About Us
Company History
Founded in 1989 in Gold River, California, Westwind Helicopters began with a focused mission: to provide specialized aviation support to key government agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, Department of the Interior, and CAL FIRE. Operating under FAA certifications Parts 135, 133, and 137, Westwind quickly established itself as a trusted provider in aerial firefighting and forestry aviation.
In 2008, aviation industry veteran Robert “Bob” McCoy acquired Westwind. With decades of experience and a passion for flight, McCoy relocated the company to South Texas, aligning operations with the expanding Oil & Gas sector in the Gulf of America region.
Today, Westwind operates from 3 strategically located bases in Texas and Louisiana. What began as a single Bell 206B3 has evolved into a diverse and capable fleet, including 4 Sikorsky S-76s, 15 Bell 407s and 3 Bell 206s.
Westwind now supports both offshore and onshore Oil & Gas operations and offers a range of specialized services, such as powerline & pipeline inspection, lightering support and wildlife control.
Through every phase of its growth, Westwind has remained steadfast in its commitment to safety, operational excellence, and client trust. The continuous enhancement of a robust Safety Management System (SMS) ensures the highest standards of compliance and risk mitigation.
Westwind Helicopters remains committed to staying ahead in a constantly evolving world by delivering innovative, responsive solutions – solidifying its reputation as a trusted leader in helicopter services for clients across a wide range of industries and emerging needs.
Our Leadership
Robert (Bob) M. McCoy
Owner & Chief Executive Officer
Bob McCoy acquired Westwind Helicopters in 2008 and has since transformed it from a single-aircraft operator into a leading provider of helicopter services across the Gulf of America. With more than 35 years of combined aviation and oil & gas experience, Bob’s leadership is defined by a deep understanding of both flight operations and energy-sector logistics.
His aviation career began as both a fixed-wing and rotorcraft pilot, developing hands-on mechanical expertise that continues to shape Westwind’s operational philosophy. Prior to Westwind, he spent 25 years managing major projects for a leading independent oil and gas company.
Bob holds multiple FAA certifications, including:
- Commercial Pilot – Single & Multi-Engine (Fixed-Wing)
- Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot
- Instrument Ratings (Airplane)
- Certified Flight Instructor – Rotorcraft
- A&P Mechanic Certificate
A graduate of New Mexico Junior College, Bob remains committed to training, technician development, and a strong, proactive safety culture.
Robert (Rob) Phillips
President & Chief Operating Officer
Appointed President in 2022, Rob Phillips leads Westwind’s strategic operations and ensures safe, efficient service delivery across all markets. He brings over 35 years of aviation experience, including senior leadership roles with global helicopter operators.
A former U.S. Army pilot and instructor, Rob transitioned to civilian aviation in 1996. Prior to joining Westwind, Rob held a variety of senior leadership roles with top-tier international helicopter operators. His responsibilities have spanned flight operations, training and standardization, safety programs, supply chain, fleet management, and P&L oversight across multiple regions and operating environments.
Rob holds:
- ATP Certificate – Rotorcraft
- Commercial Pilot – Single & Multi-Engine (Fixed-Wing)
- Instrument Ratings – Airplane & Helicopter
- CFI & CFII – Rotorcraft and Fixed-Wing
- Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI)
He earned a B.S. in Aviation Business Administration and completed executive education at the Wharton School of Business.
W. Randy Orr
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Randy Orr joined Westwind in 2016 with more than 25 years of aviation finance and operational management experience. As CFO, he oversees all financial strategy, budgeting, risk management, and long-term growth planning.
Previously, Randy held senior roles with a publicly traded helicopter operator, including VP & GM of Alaska operations and Corporate Controller. He is a CPA with deep experience in cost modeling, regulatory compliance, and fleet financial planning.
Randy holds a BBA from the University of Houston and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.
Don Robson
Director of Operations & Director of Safety
Don Robson brings over 35 years of aviation experience and a strong background in both military and civilian leadership. A former U.S. Army helicopter mechanic, pilot, and company commander, Don joined Westwind in 2020 as Director of Safety and was promoted to Director of Operations in 2021.
He holds an FAA ATP certificate and has logged over 12,000 accident-free flight hours. Don has served in roles including Chief Pilot, Head of Flight Standards, and Director of Operations at other major operators.
He currently serves as Treasurer of the Helicopter Safety Advisory Conference (HSAC), promoting offshore aviation safety throughout the Gulf region.
Shawn Vaughn
Chief Pilot & Director of Training
Shawn Vaughn leads pilot training, oversight, and standardization at Westwind. With more than 25 years in aviation, including military and global civilian operations, he brings depth and experience to every aspect of pilot development.
A former U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk pilot and instructor, Shawn transitioned to the civilian sector in 2005 and has since held senior roles in training, standards, and flight operations management at international helicopter service providers.
He holds:
- ATP – Rotorcraft-Helicopter
- CFII – Rotorcraft
- Private Pilot – Fixed-Wing
Joey Desormeaux
Director of Maintenance
Joey Desormeaux oversees all maintenance operations and compliance across Westwind’s fleet. With over 35 years of rotorcraft maintenance experience, his leadership ensures safe, reliable aircraft performance both domestically and internationally.
Before joining Westwind in 2022, Joey led large-scale maintenance programs across the U.S., Australia, Canada, Guyana, and Europe for a global operator. His experience spans FAA Part 133, 135, and 145 environments, with roles in inspection, overhaul, and technical management.
His expertise in quality assurance, workforce training, and global standards supports Westwind’s commitment to maintenance excellence.
Myron Hillers
Director of Quality Assurance
Myron Hillers brings over 40 years of experience as an FAA-certified A&P technician with an Inspection Authorization rating since 1989. He leads Westwind’s QA program, ensuring aircraft compliance, safety, and airworthiness at the highest standards.
Myron’s background includes supporting VIP oil & gas operations, directing maintenance for regional helicopter operators, and leading aerial cinematography support for film productions. In 2004, he was named FAA Maintenance Technician of the Year (Baton Rouge FSDO).
A respected mentor and hands-on leader, Myron plays a vital role in advancing Westwind’s safety, reliability, and technician development programs.
Operations Headquarters
Connect with Us
Operations Headquarters
Connect with Us
Website Design by