Our Pilots
Brendan Thow CEO
Brendan was born and raised in Central Otago giving him extensive knowledge of this amazing region. It’s the place he calls home and he has a passion for showing our visitors this spectacular countryside. Brendan is the founder and owner of Alpine Choppers which he started in 2004.
Brendan’s flying career started in 1984 and has now logged over 10,000 hours. He has flown extensively through Australia, Papua Guinea and New Zealand
His background includes:
- Cattle mustering in Australian outback
- Mineral exploration (Northern Territory and North Queensland)
- Work in the South Pacific including PNG, Solomon’s in support of: Oil, Gas and Mineral exploration
- Long lining
- Fire fighting
- Aerial filming
- Heli-Skiing in the spectacular Southern Alps
Gaven Burgess – Chief Pilot
Gaven started his flying career at the age of 20 and has now logged over 4000 hours.
Gaven is from a deer farming community based in Southland. Born and raised in Fiordland Gaven has flown extensively within the tourist and farming industries.
When Gaven isn’t flying he enjoys hunting, fishing and watching Southland rugby.
His background includes:
- Extensive DOC work
- Long lining
- Fire fighting
- Frost protection
- Wild animal recovery
- Medivac & SAR
Dale Green – Pilot
Dale Green has been flying since 2001. Born in Tuatapere, Dale moved to Australia in 1997, returning to NZ in 2000 and started his flying career with South West Helicopters in 2006. Dale joined Alpine Choppers in January 2010; based at the ACL base in Clifden, he currently undertakes charter, commercial and recreational flights and works closely with the Tuatapere Humpridge Track.
REMARKABLES
The Remarkables & Lake Wakatipu
25 Minutes Approximate Trip Time – $180 per person
As you fly up the face of The Remarkables and land just below double cone, you will experience unparalleled views and the sheer height of this 7500ft mountain peak…
“Bellissimo!”
(Julia and Vencenzo – Italy – 10 April 09)
