Louisa Patterson
Chief Pilot, Standards Pilot and CEO
"Choppy"
Louisa is a well known and respected pilot in the New Zealand aviation industry and is a pioneer of aviation tourism in Fiordland.
With an aviation back ground spanning over forty years she has worked as a helicopter pilot and instructor in the fields of search & rescue, firefighting, agricultural flying, long line precision work and passenger transport.
Louisa is also a qualified aeroplane pilot and has flown for Air New Zealand.
Louisa formed Over The Top in 1986, utilising helicopters to showcase New Zealand’s natural beauty to her guests. To visit areas seldom frequented by man. The mandate "Your itinerary is limited only by your imagination"
She has over 12,000 hours flying experience and holds the Helicopter Association International (HAI) Pilot Safety Award and a New Zealand Helicopter Association (NZHA) Diamond Safety Award for more than 30 years and over 10,000 hours of continued safe flying.
Louisa’s mandate is safety with professionalism.
She holds Civil Aviation Senior positions of Chief Executive, Chief Pilot and Standards Pilot.
Her current passion is developing an Aviation Safety Device - the Eye In The Sky - a Cockpit Video Recorder, designed to enhance aviation safety with all proceeds going to charity.
Louisa’s experience in aviation and knowledge of Queenstown, Fiordland and New Zealand will ensure you have a memorable and safe excursion.