Meet the
Gunship Team
Pilots, veterans, safety professionals and guest-experience specialists. One crew united by precision, preparation and an unforgettable mission.
members
veterans
mission
Every mission starts with the right crew.
Behind every rotor turn, range briefing and guest welcome is a team that knows how to make extraordinary experiences feel seamless. Get to know the people who bring skill, character and serious enthusiasm to Gunship Helicopters.
Blaine
Director of Operations · General Manager · Chief Pilot
Blaine carries full operational accountability for Gunship Helicopters, guiding long-range planning, budgets, daily operations and flight safety. As General Manager and Chief Pilot, he connects business strategy with the real-world decisions that keep the aircraft, crew and guest experience operating to an uncompromising standard.
“Mission first. Details always.”
Beyond the mission +
A 17-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Blaine concluded his service as a Flight Line Division Manager after leading personnel, quality assurance and flight operations across AV-8B Harrier II and CH-46E fleets. His career included directing 82 people supporting the presidential helicopter fleet and managing safety and maintenance workflows for 20 military aircraft. He is an FAA commercial helicopter pilot and certified flight instructor with experience in EMS, external-load, mountain and overwater operations. His accident- and incident-free record shapes a simple philosophy: exacting preparation behind the scenes gives guests the freedom to fully enjoy the adventure.
Jennifer
Executive Office Manager
Jennifer keeps the business side of Gunship Helicopters organized and moving. She manages accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and a wide range of administrative responsibilities that support the crew and the experience guests see on flight day.
“Just pull the trigger. You will not regret it.”
Beyond the mission +
Jennifer brings 18 years of helicopter-tour experience and 32 years in Las Vegas tourism and customer service. A Las Vegas local for 42 years, she was drawn to the industry by growing up in the entertainment capital of the world. She values the family atmosphere of the Gunship team and loves seeing guests smile as they step out of the helicopter. She has even coordinated multiple proposals in a single day. Outside work, Jennifer enjoys hiking and spending time with her cats, friends and family. She also has heterochromia, and her favorite firearm is the Barrett .50 Cal.
Brent
Pilot
Brent is responsible for the safe operation of the helicopter, the pace and profile of each flight, and giving every guest an exciting experience suited to their comfort level. He also assists with ground-range operations and oversees the company’s Safety Management System.
“Professional in the cockpit. Memorable in the air.”
Beyond the mission +
Brent spent 14 years as a Marine Corps officer and pilot, flying the UH-1Y Huey and serving as a JTAC with ground units. In 2025, he transferred to the Army National Guard to continue flying the UH-60 Blackhawk. He brings more than 15 years of military and civilian aviation experience, multiple FAA certifications and ongoing graduate studies in Aviation Safety. His favorite mission is the Air Assault, where guests get a taste of tactical flight before engaging the targets.
Roland
Ground Operations Manager
Roland oversees the staff, equipment, safety actions and maintenance details that make each day on the ground run smoothly. He enjoys the daily puzzle of coordinating a small, capable team and making sure every guest receives an experience worthy of the trip.
“Prepared teams create exceptional experiences.”
Beyond the mission +
A U.S. Army infantry veteran, Roland knows the M249, M240, M4 and M2 weapon systems inside and out. He also holds an associate degree in aircraft maintenance and has extensive experience as an RSO, along with a pyrotechnic handler’s license. Roland has been part of Gunship since before the concrete landing pads, when some days involved only him and a pilot. That history gives him a personal investment in the company and in every guest’s experience.
Ryan
Sales Support · Driver Supervisor · RSO / ARSO
Ryan works across nearly every stage of the guest journey. He supports sales and guest communications, supervises drivers and transportation, serves as a Range Safety Officer and Air Range Safety Officer, and coordinates across departments to keep operations organized, efficient and safe.
“Be ready, be helpful, keep it safe.”
Beyond the mission +
A U.S. Navy veteran who served as a Personnelman, Ryan also brings tourism and customer-service experience from working as a tour guide with Vegas Desert Tours. His cross-functional training helps him spot communication gaps early, adapt quickly and make guests feel prepared from the first phone call through their return trip. Outside work, he rides a BMW S1000RR and develops an expansive science-fiction and vampire story universe.
Jenelle
Sales Manager
Jenelle Neri manages sales and scheduling with a focus on operational efficiency, guest safety and the well-being of the team. She believes trust begins with the first phone call, so she gives guests a clear picture of what to expect before they board the shuttle or arrive at the flight range.
“The experience starts long before takeoff.”
Beyond the mission +
Jenelle has worked in helicopters and aviation for about a decade, beginning as a ramp fueler and dispatcher in Maui before progressing through the industry. She is passionate about making this rare experience approachable for people at every comfort and experience level. One of her favorite moments was holding the hand of a terrified first-time flyer on the walk to the aircraft, then seeing that same guest return feeling unstoppable. Her advice is simple: “It’s okay to be scared. It just means you are about to be so brave.”
Joseph
Air Range Safety Officer · Merchandise Tracker
Joseph helps protect the entire air-range experience by controlling access to operational areas, inspecting and cleaning weapon systems, maintaining range communications equipment and RSO helmets, and tracking merchandise and supplies.
“Confidence comes from preparation.”
Beyond the mission +
A Marine Corps veteran and former radio operator, Joseph brings communications discipline, Stop the Bleed training and more than four years of Gunship experience to the crew. He values the close, family-like culture of the team and especially enjoys supporting the Air Assault missions. Off duty, he plays video games and lives in a tiny house.
Racheal
Sales · Driver
Racheal supports sales, office operations and transportation, helping guests arrive safely, on time and fully prepared. She reinforces key policies before the trip, watches for practical safety concerns and makes a point of capturing photos and videos so guests can take the memory home with them.
“Make every guest feel taken care of.”
Beyond the mission +
Before joining Gunship, Racheal spent 13 years as a flight attendant, building strong instincts around employee and guest safety. Her move from commercial airliners to helicopters brought together her love of aviation, firearms and people. She is especially good at calming nervous guests by explaining what the flight feels like and reminding them to breathe while the trained crew handles the rest. Outside work, she hikes, works out, takes her Bronco off-road and plays Xbox.
Franco
Range Safety Officer
Franco controls guest movement, establishes clear boundaries and follows detailed operating procedures to keep the range safe. He gives hands-on firearm instruction and stays close enough to maintain control of the weapon system while helping each guest feel capable and confident.
“Clear guidance makes a powerful experience possible.”
Beyond the mission +
Franco grew up working in his family’s off-road buggy tour business, where he learned both vehicle maintenance and how to entertain guests. At Gunship, he has expanded those skills into firearm disassembly, helicopter-range operations and earned his concealed-carry permit. A natural people person who enjoys bringing positive energy to the range, he spends his free time riding motorcycles.
Nicolas
Sales Associate
Nicolas makes sure bookings are handled completely, guests reach the range safely and every stage of the day reflects the company’s safety standards. He blends sales support with range knowledge, aircraft familiarity, crisis management and social-media marketing.
“Listen first. Build the right experience.”
Beyond the mission +
Firearms, aviation and sales have long been Nicolas’s core interests, and Gunship gives him a way to share all three with people from around the world. He values the camaraderie of the crew and the chance to support first-time guests throughout the process. One particularly meaningful visit involved helping a terminally ill guest complete a bucket-list experience. Outside work, Nicolas enjoys photography, travel, camping, airshows and working on cars.
James
Range Safety Officer
James is responsible for customer and staff safety, equipment inspection and repair, moving secured assets and supporting guests throughout the range experience. His longevity with the company has also made him a self-described hangar and range subject-matter expert.
“Stay alert. Stay calm. Keep the experience moving.”
Beyond the mission +
James served in U.S. Air Force Fire & Emergency Services as a Station Captain and District Chief. His training includes aircraft rescue and firefighting, hazardous-materials response, incident command, flight-line operations and emergency care. He applies that background by ensuring company safety policies are followed consistently while the team delivers an experience guests regularly describe as better than expected. Away from the range, he enjoys time with his family and remains firmly pro-corn dog.
Daron
Range Safety Officer
Daron maintains the firearms, verifies they function correctly in the air and makes sure every standard safety procedure is followed. His calm, practical approach helps guests feel confident while the pilots and range team deliver a fast, memorable flight.
“Safe, clear and ready for action.”
Beyond the mission +
Daron joined Gunship because of his interest in both firearms and aircraft. Since then, he has developed deeper firearms knowledge, leadership skills and hands-on maintenance experience. He values the professionalism of the team and the way safety remains central even while the helicopters fly harder and faster than a typical Las Vegas tour. Outside work, Daron enjoys photography and baking.
Ready to fly with us?
Choose your Beastmode experience and let our crew handle the rest.