The life and times of helicopter pilot and businessman Niclas Herle

Niclas Herle is a helicopter pilot and a businessman. He has led an adventurous life, and he has built one of the more successful helicopter aviation companies in the Florida area.

Originally from Germany, Niclas moved to Oregon in 2011. He converted his EASA pilot licenses to FAA Commercial, Instrument, and Flight Instructor Certificates. In 2012, he founded Heli Aviation, a flight training and utility helicopter company, while completing his flight training.

Niclas Herle set up the headquarters of Heli Aviation in Sarasota, Florida, where it’s been ever since. He helped grow and expand the company, recognizing the huge demand for flight training in the country and helicopter utility services.

In just two years, Niclas Herle and Heli Aviation managed to procure seven helicopters for the company. These helicopters were used in various ways, from forest management prescribed burning, firefighting operations, search and rescue missions, aerial surveys, and power line inspection work. At the end of 2014, Niclas Herle had successfully acquired Diamond Helicopters, LLC, which provided an active 14 CFR 135 Certification. This allowed Heli Aviation to provide government contracts and specialized utility services, more specifically external-load operations.

From 2015 to 2018, Heli Aviation and Niclas Herle experienced even more success. In those three years, the company developed the patented aerial saw, expand operations with a satellite base in Broomfield, Colorado, and start a helicopter tour in New York City.

Last year, Niclas fulfilled one of his life goals by starting HAA flight missions, which involve emergency medical services.

Pilot, philanthropist, and writer Niclas Herle has time and again helped in disaster relief, environmental conservation, and search & rescue efforts. He also educates and encourages young people everywhere to get into aviation. For more about Niclas and his passions, click here.