Vaughn and Jean Carlston - Owners

Entrepreneurs of over 20 years and aviation enthusiasts, Vaughn and Jean are the reason Mountain Ridge Helicopters exists. Vaughn built his first helicopter over 10 years ago, and has had a passion for the industry ever since. Purchasing the school became a way for the Carlstons to combine their business savvy with their love of helicopters. You could not ask for more brilliant, hard-working people to run this school. They have both gone to great lengths to care for their employees and students.

Jessica - School Director

Jessica’s energy and enthusiasm for flying is contagious and inspiring. She is constantly finding innovative ways to improve training without raising costs. Jessica is an advocate for those with a dream to become a helicopter pilot. She’ll fight for ways to fund tuition and see that students move through the program as efficiently as possible. Jessica is committed to safety because all Mountain Ridge graduates will share the skies with her husband, a full-time pilot. Jessica knows better than anyone the sacrifices and rewards this industry can bring. Thanks to her, all Mountain Ridge students enter the program with a full understanding of what they are getting into.

Megan – Admissions

When you first walk in the door, Megan is probably the first person you’ll see. She handles admissions, enrollment and student services. She keeps track of grades, student progress and funds. Megan keeps everyone’s schedule straight. As a wife of a pilot, she has a genuine interest to help all students stay focused and motivated throughout their experience. She loves animals and tends to them at home when she’s not at the school.

Steve - Aviation Mechanic

Always willing to take the time to explain the inner workings of a helicopter to students, Steve maintains all aircrafts at Mountain Ridge. A graduate of Utah State University’s aviation maintenance program, Steve is the airframe and power (A&P) and Inspection Authorization (IA) mechanic at Mountain Ridge. He works hard to keep inventory on hand to maximize uptime. In addition to helicopters, Steve enjoys working on classic cars.

Matt - Chief Flight Instructor

An incredible asset to Mountain Ridge Helicopters, Matt has over 2,000 hours as a pilot and over five years of experience as an instructor. He does the majority of Flight Instructor Training and Instrument Instructor Training. His ability to quote the Federal Aviation Regulations is exceeded only by his ability to quote Office Space. As a father of five, Matt has developed the ability to teach with patience that comes through in his training. His humble confidence in the helicopter has earned him respect.

Mark - Flight Instructor

As one who overcame great challenges to become a pilot, Mark exudes patience and encouragement to those he teaches. His perseverance helps him relate to students who require a little extra motivation to succeed. Mark has a reputation for spending extra time with students to help them advance, on and off the clock. As the most seasoned CFII at Mountain Ridge Helicopters, Mark has developed the ability to explain complex concepts in a simple fashion.

Jon - Flight Instructor

A tremendous hard worker who is passionate about his job as a CFII, Jon commutes from Salt Lake City every week. Jon and his wife recently celebrated the birth of a new baby. Jon earned a finance degree from the University of Utah. He is always willing to explain in detail the answers to any questions his students have.

Brett - Flight Instructor

In addition to his role as the marketing director, Brett is a CFII, so he knows what it takes to be a pilot. He organizes public events in an effort to give the community a taste of flight. Brett considers himself lucky to have a wife who loves aviation as much as he does. In the summer he rides his motorcycle to work everyday. When he’s not on the road or in the air he likes to explore the outdoors in his Jeep.

Kody - Flight Instructor

From the Tetons to Southern Utah, Kody can be typically be found on the top of a mountain. Kody always had the dream of flying helicopters but thought it was out of reach. Life ironically opened the door for him to start flight school and he gave it 110%. Kody is committed to being as thorough and focused as possible. This has greatly attributed to his success as an instructor. Kody works very hard to make sure that each student receives the same quality training that he did. He moved his wife and kids to Logan last year and so far they are having a great time enjoying all the outdoor activities Logan has to offer.

Cameron - Flight Instructor

A former dirt bike racer from Arkansas, Cameron is an adventure seeker to the fullest. Looking for something exciting to do as a career, Cameron packed up and moved across the country to attend flight school here at Mountain Ridge. Cameron keeps a sense of humor keeps everyone smiling while challenging his students to work hard and stay focused.

R22 Beta II

• Manufacturer: Robinson
• Cruise Speed: 85 kts.
• Configuration: 2 (pilot & passenger)
• Engine: Lycoming 0-360-J2A
• Endurance: 2.5 hrs
• Maximum Weight: 1370 lbs

R44 Raven II

• Manufacturer: Robinson
• Cruise Speed: 115 kts.
• Configuration: 4 (pilot & 3 passengers)
• Engine: Lycoming IO-540
• Endurance: 2.5 hrs
• Maximum Weight: 2500 lbs

MD500 E

• Manufacturer: Mcdonnell Douglas
• Cruise Speed: 130 kts.
• Configuration: 4 (pilot & 3 passengers)
• Engine: Rolls Royce 250-C20R2
• Endurance: 2.8 hrs
• Maximum Weight: 3000 lbs

Fly it - Flight Training Device

Fulfilling A Dream

Over 20 years ago, a man by the name of Vaughn Carlston took his first ride in a helicopter at a local fair in Utah. Years later, he ordered his first helicopter as a kit. After assembling his first chopper–a Rotorway–he visited the factory, where he received instruction on how to hover. Upon returning home, Vaughn spent hours in the parking lot practicing this maneuver. His wife Jean watched from the shop as he slowly mastered his skill. He returned again to the Rotorway factory where they taught him more advanced flying techniques. Eager to apply his knowledge, Vaughn visited his local airport. Jean watched nervously from the ground as her husband ascended much higher than he had before in the parking lot.

At this moment, Jean recognized her husband’s dream of flying has been realized. Vaughn has been flying ever since.

A unique opportunity

In 2006, Vaughn and Jean Carlston were approached with an opportunity to purchase a flight school. The school had one student, one instructor and one helicopter. The Carlstons accepted, and the challenge of building a successful school began.

“We wanted to offer something different than our competitors.” Said Vaughn. “Our first year was a struggle, both in terms of developing the curriculum as well as paying the bills”

Building a school

The Carlstons hired professional aviators with a desire to teach. They sought out financially knowledgeable administrators who could provide hands on training to current and prospective students. They purchased additional helicopters. In June 2009, the school became known as Mountain Ridge Helicopters. By this time the school grew from one student to 20. Its fleet increased from one to four. 7 instructors now teach 35 students.

From its humble beginnings, Mountain Ridge Helicopters has grown to be one of the most respected flight schools in the United States.