THE TEAM
Halsey Schider
Owner & CEO
Halsey Schider started his aviation journey at the age of fourteen when he joined the Civil Air Patrol. Eighteen years later, his passion for aviation (specifically helicopters) is stronger than ever. Coupled with his love for aviation, Halsey has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, starting his first business at the age of twelve, mowing lawns. The earnings from this venture helped him afford his flight lessons at age fifteen. In 2017, Halsey started selling helicopters to create a business that would profit from his helicopter experiences and passion. This past March, Halsey retired from his helicopter air ambulance position to better meet the growing demand for honest helicopter sales representation. Halsey will serve Sellacopter in every capacity and looks forward to growing this business within an industry he loves.
Ian Swett
Director of Business Development
Ian joins us from a family of aviators. His early passion for aviation was kindled by his great uncle, a Naval fighter pilot during World War II, and distant relative James Swett, a US Marine Fighter Ace and Medal of Honor recipient. Ian began his career with the Marine Corps, serving as a maintenance inspector and aircrew aboard Sikorsky CH-53 helicopters. He then went on to attain a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, while simultaneously attaining all of his professional pilot certificates. Ian has now been a helicopter pilot for 13 years. He has accumulated extensive experience in flight instruction, tours, charter, and air ambulance, holding the titles Lead Pilot, Chief Flight Instructor and Part 135 Check Airman. Ian’s sales and business experience are derived from a period as a mortgage broker, as well as founding his own company. With a broad background in aviation and business relations, Ian is a skilled Sales Manager ready to provide our customers with the highest level of representation.
Zach Whitehead
Operations Manager
Zach's life has been dedicated to aviation since the age of seventeen. He has been a helicopter pilot for 14 years, working in flight instruction, aerial photography, Grand Canyon tours, helicopter air ambulance operations, and electronic news gathering. Halsey and Zach have been friends for 11 years and co-workers at four companies. What started as a passion for the skies has transformed into a rewarding career that supports his wife and three young children. Zach's diverse experience in a wide range of Robinson, Eurocopter, and Bell airframes makes him a fantastic addition to the Sellacopter team. Zach gives our customers the peace of mind that they are being represented by someone with an intimate knowledge of not just the sales process, but the aircraft as well.
Sean Moretz
Sales Consultant
Sean has more than 20 years of aviation experience and is an FAA-designated pilot examiner for all levels of FAA pilot certificates. He is qualified for testing in the Robinson R-22/R-44, Cabri G2, MD 500, Bell 505 and H-130. Sean began his flight career in Oregon where he received an aviation degree in flight technology. He then transitioned to flight instruction, Grand Canyon tours, EMS, utility and offshore flying, holding the titles of Chief Flight Instructor, Chief Pilot, Check Airman, Director of Operations, and Vice President of Commercial Operations along the way. He is currently the Chief Pilot for a corporate aviation group based out of Washington, DC. With a vast background and familiarity with a variety aircraft, Sean is great source of industry knowledge. Sean brings his passion and expertise to Sellacopter as a Sales Consultant. Sean will work with our other sales agents to ensure that we can provide the highest tier of airframe knowledge for every single client.
Matt Lombard
Sales Consultant
Meet Matt, a seasoned aviation enthusiast with a passion for flying machines. From a young age, Matt found himself captivated by the wonders of the sky, and that fascination blossomed into a lifelong love of aviation. With hands-on experience, Matt has become well-versed when it comes to the Robinson R-22 and R-44 helicopters. His expertise extends beyond the cockpit, as he has devoted countless hours to the meticulous art of overhauling these iconic aircraft. Whether it's the intricate workings of the R-22 or the sophisticated engineering of the R-44, Matt's knowledge is vast. Matt's passion for aviation is contagious.
Hilary Schider
Sales Administrator
Hilary is our Social Media Specialist and HR/Sales Administrator. Originally from Oregon, Hilary graduated from Oregon State University with a background in Sales Administration & Hospitality. She's provided support for an executive team of employees, handling all travel and expense reports, along with recruiting and onboarding new hires. Plus, she has experience managing leads and sales opportunities, billing and invoicing. Thanks to her significant other’s guidance for twelve years, Hilary has immersed herself in the aviation industry.
Wesley Rhoads
Sales Consultant
Wesley brings a diverse and dynamic background to the Sellacopter team. As an entrepreneur and former varsity athlete, he has developed a strong work ethic and discipline, which have carried over into his professional career. Before transitioning into aviation, Wesley was a top performer in the automotive industry, specializing in VW and Audi brands, where he honed his sales and customer relations expertise. His career took an exciting turn when he learned to fly in the Pacific Northwest and soon became deeply involved in the world of aviation. Certified as a CFI/II and holding Commercial Helicopter, ASEL, and AMEL pilot certificates, Wesley brings extensive experience to the field. He has worked with an aerial production company for several major networks, contributed to an aviation startup, and recently supported civilian helicopter relief efforts in western North Carolina. In addition to his career, Wesley is passionate about extreme sports, and is an avid car and motorcycle enthusiast. As a new father of twins, he understands the importance of balance and commitment. At Sellacopter, Wesley combines his unique blend of aviation expertise, sales experience, and entrepreneurial spirit to provide the highest level of service and success for clients.
Rhys Donaldson
Sales Consultant
Born and raised in New Zealand, Rhys is an experienced aviation professional with a strong background in business. He holds conjoint degrees in Management Studies and Law (BMS/LLB) from the University of Waikato. Rhys began his career in the professional services sector, working at Ernst & Young in Auckland, NZ, before moving to Deloitte in Vancouver, BC. With a lifelong passion for helicopters, he earned his commercial pilot and instructor licenses from Mauna Loa Helicopters in Hawaii in 2012. Rhys then went on to work with various companies, primarily focusing on scenic and charter flights. He is excited to be a part of the Sellacopter team, where he combines his business expertise with his enthusiasm for aviation.
Spencer Cahoon
Sales Consultant
Spencer Cahoon’s passion for aviation began at an early age, and it’s a love that has only grown stronger as he pursues his journey as a student pilot. With a deep fascination for helicopters, Spencer has been fortunate to build strong relationships and make valuable connections within the helicopter industry that have allowed him to have some very unique opportunities to progress his career. Although still early in his flying career, Spencer’s enthusiasm for aviation is evident in everything he does.