Our Team
As with all great companies, Volo Mission is dependent on its success from the exceptional and talented people whose commitment fuels this operation. Volo Mission is comprised of a team of professionals committed to providing the highest level of training, support, and customer service to the long line and aerial firefighting industry.
Meet Our Team
Kimberly Hutchings
Founder & CEO
Kim is an entrepreneur, mentor, certified personal trainer, and helicopter pilot who is passionate about increasing awareness of the importance of human performance in the helicopter industry. Kim has a BA in Psychology from the University of Southern California, a Masters in Aeronautical Science with specializations in Human Factors and Safety Systems from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Masters in Leadership and Organization Development from the University Texas Dallas. Kim is driven by her love of flying and her passion for helping others. With her psychology, leadership, coaching, personal training background, and safety specialties, she brings a crucial additional dimension to the Volo Mission training program. Kim also writes a bi-monthly column for Vertical Magazine and does keynote speaking. When she is not working, Kim loves to travel and hang out with the alpacas.
Andre Hutchings
VP of Operations
A 30-year veteran of the helicopter industry, Andre is an entrepreneur, mentor, and pilot. He was country manager and Director of Government Services for Columbia Helicopters for their Afghanistan operation. Andre is passionate about sharing his knowledge of long-lining with pilots entering (or re-entering) the industry. As a pilot, Andre has worked in a multitude of capacities, including firefighting, police work, construction, logging, oil and gas operations, and DOD- Dept of Defense. Based on his experience, as well as observing others in different long line jobs around the world, he created Volo Mission’s industry-leading long line course. When he’s not overseeing operations at Volo Mission, he enjoys trips with his family and spending time on the tractor.
Shelley Myers
VP of Buinsess Operations
Shelley officially started working for Volo Mission at the beginning of 2019 as an Administrative Assistant and is now leading the team as the VP of Business Operations. Combined with her degree in Business Management and her experience of working as a dispatcher and desk reception manager for a large helicopter tour operator in Alaska, Shelley has implemented systems to take Volo Mission to the next level of customer service and operations management. In her spare time, Shelley enjoys baking, cooking, and local hiking trails.
Mackenzie Wilson
Administrative Coordinator
Luis Pinon
Instructor Pilot
In addition to his role as a Volo Mission IP, Luis is a command pilot for Columbia Helicopters, flying long-line missions in Afghanistan to resupply soldiers in remote bases and move heavy equipment for retrograde. Luis’s experience includes precision placement of loads, firefighting, and logging. As a Certified Flight Instructor with long-line experience in both heavy and light helicopters, Luis is an eminently qualified instructor with a passion for sharing his experience with pilots new to the industry. When he is not flying for Columbia or Volo Mission, you’ll generally find Luis off-roading in the desert or at one of his favorite combat sporting events!
Jeremy Wilson
Instructor Pilot
Joe Baugniet
Instructor Pilot
Kyle Campbell
Instructor Pilot
David Reiss
Lead Ground Operations Instructor
David moved from Pennsylvania to Texas to pursue his career in the helicopter industry. His goal is to work as a pilot in the industry but in the meantime, David is Volo Mission’s lead ground operations instructor. David’s drive for excellence, combined with his strong work ethic, makes him an integral part of the Volo Team. When David is not working at The Ranch, you can find him flying and studying.
Hayden Ramer
Ground Operations Instructor
Eli Ham
Ground Operations Instructor
Eli started at Volo in 2018, at the young age of 16. He was working at the local airport and started helping Volo working ground crew. Eli has his pilots license in airplanes and is working towards a career as an airline pilot. Regardless of his airplane status, he knows a thing or two about long line ground operations and has taught many of helicopter pilots on the importance of ground operations. Eli works nights so that he can spend his days pursuing his passion of aviation. Durning the days, you can generally find Eli at the airport, either working, flying, or working ground operations for Volo.
Brandon House
Equipment & Maintenance Instructor
Brandon is an expert at repairing things. He works as an expert for Volo Mission consulting with our customers needing assistance with maintaining and repairing their Bambi Bucket equipment. Brandon works full-time as a Field Maintenance Manager for Columbia Helicopters, leading maintenance crews to keep helicopters safely in the sky. He started his aviation career in the United States Marine Corps as a CH-46 Crew Chief. Brandon has experience in maintaining a variety of aircraft and support equipment including Bambi Buckets. In his free time, you will see him boating with his family and spearfishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
We are proud of Volo Mission’s impact in our industry, and we are committed to giving back through industry associations and community involvement.
companies we’ve worked with
The external load training I received at Volo Mission was invaluable. The intensive program provides the necessary training to develop long line skills in a comfortable, yet challenging environment.
