Timberline's Staff & Crew

Ammy Jorgenson President

Co-founder of Timberline Helicopters in 2004. Ammy is responsible for the Timberline Helicopters branding, including web, social media, apparel, and other marketing items. In 2016 she supervised a complete re-branding of the company’s media profile. She has an eye for style and has built a catalog of apparel that is well known in the industry. In addition to her work at Timberline she is a full-time mom raising two busy and growing kids.

Brian Jorgenson Vice President

Can fly helicopters - willing to travel. Brian has had a fascination with helicopter flight since he was four years old. After working in every job position on a helicopter logging site and completing a Bachelor of Business of Administration in the spring of 2004, he was able to realize his goal of becoming a helicopter pilot flying for Horizon Helicopters. In late 2004, Brian and his wife Ammy formed Timberline Helicopters with a single Kaman K-Max helicopter providing helicopter logging services in the Pacific Northwest. Since then, with Ammy’s support, he has been able to fly over 16,500 hours while growing Timberline from the single K-Max logging company to a well-known and successful utility helicopter company operating a fleet of ten helicopters ranging from the MD500 to the UH-60 “Black Hawk.” Still captivated by his interest in helicopter flight, you will find Brian at his happiest in the front seat of a helicopter building a ski lift or putting out a fire.

Travis Storro Chief Operating Officer

Travis began his career when he was 18 years old refurbishing Kaman H-43’s from bone yard to flight status for Horizon Helicopters where he met Brian and Ammy. After they formed Timberline, Travis worked for Timberline as a field mechanic on the K-Max. In 2007, Travis left Timberline to pursue his dream of flying at Hillsboro Aviation where he obtained Helicopter Commercial and CFI ratings before returning in 2010 as Timberline’s Director of Maintenance. Since then, he has been busy adding to THI’s list of capabilities including setting up a 145 Repair Station, leading the Restricted Category Type Certification project for Timberline’s UH-60A Blackhawk helicopters, and overseeing operations at Timberline’s home base in Sandpoint. In 2016, Travis accepted the role of Chief Operating Officer of Timberline Helicopters, Inc. and Timberline Aerospace, LLC.

Andy Platte Chief Financial Officer

Andy graduated with a degree in accounting from Central Washington University in 1993 and began his career as a CPA working for various accounting firms in the Pacific Northwest including LeMaster & Daniels and Ernst & Young. During this time, he frequently visited Sandpoint Idaho to go snowboarding at Schweitzer Mountain Resort and wake boarding on Lake Pend Oreille. He later moved to Sandpoint, started his family and opened his accounting practice. Brian and Ammy Jorgenson were one of Andy’s first clients and he helped them navigate the accounting and tax aspects of starting Timberline Helicopters. Over the years, the Company grew and so did Andy’s involvement to the point where he sold his accounting practice and joined the Company as its Chief Financial Officer.

Jerry Swanson Repair Station Accountable Manager

Jerry began his helicopter career in 1985 as a shop mechanic on Bell UH-1's. He has worked for several different companies filling positions including Shop Foreman, Chief Inspector, Director of Maintenance, Certification Manager, and General Manager. With experience including Bell, Agusta, MDHC, Sikorsky, and Kaman, he has a well-rounded background with rotary-wing aircraft. Jerry has also developed a PMA program and served as an FAA DMIR in the past. His extensive background with Restricted Category Helicopters and experience obtaining Type Certificates and several STCs for modifications makes Jerry a key part of our operations. He joined THI in 2014 to guide the Type Certification program for the UH-60A. In 2019 he assumed the duties of Repair Station Accountable Manager.

Brandon Hahaj Safety Manager

Brandon started his aviation career in 2004 at Hillsboro Aviation where he graduated with his CFII. In the spring of 2007, he attained his ATP rotorcraft, after which he spent the next 3 years working in Alaska flying everything from tours to powerline construction. By the fall of 2012 he was working as a Safety Manager and Project Manager. In November of 2013 Brandon began working for Timberline Helicopters and the rest is history. His mechanical and commercial construction background mixed with his aviation experience makes him a valuable member of the team when drawing a line between “Safety” and “Reality”. He also carries with him an associate’s degree in math from MSU and in the summer of 2019 he graduated for the Aviation Safety Management and Securities Program at USC. This is the first program of its kind officially recognized by the FAA. With his past operational management experience combined with his safety background THI is currently interviewing candidates to fill the Safety Manager position with the plan to move him toward the position of Director of Operations.

Dori Gordon Logistics Manager

Dori worked as the Administrative Manager for a doctor’s office for 11 years before joining Timberline in 2012. She has become Timberline’s primary point of contact in the office, serving as Logistics Manager and Part Procurement Specialist. Dori also fulfills multiple administrative duties and responsibilities for the Repair Station and flight operations. She is the glue that holds our operation together!

Damon Petracci Director of Operations

After serving four years in the Marine Corps as an Infantry Rifelman, Damon started flight training at Hillsboro Aviation in Oregon. His experience includes: flight instruction, tours, ENG, seismic, construction, VIP transport, surveys, drilling, power line construction, and firefighting. He has flown a number of different aircraft types in various climates and countries. Damon has worked for THI for about two years.

Michel Starnes HR/Accounting Manager

Michel joined the Timberline Team in the fall of 2017 and offers over 30 years experience in accounting and administration. Prior to joining the Team, she successfully owned and operated 3 businesses in the construction, real estate and service industries. Her eclectic background and ability to keep daily priorities in check has proven valuable to her position. Michel is proficient in QuickBooks, streamlining procedures, multi-state payroll, new employee onboarding and employee benefits, all of which are essential to our business. She performs a key accounting role in our organization and is a great addition to our team!

Cory Miller Compliance Manager

Cory is a self-described “plane geek” and joined our team in 2018 after a 3-year stint with Quest Aircraft as the Aftermarket Sales/Customer Care Manager. At Quest he kept close tabs on upgrade or maintenance projects for Kodiak aircraft owners as well as checking in with Kodiak owners worldwide ensuring their continued satisfaction with their airplane. Prior to joining Quest, Cory enjoyed a 21-year career in the United States Air Force, leading teams small and large using his HR skillset to ensure his teams were provided the best opportunities to succeed. Furthermore, he was responsible for compliance inspections for every U.S. Air Force base around the Pacific as well as managing a vehicle fleet that covered a military complex the size of West Virginia. A native Montanan, he and his family love calling North Idaho home! 

Chris Saunders Chief Pilot

Chris began his flying career after graduating from Oregon State University and entering the United States Marine Corps. After leaving the Corps as a Captain he started his commercial career as a logging support ship pilot and copilot in the Sikorski S-61. Overall it has been a diversified career involving logging, Part 135 operations, fire-fighting, roof top precision work, power line construction, ship board operations, seismic, experimental satellite recovery, and even a bit of movie work. He has occupied the role of chief pilot with two previous employers and director of operations at a third. He looks forward to mentoring the talented group of pilots and working with Timberline as a whole.

Travis Hildreth Director of Maintenance

Travis started his career in 1992 with Erickson Aircrane in the warehouse issuing parts. He worked through the ranks of Overhaul Mechanic to Field Mechanic and Crew Chief. In 2001, he accepted the role of Aircraft Manager at Erickson. During his 22 years with Erickson, he held many titles including Fleet Manager, Construction Manager, and Field Maintenance Manager. Also acted as Interim DOM at Evergreen Helicopters after the Acquisition, by Erickson. After leaving Erickson, he worked as an A&P Mechanic on light helicopters and DOM for a small operation in Missoula, Montana. Travis Joined Timberline in May of 2018, as a A&P Field Mechanic and as of May of 2019, accepted the position of Director Of Maintenance.

Timberline's History

Timberline Helicopters, Inc. has grown from our roots as a helicopter logging company to a global provider of utility and emergency support. Formed in 2004 with one Kaman K-Max helicopter by Ammy and Brian Jorgenson we have never stopped developing our skills and capabilities. Currently we operate a diverse fleet of nine helicopters across the globe supporting many different industries and governments.

At present Timberline, employs approximately 85 people in the following operations:

  • Firefighting in the US, Australia, and Chile
  • Powerline construction and maintenance services
  • Helicopter logging
  • Helicopter rebuild and refurbishment services
  • Type Certification of former military UH-60A “Black Hawk” helicopters
  • Development of Supplemental Type Certificates for utility helicopters