The Crew at Over The Top

Our crew are not only helicopter pilots with extensive experience but trained tour guides who will make your scenic flight experience fascinating and unforgettable. With over 40 years of experience in flying, our crew’s knowledge of the region’s people, places, weather and terrain is second to none. We operate some of the newest, safest and most comfortable helicopters in New Zealand, with leather seats, plush carpet and high-end noise-cancelling headphones. Join us and our friendly crew on our distinctive black Airbus, Eurocopter EC130 or Squirrel AS350.

All Teams
Louisa Patterson

Louisa Patterson

Aviation Pioneer | Industry Leader | Safety Advocate

"Choppy"

René Thierry - Over The Top Team

René Thierry

Helicopter Pilot

Heath Scanlon - Over The Top Team

Heath Scanlon

Helicopter Pilot

David (Davey) Butson

Helicopter Pilot

Mark White - Over The Top Team

Mark White

Helicopter Pilot

Tim Stanton - Over The Top Team

Tim Stanton

Operations Support Officer

Alee Aprecio - Over The Top Team

Alee Aprecio

Concierge

Hamish Russell

Helicopter Pilot

Jason Lush

Helicopter Pilot

Louis Fallon

Helicopter Pilot

Karen Wake

Special Projects

Honeyboy - Over The Top Team

Honeyboy

Greeting Officer

Wayne Matheson - Over The Top Team

Wayne Matheson

CFO & Safety Manager

Russell Griffiths

Operations Support

Reina Webster

Operations Coordinator

Declan Monteith

Operations Assistant

Some Of Our Testimonials

Excellent experience. Weather can be an obstacle given the differences between Milford and Queenstown but the people at Over The Top gave the extra effort to make sure we got to see Milford Sound and the beautiful country around Queenstown.

Thomas Forston

Over The Top worked miracles

Thanks to Mark and his team, our first Queenstown holiday was completed with best helicopter flight experience. From booking to the day of the flights, communication was great and the team worked hard to make sure we got to do our flight with...

Patrick Jin

Best Helicopter Experience

Door pick up and drop off. The pilot mark was very knowledgeable about the area. Very professional and satisfied with my experience. We landed and played in the snow before returning. Would recommend.

Rebecca Thompson

Highly Recomended

See More

Contact

Blue Hangar, 10 Tex Smith Lane, Queenstown Airport, New Zealand.
Free Phone: 0800 123 359
Phone: +64 3 442 2233

Tourism websites by Tomahawk Tomahawk

Louisa Patterson

Louisa Patterson

Aviation Pioneer | Industry Leader | Safety Advocate

"Choppy"

About Louisa

Louisa "Choppy" Patterson is a trailblazer in the New Zealand aviation industry, renowned for her decades-long dedication to aviation excellence and innovation. With a career spanning nearly fifty years, Louisa's passion for flying has led her to become a highly respected pilot and a driving force behind aviation tourism in Fiordland.

Career Highlights

Louisa's impressive aviation background includes diverse roles as a helicopter pilot and instructor in, search and rescue, firefighting, agricultural flying, precision work, and passenger transport. Her experience extends to fixed-wing aircraft as well, having flown for Air New Zealand as a qualified Fokker pilot.

In 1986, Louisa founded Over The Top, a pioneering aviation company that utilises helicopters to showcase New Zealand's breathtaking natural beauty to guests, offering bespoke itineraries that push the boundaries of exploration.

Accolades and Achievements

With over 12,500 hours of flying experience, Louisa holds esteemed accolades such as the Helicopter Association International (HAI) Pilot Safety Awards and the New Zealand Helicopter Association (NZHA) Diamond Safety Award, recognizing her unwavering commitment to safety over more than three decades of flying.

In 2022, Louisa was honoured with the New Zealand Civil Aviation "Director's Commendation" Award for her exceptional service and dedication to safety within the aviation community. She holds Civil Aviation senior positions as Chief Executive, Chief Pilot, and Standards Pilot, showcasing her leadership and expertise in the industry.

Innovator and Philanthropist

Louisa's leadership extends beyond flying, as she spearheads innovation in aviation safety with projects like the Eye In The Sky, a Cockpit Video Recorder designed to enhance safety in aviation. Her philanthropic endeavours include donating all proceeds from this device to charity, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community.

Experience and Expertise

As Vice President of the New Zealand Helicopter Association, Louisa continues to shape the future of aviation in the region. Her deep knowledge of Queenstown, Fiordland, and New Zealand ensures that every excursion with Over The Top is not only memorable but also safe and well-guided.

Meet Louisa

Known as the "Godmother" of New Zealand aviation tourism by the country's Prime Minister, Louisa is eager to welcome you to New Zealand and discuss your personalised Over The Top itinerary. Her dedication to safety, professionalism, and unparalleled experience guarantees an unforgettable aviation experience like no other.

René Thierry - Over The Top Team

René Thierry

Helicopter Pilot

René Thierry is a seasoned helicopter pilot with a passion for the skies and a wealth of experience in aerial operations. René embarked on his aviation journey in 2011, discovering a love for helicopters that would shape his career in the years to come.

With a diverse background in aviation, René has navigated the skies across Australia, taking on a variety of missions ranging from powerline surveys to breathtaking scenic flights over the iconic Great Barrier Reef. In 2018, René's aerial adventures led him to New Zealand, where he joined the prestigious Over The Top team, further honing his skills and knowledge in the stunning landscapes of Fiordland.

René boasts an impressive portfolio of over 4000 hours of flight experience in helicopters, showcasing his expertise and proficiency in the cockpit. His deep understanding of the intricacies of Fiordland's terrain sets him apart as a trusted pilot for challenging aerial operations.

Beyond his exceptional flying abilities, René is known for his affable nature, engaging social skills, and a good-natured sense of humour with a hint of Aussie charm. Whether you're embarking on a thrilling adventure or a vital mission, René's warm personality and wit will ensure that your time in the sky is not only safe but also enjoyable.

René's dedication to safety and excellence has earned him the prestigious Aviation New Zealand Helicopter Association Silver Safety Award, a testament to his unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of safe flying practices. For over a decade, René has demonstrated a remarkable track record of safe operations, making him a trusted and respected figure in the aviation community.

Explore the skies with René Thierry and experience the magic of your Over The Top flight.

Heath Scanlon - Over The Top Team

Heath Scanlon

Helicopter Pilot

Heath Scanlon is a seasoned helicopter pilot with over 25 years of experience, known for his unwavering commitment to safety. His extensive background in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) helicopters has honed his ability to perform in high-pressure, demanding environments.

Heath first arrived in Queenstown back in 1991, working in the ski fields and driving horse and carriage tours around the town!

A memorable flight with Choppy sparked a passion that led him back to Australia in late 1998, where he embarked on a remarkable 25-year career as an Air Ambulance Helicopter pilot. With over 5,700 flight hours under his belt, Heath has earned several accolades for his dedication to safety during rescue missions. These include a Bronze Medal from the Royal Humane Society, National Emergency Medals, commendations from Ambulance Victoria and the Queensland Ambulance Service, and the Royal Surf Lifesaving Meritorious Award. He’s also a proud Member of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, London.

Now, drawn back to Queenstown by its breathtaking landscape and tight-knit community, Heath is excited to apply his expertise to navigating the rugged mountain terrain of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks

David Butson - Over The Top Team

David (Davey) Butson

Helicopter Pilot

Davey grew up locally and has been flying the southern skies for decades.

Since beginning his commercial flying career in 2007 Davey has flown over 4500 hours in varied environments, from herding cattle in the heart of Northern Australia to transporting and supporting scientists in the freezing cold of Antarctica.

At home in the Southern Alps Davey has flown in many roles such as search and rescue, hospital transfers, fire suppression, NVG (Night Vision) Night ops, heli-skiing and tourism.

Davey's dedication to safety and excellence in aviation has earned him the prestigious New Zealand Helicopter Association (NZHA) Gold Safety Award, recognizing his commitment to over 10 years of consistently safe flying practices. 

When he's not flying Davey likes to spend time in the mountains. He particularly enjoys chasing his three small children down the ski slope.

Mark White - Over The Top Team

Mark White

Helicopter Pilot

Mark White's journey began with a deep passion for cars, leading him to become a qualified car mechanic. 

However, helicopters and flying were always his second love, a dream he never imagined would come true. In 2017, Mark achieved that dream, launching a flying career that took him to Australia, where he soared over the stunning landscapes of Kakadu National Park, Arnhem Land, and the Northern Territory, extending his adventures into Queensland around Mount Isa.

Yet, New Zealand's majestic mountains and lakes always called him home. After flying around Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, and Mount Cook, Mark returned to Queenstown, where he now works as a pilot for Over The Top. In this role, he fulfills his dream of sharing the breathtaking beauty of the Southern Alps and Fiordland with the world.

Tim Stanton - Over The Top Team

Tim Stanton

Operations Support Officer

Tim started with Over The Top in April 2024, having just traded the big smoke of Auckland City for the big mountains of Queenstown.

Tim joins Over The Top with six years of previous helicopter operations and VIP liaison experience.

Now dressed in black, Tim is keen to assist you to ensure a memorable Over The Top excursion.

As an operations octopus, you'll see Tim doing anything from taking bookings and managing client requests to fueling helicopters and preparing picnics, whilst in the background he'll also be busy working on safety management.

Alee Aprecio - Over The Top Team

Alee Aprecio

Concierge

Alee has been a proud resident of Queenstown for the past 16 years, immersing himself in the vibrant local community and the stunning natural beauty that surrounds it. With 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry as a head concierge at one of Queenstown's top hotels, Alee has developed a deep passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences. 

His love for tourism is matched only by his enthusiasm for aviation, combining his dedication to hospitality with a keen interest in exploring the world from above. 

Alee’s commitment to service excellence and his knowledge of the local area make him an invaluable resource for those looking to discover the best of Queenstown.

 

Hamish Russell

Helicopter Pilot

Jason Lush

Helicopter Pilot

Jason began flying in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, conducting operations all around the globe spanning a 15 year career. 

After the Air Force it was time to return home, closer to the Fiordland area, where he grew up. 

Having spent time flying commercial and scenic operations on the South Island’s West Coast, Jason now splits his time between Over The Top Helicopters, and flight instruction locally as a B Category Flight Instructor.

Louis Fallon - Over The Top Team

Louis Fallon

Helicopter Pilot

Louis Fallon is a seasoned helicopter pilot with a wealth of experience, boasting over 4000 flight hours in helicopters. Currently, Louis divides his time between two remarkable roles. As a pilot with Over The Top in Queenstown, he pilots guests on unforgettable journeys through stunning Fiordland landscapes. Additionally, he serves as a Captain, navigating a Sikorsky S92 to oil rigs in western Australia with precision and skill.

Despite his demanding career, Louis prioritizes his role as a dedicated family man, cherishing moments with his four children in their home in Queenstown. When not in the skies, he enjoys quality time with his loved ones and continues to pursue his passion for flying by creating lasting memories for Over The Top guests.

Known for his warm demeanour and unwavering professionalism, Louis Fallon is committed to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of every passenger, making each flight a secure and memorable experience.

Karen Wake - Over The Top Team

Karen Wake

Special Projects

Karen Wake embarked on her journey in the tourism industry with Over The Top in 2006. After gaining valuable insights and experiences in New Zealand tourism, she ventured to broaden her horizons before reuniting with the executive team at Over The Top.

With her unwavering dedication to service and meticulous attention to detail, Karen possesses a resolute drive for success and a positive mindset. Whether securing a reservation at Fergburger or orchestrating a mountain rock concert, Karen is the go-to person for making things happen. Her strong work ethic reflects her passion for what she does.

Specialising in luxury travel and tourism, Karen leverages her extensive management skills to bolster the performance of the Over The Top team, ensuring exceptional service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Honeyboy - Over The Top Team

Honeyboy

Greeting Officer

Unlike everybody else on the team, our office dogs Coco and Honeyboy have little experience in aviation, nor do they have any achievements or accolades to suggest they do. 

Coco recently left us for doggie heaven but not before passing over the Greeting Officer duties to her understudy Honey Boy.

Honey loves to fly to our High Country Station and when not in the air works tirelessly at entertaining our guests.

Ask him to "fetch" but be prepared - he will not give up.

Wayne Matheson - Over The Top Team

Wayne Matheson

CFO & Safety Manager

Wayne is our CFO and Safety Manager.

He is also a licensed helicopter and aeroplane pilot with awards for sport aviation and a passion for exotic motorcars.

Wayne started with Over The Top in 2005 and in April 2025 will receive his "gold watch" for services to Over The Top.

He is dedicated to ensuring Over The Top runs on all 12 cylinders.

Please don't hesitate to contact Wayne if you have any questions on accounting or Safety matters.

 

Russell Griffiths

Operations Support

Reina Webster

Operations Coordinator

Declan Monteith

Operations Assistant

Declan joined Over The Top in 2022, bringing a passion for aviation and a background in adventure tourism to the team.

Starting as an intern from Queenstown Resort College, Declan has grown into a key role, assisting with operations and ensuring guests receive an exceptional experience.

With his enthusiasm for aviation and dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences, Declan thrives in ensuring everything runs smoothly—on the ground and in the air.

 

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