ABOUT US

Classic Helicopter Corp. | SeattleHeli Tours | Seattle Air Taxi

OPERATION HOURS

Winter Hours:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday - Saturday

OUR STORY

In operation since 1982, Classic Helicopter Corp. and SeattleHeli Tours have been training pilots and turning locals into tourists respectively for decades. Veteran owned and operated, Classic Helicopter Corp. is the only flight school in Washington State where Part 141, Federal Aviation Administration regulated, training is available. Passionate for the science and adventure of flying, our best-in-class pilots train new pilots in Rotorcraft/Helicopter Aviation through our FAA-Regulated Flight School.

Chief Pilot and owner Dan Dolan began working as a flight instructor and tour pilot for Classic Helicopter Corp. in 2016, where he had previously studied to achieve his pilot ratings. In 2019, He founded Seattle Air Taxi and was actively flying for both companies until the opportunity arose in 2020 to become the Owner and President of Classic Helicopter Corp.

As a result, Seattle Air Taxi, Classic Helicopter Corp. and SeattleHeli Tours merged into one entity. Today, we provide an extensive range of flight-related services from heli tours, to a full rating Pilot Training Program, to agriculture services and everything in between.

MEET THE CREW

DAN DOLAN

Owner | Chief Pilot | CFI, CFII

Originally from Arkansas, I grew up running around the woods with my two younger brothers and cousins. Before founding Seattle Air Taxi, I spent 5 years serving as a U.S. Marine, then 6 years in the Army, totaling 11 years of honorable service.

In 2012, I began using my VA education benefits to obtain my pilot certificates in helicopters with Classic Helicopter Corp. Today, I hold thousands of hours in the air and experience flying a variety of aircraft, and carry Commercial and Instrument ratings in single-engine airplanes, multi-engine airplanes, and helicopters. I am also a CFI in airplanes and helicopters with CFII ratings in both as well. I began working as a flight instructor and tour pilot for Classic in 2016.

As a helicopter enthusiast, I don’t have a favorite route or tour–– but I can say for sure that flying helicopters is the best job in the world and the view from my office never gets old!
When I’m not working (which is rare), I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles, and cooking!

CRAIG SIMON

Charter Pilot | Flight Instructor

For me, flying helicopters has been a life long dream and I derive great satisfaction sharing that passion with our guests.

I began training in Hawaii while serving in the Navy and received my Private Pilot’s Certificate in 2006. My favorite aircraft, the MD500, stems from watching “Magnum PI” as a child. However, of Classic’s fleet I would have to say that the Hughes 269B’s are my favorite to fly. Although not as fast as the other birds, they are super maneuverable and a lot of fun. More than anything, I enjoy flying in the mountains.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, my wife and I were determined to settle in Washington after living here during my first enlistment in the Navy in the mid-nineties. We were able to accomplish that when the Navy moved our family back to Washington for my final posting in 2017. I have been with Classic since retiring from the Navy in 2021.

Ever wondered what it’d be like to fly a helicopter? Come see me; I’ll show you how.

CATRIONA ADAM

Commercial Pilot I Flight Instructor

I got my private pilot license here in Washington in October 2017.

Tours through the cascades have to be one of the most beautiful flights in the world.

My favorite aircraft is the Huey, and it is my dream to eventually fight fires in them.

I originally moved to Washington in 2013 as a top level indoor skydiving instructor and coach. I have also lived in Dubai where I coached the royal family there. I originally hail from Scotland where I grew up and went to the University of Glasgow, but I have also lived in France, Spain and Portugal.

I enjoy ski touring, paragliding and skydiving, and I hold 14 world records in Skydiving formations.

AUBURN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT

Our operation is located on site at Auburn Municipal Airport. Sporting the flexibility of a Class G environment with the ease of being minutes away from some of the busiest airspace in the country.

For more information about Auburn Municipal Airport, check our their website at

NAVIGATE

THE FLEET

ROBINSON R44 “Clipper II”

When Robinson Helicopter Company introduced the four seat R-44 in 1992 it quickly became one of the world’s best selling and most produced helicopters. The two-bladed, single engine helicopter is the “big sister” to the smaller two-seat R-22.

The R-44 is one of the most economical helicopters to operate given its outstanding performance characteristics and capability when compared to a larger more expensive turbine powered aircraft. The R-44 is currently be flown all over the world in every sector of the aviation market.

External load limit for our R-44 is 800 pounds and is billed at $800 per hour

BELL 206 B III “Jet Ranger”

The Bell Jet Ranger is one of the most iconic helicopters of all time. Produced by Bell Helicopters from 1966-2010, the Jet Ranger fleet is still flying all over the world and has logged millions of flight hours. It is widely regarded as one of the safest and most reliable helicopters ever produced.

With 4 passenger seats, a generous cargo compartment, and a max gross weight of up to 3400 pounds, the Jet ranger is an excellent and versatile choice for many applications.

External load limit for our Bell 206B3 is 1500 pounds and is billed at $1600 per hour.