Our philosophy
We operate Robinson and Bell helicopters exclusively.
Built in the USA, Robinsons (built in Torrance, CA) and Bells
(headquartered in Dallas, TX) are among the
most popular helicopters in production
today. Both are extremely reliable, affordable, and
comfortable helicopters. We use Robinsons exclusively for training,
and we are the San Francisco Bay Area's Robinson Certified Service Center.
Our #1 goal is to make sure that your helicopter
flight experience with Golden Gate Helicopters is the very best it can be.
We take your comfort and safety very seriously.
As a passenger, you’ll be given a safety
briefing by your pilot every time you fly with us.
We’ve instituted company safety
policies that all of our pilots learn as part of company
routine. Our pilots come to work at Golden Gate Helicopters
because they share our conservative philosophy about
safety and our commitment to customer satisfaction.
Our maintenance
At Golden Gate Helicopters, we have a long-standing commitment to excellent maintenance.
As the San Francisco Bay Area Certified Robinson Helicopter Service Center, we have our
own in-house mechanics and service facility.
The FAA requires that our aircraft go through a routine inspection
after every 100 hours of flight time, but we service our aircraft four times more
often—every 25 hours. That investment in frequent maintenance, beyond FAA
requirements, is just part of our business philosophy—to be the best around.
As a measure of our care for our equipment, we wash and clean our aircraft as often
as once a week, and we keep them hangared or covered with custom covers when not in use.
Our fleet
Golden Gate Helicopters’ fleet includes Robinson R22s, Robinson R44s,
and a Bell LongRanger at its facilities at the San Carlos Airport.
The R22s are used chiefly for instruction, private rental, and
aerial production flights. Both R44s are equipped with
sophisticated avionics for advanced and instrument training. Our
commitment to our clients who train with us is to make sure that a
clean, well-maintained, appropriately equipped aircraft is always
available. We work very hard to make sure that our clients are never
inconvenienced by regular maintenance.
If you're flying with us as a passenger, we'll make certain that
you are always comfortable. Golden Gate Helicopters’ passenger ships,
a Bell 206L4 "LongRanger" (seats up to 6) and
Robinson R44 “Clipper” ships that seat 1-3 passengers, are
beautiful aircraft equipped with the latest avionics, including GPS, and
pop-out floats in case of an over-water emergency. Our passengers ships
are maintained to the highest standards, with plush leather interiors, noise-cancelling
Bose headsets, and sound systems that can accommodate either your iPod or play
XM satellite radio; the Bell luxury ship has a passenger entertainment
center in the passenger cabin, including a DVD player—although we
highly recommend the view from its bubble windows instead.
Our staff
We are fortunate to work with the brightest, nicest, most patient,
helpful people in the world who also all happen to love flying.
At our dispatch desk on weekdays, you'll meet Rob Mathrole, and
on weekends, Attila Balint. They handle scheduling, dispatch,
billing, student records, and general questions, and will be happy to help you
when you call or drop by.
All of our pilots—Aaron, Jeff, Justin, Walt, and
Amber—are Certified Flight Instructors. Several are also
experienced photo flight pilots. Aaron and Justin are instrument
instructors. Amber Mathrole is GGH’s designated pilot under our US Air
Carrier Certificate for transport and tour operations. As senior flight
instructor, Amber also conducts stage checks and advanced training when
her charter schedule allows.
Owner
Laurie Pitman
After retiring from the software business (WebLogic) in 1999,
Laurie Pitman spent a few years on other interesting projects,
but eventually decided to “unretire” in 2005. She joined
Golden Gate Helicopters as a partner, and two years later, acquired
sole ownership of the business. Aviation has been a big part of
Laurie’s life since she began flying fixed-wing aircraft in 1979.
In addition she holds graduate degrees in piano and library science.
General Manager
Amber Mathrole
Amber has been General Manager of the company since April 1, 2007, in
addition to her flight responsibilities.
Flight staff
Aaron Dominick
Aaron started flying helicopters in 2001 with HAI in Concord, then
decided to pursue a career in fixed-wing aircraft. 1,800 hours
later, after earning his Airplane Commercial Single- and Multi-engine,
CFII and MEI ratings, Aaron decided to come back to helicopters and finish
what he had started. Upon completion of his helicopter ratings,
he went to work for the company where he trained (Specialized Helicopters),
before coming to Golden Gate Helicopters in February 2008, where
he feels very much at home.
Amber Mathrole
Amber's dream to fly helicopters began in the late-1990s, when her job
as a firefighter in Medicino county often landed her on helicopters as
a passenger. With the encouragement and support of her grandmother,
she moved to the Bay Area to attend Sierra Academy in 2000, where she
trained with Simon Edwards. She has been instructing since 2002, and
she has been with Golden Gate Helicopters (formerly Diamond Aviation)
since September 2004. Amber has been at Golden Gate Helicopters longer
than anyone in the company. She is the senior flight instructor, our
most experienced photo pilot, and
designated pilot for all of our corporate travel and entertainment.
She has been Laurie's second-in-command as General Manager since
April 2007.
Jeff Dilley
Jeff was born in Redwood City, raised in Palo Alto, and still lives
in the area. He knew he wanted to fly helicopters even as a little kid.
In 2005, he began training at Silver State Helicopters in Oakland,
where he completed his ratings and then worked as an instructor until
Silver State went out of business in early 2008, earning almost 1,000
hours in Robinson helicopters there. Jeff is an experienced photo flight
and tour pilot. He also holds associate degrees in piston engine
performance and engine rebuilding.
Justin Wick
More on our newest hire soon!
Walt Vining
Walt, who was one of our favorite renters at GGH for several years, became
one of our instructors in 2007. Walt completed his training at Sierra Academy
in Oakland and was a CFI there when Amber began her training.
Most recently, Walt has spent his summers fighting fires as a SkyCrane pilot.
We are happy to have Walt's experience on staff. He is available
most weekends and late afternoons.
Maintenance staff
Scott Franges, Director of Maintenance
As the resident Robinson expert at our Certified Service Center,
Scott Franges has decades of experience as an airframe &
powerplant mechanic. In addition, he holds an IA (Inspection
Authorization) license. Scott keeps GGH's helicopters
beautifully maintained.
Emanuel Perez
Emanuel has extensive experience with a long list of
helicopter types, and we benefit from his many years
of expertise when we call on him.
Besides his A&P and IA licenses, he recently completed
his BS in Aeronautical Engineering at Sacramento State.
He and his colleagues at Advanced Helicopter Systems
maintain our Bell. Emanuel
earned his private pilot helicopter license at GGH in 2006.
