Louisa Patterson
Chief Pilot, Standards Pilot and CEO
"Choppy"
A pioneer of the air tourism industry,
Louisa has been flying for over 40 years in New Zealand and around the world.
During this time she has held roles throughout the industry from agricultural flying through to flying for the airlines.
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 holds the roles of Chief Pilot, Standards Pilot and CEO of the company.
Her current passion is developing an Aviation Safety Device - The Eye In The Sky - a Cockpit Video Recorder, designed to enhance aviation safety.