Helicopter Institute announced the appointment of Jonathan Britton as President, succeeding founder Randy Rowles who will continue with the company as Director of Operations and Training, remaining actively engaged in flight operations, training, checking, safety, regulatory oversight and the development of current and future programmes.
Britton brings more than 22 years of U.S. Army Aviation experience to the role. A retired Lieutenant Colonel, Assault Battalion Commander, Special Operations veteran and military Instructor Pilot, he completed 13 operational deployments and built a career around aviation leadership, standardisation, readiness and the development of aviators.
His experience also includes oversight of large-scale aviation organisations, government flight operations and complex military aviation programmes. Britton also holds an Executive MBA from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, pairing more than two decades of military aviation leadership with formal executive business education.
Speaking about the appointment Rowles said “Jon brings exactly the combination of leadership, aviation credibility and character that Helicopter Institute needs for its future. He is an exceptional aviator, but what stands out most is his ability to lead people, establish standards and build teams around a mission. He understands accountability, service and the responsibility that comes with developing the next generation of aviators. I trust his judgment, respect his abilities in the cockpit and have tremendous confidence in him as President of HI.”
The announcement of Britton’s appointment comes as the company continues to expand its role in military aviation training.
“I am honored to take on this role at such a pivotal point in the company’s story. Helicopter Institute is a special company, and that is a direct reflection of what Randy and his team have built. The trust placed in us by military, government, public safety and commercial operators around the world is earned one pilot at a time, and my focus is on honouring that foundation while helping write the next chapter.” said, Britton.
“This is not Randy Rowles stepping away from Helicopter Institute,” Rowles added. “It is HI building the leadership depth required for where this company is going. Jon and I bring complementary experience to the organisation, and this structure allows each of us to focus on the areas where we can make the greatest contribution.”
Image: Helicopter Institute
