Don Shearer, Founder & President
An early aviation enthusiast, Don Shearer started flying in 1977 as a senior in high school. Don financed his flying lessons by working as a certified FAA airframe & power plant mechanic. He later became a flight instructor in both airplanes & helicopters & worked as a FAA production test pilot for Robinson Helicopters. Don earned his ATP and, after working for various operators, started Windward Aviation, Inc. in 1990 with the objective of offering unparalleled customer service, prioritizing the safety of aircraft operators & customers, & providing unique & breathtaking aviation experiences.
Don has logged over 27,000 hours in the air & has established himself as a well-respected leader & innovator in the aviation industry. Since founding Windward Aviation, Don has had the opportunity to work on truly extraordinary projects, which include searching for unexploded ordinances throughout the USA, filming for major movie & TV productions, & saving the lives of countless individuals through his work with the state police & fire departments.
Don’s contributions to the industry are also evidenced by the aviation technologies that he has helped develop. Don has been instrumental in the creation of Herbicide Ballistic Technology, for example, precision spray equipment that targets alien plant species that harm Hawaii’s native ecosystem. Passionate about environmental conservation, Don has worked tirelessly with various local & national agencies in some of the most remote island areas to assist in the eradication of these invasive species.
Don considers Hawaii one of the most beautiful places on the planet & loves aviation just as much as he did on the first day he sat in a cockpit back in 1977.
Peter Vorhes, Senior Pilot
As a helicopter pilot on Maui, people often tell me I’m so lucky to do what I do. Luck has nothing to do with it. Lots of hard work & sacrifice has gotten me to this point. However, I feel very fortunate to have what I have. I work with great people, great customers, on great projects, in a beautiful place. Maui NO KA OI.
Mikey Jamison, Chief Pilot
Mikey is a seasoned aviator with 10+ years of experience flying helicopters. Prior to joining Windward Aviation, Mikey was the fire, search and rescue pilot at Yosemite National Park where he flew a Bell 205. He’s also worked on Oahu and Hawaii where he flew the Hawaii Life Flight EC135 to transport patients.
Sean Hardesty,
Assistant Chief Pilot
Sean was born and raised on Maui. After graduating high school from Saint Anthony, Sean attended The University of Portland to pursue a medical career. In 2010 he discovered his passion for aviation and began helicopter flying lessons in 2011. He finished all of his training in Kona at Mauna Loa Helicopters, where he eventually was hired as a pilot in 2013. He is a certified OAS pilot and has worked with many government agencies, such as USGS in surveying the volcano. He also has worked with the private sector and supported photography and filming work. Sean is thrilled to be back on his home island of Maui with his wife and two daughters.
Jacob Pearson, Pilot
Jacob attended Mauna Loa flight school where Sean trained him in an R22, R44 & R66. After becoming a licensed pilot, Jacob worked for Mauna Loa as a flight instructor, tour pilot, and eventually served as the assistant chief pilot. To diversify his pilot experience he moved to Oahu and worked for two helicopter companies. Since then he’s accumulated 3,000 helicopter flight hours.
Jacob has always expressed an interest in working for Windward Aviation as a utility pilot and we're thrilled that he is now a part of the team.
Kahekili Kaaa, Pilot
Kahekili was born and raised on Maui. Before becoming a pilot, Kahekili was a fireman for Engine 10. He started pursuing his aviation career in 2014 and since then he's logged 5,000+ flight hours - most of which are in Hawai'i. Kahekili has extensive experience working with conservation crews on Oahu. He also flies the Blackhawk for the Hawaii Army National Guard.
Kahekili primarily works on Oahu where Windward Aviation supports Hawaiian Electric Company with their helicopter needs. From time to time he flies on Maui where he serves as an AIR 1 pilot and supports our regular customers.
Steve Aiu, Pilot
Based on Oahu, Steve supports Windward Aviation as an on-call pilot for Hawaiian Electric Company. Prior to working with HECO, Steve was a senior pilot for the Honolulu Fire Department where he did search, rescue and fire fighting operations.