About Switchback
Who We Are
Switchback Helicopters is a privately owned helicopter company established by 3 like-minded individuals with a passion to deliver uncompromising customer satisfaction - Brian MacPherson, Mike Freidin and Jeff Groom.
With over 60 years of combined industry experience, Switchback Helicopters is committed to providing safe, reliable services to our clients.
Meet Brian, Mike and Jeff
Brian MacPherson
Brian MacPherson
Brian MacPherson
Brian's passion for flying has led him to many remote rugged mountainous areas in Canada, the United States, Afghanistan and the Peruvian Amazon. Brian brings more than 35 years experience in all areas of utility helicopter flying including rappelling and hoisting. His vertical reference experience includes, precision long lining and wate
Brian's passion for flying has led him to many remote rugged mountainous areas in Canada, the United States, Afghanistan and the Peruvian Amazon. Brian brings more than 35 years experience in all areas of utility helicopter flying including rappelling and hoisting. His vertical reference experience includes, precision long lining and water bucketing. Brian holds an Airline Transport Pilots License (ATPL-H). Brian is recognized as one of the foremost authorities on mountain flying in Canada. He also delivers a Helicopter Association of Canada approved mountain course to prospective clients.
Brian is Switchback's Operations Manager.
Reach out to Brian: brian@switchbackheli.com
Mike Freidin
Brian MacPherson
Brian MacPherson
Since graduating from Canadore College, Mike has spent more than 20 years working with helicopter companies performing field maintenance, developing and training maintenance personnel; as well in the design and implementation of Quality Control systems. Additionally, Mike has worked field rotations in the remote areas of the Canadian Arct
Since graduating from Canadore College, Mike has spent more than 20 years working with helicopter companies performing field maintenance, developing and training maintenance personnel; as well in the design and implementation of Quality Control systems. Additionally, Mike has worked field rotations in the remote areas of the Canadian Arctic, Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, The Middle East and the United States. Mike holds an AME M1/M2 maintenance license and continually maintains currency attending training conventions and industry trade shows. Mike regularly advises industry colleagues on technical matters relating to Airbus Helicopters.
Mike is Switchback's Maintenance Manager.
Reach out to Mike: mike@switchbackheli.com
Jeff Groom
Brian MacPherson
Jeff Groom
Jeff has served the aviation industry with an enthusiastic attitude for over 30 years. Jeff's love for aviation began at a young age and continued to propel him to first complete his AME license, and soon after his Helicopter Pilot license.
Jeff holds an AME M1/M2 maintenance license, an unrestricted Airline Transport Pilots License (ATPL
Jeff has served the aviation industry with an enthusiastic attitude for over 30 years. Jeff's love for aviation began at a young age and continued to propel him to first complete his AME license, and soon after his Helicopter Pilot license.
Jeff holds an AME M1/M2 maintenance license, an unrestricted Airline Transport Pilots License (ATPL-H). Additionally Jeff holds his IFR/VFR Approved Check Pilot (ACP) status administered under Transport Canada's authority.
Jeff has extensive experience precision long lining, offshore/onshore hoisting, mountain flying and Arctic IFR/night flying. Jeff is one of a few pilots in Canada that has test flown an ASTAR helicopter to 23000 feet.
Jeff is Switchback's Chief Pilot.
Reach out to Jeff: jeff@switchbackheli.com
switchback operates the astar B3 helicopter
considered the most powerful single engine helicopter in its class
- Passenger Seating Capacity: 5
- Basic Empty Weight: 3000 lbs
- Maximum Internal Weight: 4961 lbs
- Maximum External Weight: 6172 lbs
- Maximum Hook Load: 3086 lbs
- Service Ceiling: 23000 Feet
- Max Fuel Capacity: 540 Liters
- Max fuel range: 2.8 Hours