Professional Experience
Chris has over 25 years of aviation experience. He is a certified commercial helicopter pilot and single/multi-engine instrument airplane pilot. He has logged over 2900 hours of helicopter flight time and 610 hours of airplane flight time, with a total of 3100 hours as a pilot-in-command. His flight times includes low level, ENG, and mountain flying.
Chris is currently the owner of AM Air Service LLC. This small business, which specializes in Part 135 on demand helicopter charter and Part 91 flight operations, provides aerial survey services to federal, state, local, and private corporations. Chris has been carded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is a certification issued to help insure the highest levels of safety, qualification, and certification of contractor pilots and aircraft operating in support of national and regional Forest Service missions, goals, and objectives.
For the past 12 years, Chris has also been the owner and operator of Bachman Aero Inc., which specializes in Part 61 helicopter flight training for Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Certified Flight Instructor ratings. He also serves as a contract helicopter pilot for various companies.
Throughout his career, Chris has been involved in multiple aviation safety projects. He is skilled in conducting aviation operations and safety risk assessments and experienced with providing initial, annual, and best practice safety training to employees and first responders. He has worked with both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) during the investigation of aviation accidents. Chris has also been involved in the construction and management of heliports and helipads; ensuring that these resources are safe and environmentally friendly for public, medical, and military use.
Since 1994, Chris has served as the vice President of Para Gear Equipment Co., which is a parachute supplier to the military and sport markets worldwide.
Education and Training
Chris earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Humanities from Fort Lewis College in Colorado.
Chris has obtained certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (aircraft maintenance technician).