About Us

PRESIDENT AND CEO

Vanessa discovered her passion for aviation at 15 during her first helicopter flight. She began her career in 1999 with a Scottsdale-based helicopter operation, quickly advancing from shipping and receiving to international parts sales. After expanding her expertise in fixed-wing operations, she became an aviation entrepreneur, owning and operating multiple family-run aviation businesses for the past 16 years.

As co-owner of Western Sky Helicopters, Vanessa combines her business acumen with a genuine passion for aviation, ensuring every guest enjoys an exceptional experience. She works alongside her husband, Chief Pilot Scott, and loves involving their three children in the business. Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys traveling, reading, and staying active in her kids’ extracurricular activities.

CHIEF PILOT

Growing up in an aviation family, Scott has been around airplanes and helicopters since he was a child. He boasts over 30 years of experience flying helicopters. With certifications in helicopters, airplanes, gliders, and hot air balloons, he can fly just about anything! He spent much of his career flying for local news stations in the valley, giving him an unsurpassed knowledge of the state and its beautiful landmarks. For the past 12 years he has served as a search-and-rescue pilot for the State of Arizona. Scott loves traveling with his family and friends and is an exceptional barbecuer!

PILOT

In Ryan’s 17-year career, he has flown tours across Arizona and Alaska, with extensive experience in Scottsdale, the Grand Canyon, and beyond. His years flying for local news stations have given him a vast knowledge of Arizona’s landscapes, and he is a former Arizona DPS Search & Rescue pilot. In his free time, Ryan is an avid golfer and hikes mountains almost every day.

PILOT/DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Over the past two decades, Cameron’s aviation career has provided him experience in helicopter tourism across the southwest, electronic news gathering and video production flights across the state of Arizona and emergency medical transport throughout the country. In his role as a designated Part 135 Check Airman for the FAA and a certified flight instructor, Cameron has developed and authored pilot training materials and led the instruction of hundreds of helicopter pilots. When not flying he enjoys traveling with his wife and 3 daughters and riding his motorcycles.

DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE

Jon joined Western Sky Aviation, LLC in 2019 as Director of Maintenance, bringing over 30 years of aviation maintenance experience. He oversees aircraft upkeep, safety, compliance, and fleet value retention, with expertise in Robinson, Bell, Agusta, and Airbus helicopters, as well as multiple fixed-wing aircraft. A licensed A&P with Inspection Authorization and a private pilot with an instrument rating, Jon has been flying for over 35 years and enjoys traveling in his own Piper Comanche.

PILOT

Jake is an extensively experienced pilot with over 6,000 flight hours, flying helicopters since 2006. His career began in flight instruction and has since taken him across the globe, with tours and charters in Alaska, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Abu Dhabi, as well as EMS operations throughout the United States. He currently serves as a search and rescue pilot with Arizona DPS, bringing the highest level of skill and precision to every mission. Off duty, he enjoys golf, hiking, and traveling — pursuits that reflect his love of exploration both in the air and on the ground.

LEAD MECHANIC

Keelan joined Western Sky Helicopters in June 2024, maintaining the company's  fleet to the highest standards of performance and airworthiness. An FAA-certified Airframe and Powerplant mechanic, he holds manufacturer training for the AS350, Bell 505, and Robinson R22/R44/R66, with additional experience on Airbus AS350, EC130, and EC135 models. Outside of work, Keelan enjoys time with his wife, Alexi, their newborn son, Paul, restoring his ’56 Ford truck, and spending time with family and friends.

PILOT

Bill is currently flying in support of local law enforcement in Arizona.  With over 30 years of aviation experience—including service as a U.S. Army pilot, retired law enforcement pilot, and former EMS pilot—he has flown helicopters, airplanes, and unmanned aircraft systems. Bill specializes in law enforcement operations and is committed to safety and excellence in every mission. Outside of work, he enjoys skiing, hiking with his family, and exploring the outdoors.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Paige is our skilled Executive Assistant with a leadership background, sharp attention to detail, and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service. Personable, efficient, and discreet, she takes pride in keeping operations running smoothly, prioritizing clients needs and supporting team success. Paige loves to cook, travel and hang out with her dogs!