Helicopters.

Seeing the landscape from the air offers a dramatically different vantage point. Even after a lifetime in the region, the perspective from above continues to reveal new terrain and hidden details that are not visible from the ground.

At Zion Helicopters, scenic flights are designed to be accessible for a wide range of visitors. Guests fly aboard a modern, climate-controlled jet helicopter with stadium-style, forward-facing seating and wide panoramic views of the West Zion area. Flight options range from shorter introductory routes to extended tours covering up to 100 miles.

One of the standout highlights is the Canaan Mountain Wilderness Area, where flights move alongside towering rock formations and over cliffs that drop more than 2,000 feet, offering views that are otherwise unreachable.

Operations have also expanded to include tours from Bryce Canyon National Park, where passengers can view well-known formations such as Boat Mesa, the Sinking Ship, and surrounding cliffside landscapes from above.

Now living back in Southern Utah with his wife and three children, he continues to focus on growing the company’s offerings, including scenic tours, private charters, and additional aerial services. For those familiar with Zion or visiting for the first time, the experience offers a new way to see the region from above.