Meet the Expert Instructors Behind Every Flight at MaxFlight Helicopter
At MaxFlight Helicopter Services, every pilot is more than just a skilled aviator. They are certified flight instructors with a deep commitment to safety, precision, and world-class training. Our team brings together decades of experience across military, commercial airline, and international aviation backgrounds. Whether you’re enjoying a scenic tour or working toward your pilot license, you’ll be flying with professionals who are passionate educators as well as seasoned pilots.
From our founder’s military and business background to our instructors’ diverse global certifications, MaxFlight Helicopter is built on a foundation of integrity, professionalism, and a genuine love for flying. When you book with us, you’re not just taking a ride. You’re stepping into a tradition of excellence in aviation.
Meet Our Pilots and Team
Geoff is both a Certified Flight Instructor with Instrument instruction capabilities as well as an A&P aircraft mechanic. He currently flies our tours, training, aerial photography and charter flights. Geoff also teaches in the part 141 ground school program we have available to our beginning private pilot students.
Before joining MaxFlight in 2018, Geoff had an 18 year career with the airlines as both an aircraft mechanic and airline pilot. His dream all along, however, was to fly helicopters and MaxFlight was happy to have him join our ranks after he trained with us for his CFII helicopter rating. Geoff’s formal education consists of B.S. with a concentration in Aviation Science.
Eric, originally from Germany, discovered his fascination for helicopters during childhood. After finishing high school, he began a career as a paramedic in Germany, where he frequently interacted with EMS helicopter crews. These experiences further fueled his ambition to become a helicopter pilot. Throughout his aviation journey, Eric has earned both European and American Commercial Pilot Licenses, as well as an FAA Flight Instructor Certificate. He is now ready to apply his knowledge and skills to ensure safe and efficient flight operations. Eric is prepared to serve as both a flight instructor and pilot for your specific needs.
Tim brings with him a wealth of experience in the skies. His journey began at the age of 14, honing his skills in gliders before transitioning to powered flight. Originally from Germany, Tim made the move to Portland, OR to pursue his passion further. There, he obtained his FAA Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) licenses. Remarkably, during his FAA flight training, Tim also managed to complete his EASA Commercial Pilot License (CPL-H) with a Frozen Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL-H). At MaxFlight, Tim will work as a pilot for tours, instruction, and special events, but he’ll also be involved on the ground as a loader and in ground operations, showcasing his versatility and dedication to all aspects of aviation.
Duane started his aviation journey in 1984 at the age of 15. He is a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) and a new member of the MaxFlight team. He holds several ratings as a Commercial Pilot in both helicopters and airplanes. He also holds an Instrument Ground Instructor license. He currently flies our tours, introductory flights, flight instruction, aerial photography and flying whenever the need arises. Duane brings a wide array of experience from flying low level aerial photography throughout the state of Florida. He is a seasoned professional, a former business owner and police officer and has a great passion for flying and the aviation community.
Matthias, born and raised in Germany, always wanted to become a helicopter pilot. Before finally starting his aviation career in 2023, he worked as electrician on roller coasters.
Now being a FAA Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight and Instrument Instructor he is on track to get his EASA Commercial Pilot License. As a jack of all trades, he will take care of our customers on the ground and as a pilot for tours, instruction and everything commercial flying.
Meet our founder
Austi Tarter-Leclercq
TAKE THE FIRST STEP.
WE WILL DO THE REST.
Small business owner, Marine veteran, mother of three & pilot. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia with her mother since she was 5 years old, Austi joined the Marine Corps at 18 years old in hopes of a new opportunity. Having completed her Masters degree with the help of the military she decided to try out her newly acquired business skills in the corporate world. However, after many years of trying to find her place she discovered that working for someone else’s passion is a lot harder than it looks!
Austi then decided to go into business for herself and leave the cubicle job for good! With a small introduction of 5 years to aviation in the military, she had been looking for ways to get that same joy and be able to support her family. Austi soon discovered a passion for flying helicopters and that mixed with her pursuit of business was exactly what she had been looking for! With her father being a helicopter pilot and a successful business owner, it was a no-brainer that she could have the best mentor for her new adventure! MaxFlight helicopter Services opened June of 2013 with one R-22 and continues to grow steady with multiple helicopters and various flight services