Evan Van Gilson as a young boy has always been fascinated by fast and loud vehicles. His first experience with helicopters was around the age of six 
years old when the New Jersey State Police landed in the parking lot of his mothers work for a community event. He remembers saying “This thing is awesome!” In high school he began searching eBay for experimental helicopters joking about how one day he was going to buy one, with the money he didn’t have, and learn how to fly it. As many young adults, when Evan graduated High School he went straight into the work force which instead of flying, he went into the law enforcement industry. About 6 years later, Evan got his second experience with the N.J. State Police helicopter, but this time he actually got to fly in it. Evan stared out of the window and pointed out all of the areas he recognized! He felt like he was in a different world and he LOVED IT! Evan told everyone about it and finally started taking lessons in helicopters. It was a tough career move to make, but in his mind he kept saying “It’s now or never.” He decided to follow his dream and fulfill his love for flying which has since lead Evan to great places, people and experiences. And now it has lead Evan to you, the person reading this! Evan has worked for 8 different helicopter companies in which 3 he is still working for. Evan currently flies aircrafts that have just 2 seats to some that seat 10 in both Helicopters and Airplanes. Evan has held positions for 135 Charter Captain and Company Check Airman, as well as Captain Positions for Privately owned aircrafts that he is a part of managing.
Ryan Majette is a new flight instructor and a New Jersey native who completed all of his training right here at Platinum Helicopters. He also holds a foreign EASA private rotorcraft license with flight experience throughout the UK. Ryan was always fascinated by helicopters, wondering how they work, and the physics involved in how they fly. For many years helicopters remained a recurring thought in the back of his mind until this curiosity eventually got the better of him, he went on a demo flight and was instantly hooked! Ryan is thrilled to finally be in a position to share the fun of flying with students and customers.
Emily Borchert is a helicopter flight instructor from Hudson Valley, New York. Emily graduated from SUNY New Paltz with degrees in Biology and Spanish. Emily loves a challenge and that is what made her love helicopters. It was truly love at first flight. She is extremely dedicated to improving her flying skills and is excited to share this love of learning with all aviators!
Austin Rose is a helicopter flight instructor who tried many jobs and wore many hats in the realms of law enforcement, animal care, hospitality, real estate, ranching and paleontology before realizing that aviation was the place for him. He completed a majority of his training here at Platinum Helicopters with instructors from a variety of backgrounds and is excited to show those new to aviation the many exciting aspects of helicopter flight. He is committed to quality instruction, continual education, and helping students reach their goals.
Thomas Campbell was born and raised in Pennsylvania and has been here his whole life. He has always enjoyed spending time outside, exploring new places, meeting new people, and chasing new opportunities. It came to a point where Thomas had to decide what he really wanted to do with his life, and that’s when he started debating what path to take. Finding something that allowed Thomas to share fun experiences with others while also challenging himself was really important to him, and the first flight he took in a helicopter proved that this was it!
Thomas completed all of his helicopter flight training here at Platinum Helicopters, and the experiences he had throughout that time taught him so much and created a passion greater than any other. This is something Thomas is extremely proud of himself for. It is his goal to share this passion with his students and teach them to not only pass the tests, but to become a great pilot in the real world. Regardless of how much time Thomas may spend as an instructor, he plans to carry that philosophy all throughout his career up in the sky.