Episode #70 - Max Lyons: Owner and CEO of Hillsboro Aviation

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In this captivating episode of The Helicopter Podcast, Halsey has
the pleasure of sitting down with Max Lyons, the visionary owner
and CEO of Hillsboro Aviation. 


From Halsey: “This conversation held a special resonance for me,
as Hillsboro Aviation is not just any company—it's where I got my
start in the aviation industry and called home for seven years.
Despite knowing Max well from my time at Hillsboro Aviation, this
conversation peeled back layers of his story that were new to me,
offering an enriching depth to what I thought I knew.
 
 Max took us through a nostalgic journey, recounting the
early days and historical evolution of Hillsboro Helicopters, now
known as Hillsboro Aviation. His narrative was not just a
chronicle of growth but a testament to innovation and foresight
in aviation training. Max shared his groundbreaking vision for
flight training, which was not confined to helicopters alone but
encompassed airplanes as well. He elaborated on how he
revolutionized the training landscape, creating unprecedented
pathways for international students to pursue flight training—an
initiative that has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the
industry.
 
 A pivotal moment in our discussion was Max's reflection on
the significant decision to sell the flight school a decade ago.
This decision marked a new chapter for Hillsboro Aviation, one
that we delved into with keen interest. Max's excitement was
palpable as he spoke about the present and future of Hillsboro
Aviation, particularly highlighting the construction of their
impressive 51,000-square-foot facility on the northeast side of
the Hillsboro airport. This facility is not just a structure;
it's a symbol of innovation and forward-thinking within the
aviation sector.
 
 Also exciting was the conversation around the addition of
the H145D3 Airbus helicopter to Hillsboro Aviation's fleet. Max's
enthusiasm about this helicopter serving as a ‘type two’
firefighting platform was infectious. He shared his conviction
that this platform represents the future of helicopter
firefighting, particularly for type two aircraft, showcasing his
continuous forward-thinking vision for the industry.
 
 Having Max Lyons as a guest was an absolute delight. His
forward-thinking perspective, combined with a deeply personal
connection to the origins and growth of Hillsboro Aviation, made
for an engaging and insightful conversation. It was a privilege
to share this intimate dialogue with him, exploring the past,
present, and promising future of Hillsboro Aviation.”