Jonathan Britton named President of Helicopter Institute
The former US Army aviation commander will oversee growth across military, government, public safety, and commercial helicopter training programs
Helicopter Institute has appointed retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan ‘Jon’ Britton as President as the company expands its military, government, and public safety helicopter training programs.
Britton brings more than 22 years of US Army aviation experience to the role, including service as an Assault Battalion Commander, Special Operations veteran, and military instructor pilot.
During his military career, he completed 13 operational deployments and held roles covering aviation standardization, government flight operations, readiness, and pilot development.
Helicopter Institute founder Randy Rowles will remain Director of Operations and Training, continuing to oversee flight operations, checking, safety, regulatory compliance, and the development of existing and future training programs.
The leadership change comes as Helicopter Institute expands its involvement in military rotary-wing training. The company currently supports pilot development for the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, alongside wider government, public safety, and commercial aviation programs.
Rowles said Britton brought experience in both operational aviation and training leadership.
“This announcement is both exciting and deeply personal for me,” he commented on LinkedIn. “Building Helicopter Institute was never easy. I made plenty of mistakes along the way, and only by the grace of God, the strength of my family, and the dedication of an incredible team did HI become what it is today.
“Jon Britton came to HI almost by chance as a senior flight instructor. It didn’t take long to recognize that he brought far more than exceptional flying skills. Jon is a leader – one with the character, humility, discipline, and vision to take Helicopter Institute to the next level.”
Britton said his focus would be on maintaining training standards while supporting the company’s continued growth across its customer base.
Last month, US-based nonprofit air medical operator Life Link III named Shane Farmer as its new President and CEO.