Colorado Highland Helicopters was founded in 2016 by Durango residents Brandon and Dayle Laird to provide the full range of helicopter aviation services and training to the four corners region and beyond. CHH operates the AS350SD2 “A-star”,MD500 and R44 aircraft from their base at the animas airpark. CHH is a fully FAA approved air charter & taxi service, and provides air tours, transportation, photography, inspection, and public safety flight services in addition to initial, recurrent and specialized mountain flight training. CHH has flown over 6000 hours since founding with a perfect safety record.

Brandon Laird, Owner Chief Pilot (CFI, CFII, BS)

Founder of Colorado Highland Helicopters, Brandon brings decades of aviation experience and a passion for teaching to every flight. As a Certified Flight Instructor and Instrument Instructor, Brandon has trained pilots from their very first hover to advanced mountain and turbine operations. He has spent the majority of his career flying in the rugged terrain of Western Colorado, serving as both a search and rescue and aeromedical pilot. His deep knowledge of mountain flying and commitment to safety continue to define the high standards of instruction at Colorado Highland Helicopters.

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David Tranum, Instructor Pilot (CFI, CFII)

A Durango local with deep roots in the community, David Tranum brings a unique blend of precision, professionalism, and passion to Colorado Highland Helicopters. When he’s not guiding students through the intricacies of helicopter flight, David applies his analytical skills in his other career as a financial advisor, helping clients navigate their financial futures with the same steady hand he uses at the controls. His lifelong love of aviation and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable part of our instructional team.

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JD Parsons, Instructor Pilot / Operations Specialist (CFI, CFII)

Born and raised in the mountains of Durango, he is a proud 5th-generation local with deep roots in the community. A successful entrepreneur in trucking and gas stations, his passion for flight was ignited in 2020 after taking a discovery flight in fixed wing operations. After selling his businesses to pursue his dream full-time, he joined Colorado Highland Helicopters in 2022, quickly excelling through the program. Today, he proudly instructs the next generation of pilots, continuing his journey at CHH with dedication and expertise of those who precced him.

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John Priest, Commercial Pilot / Compliance Officer / Director of Saftey (CFI, CFII)

John Priest is a our newest CFII added to our instructor pool who also wears many hats at Highland Helicopters, including compliance officer, director of safety, and agent of service. Embracing a second career, John transitioned from a successful 10-year tenure as a brewmaster and entrepreneur—operating several acclaimed breweries to fulfilling his lifelong dream of flight. After settling on CHH, he moved to Durango to pursue aviation with our renowned school, where his diverse background and unwavering commitment to excellence now enrich the Highland Helicopters team.

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Charlie Vaughan, Former Lead Instrument Instructor Pilot (CFI, CFII)

is an experienced mountain pilot who is native to Durango, CO. After
focusing on teaching instrument flying Charlie has relocated to the beaches of Florida to work as a tour guide. In 2021 Charlie had an engine failure flying and was able to successfully land the aircraft with no damage and vacate all passengers unharmed.”

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Tim Durkin, (DO, FAAEM, CAQSM)

Dr Durkin is the SAR Program Coordinator for Colorado Highland Helicopters. He has more than 3 decades of SAR, EMS and Emergency Medicine response experience in more than half a dozen states. His diverse experiences include work as a paramedic prior to medical school and service as medical director for regional SAR teams in New Mexico and Colorado, as well as the US Forest Service. He is board certified in both emergency and sports medicine. In addition to his work with CHH, Dr Durkin is Chief Medical Officer for Base Medical (Base-Medical.com), a SAR and wilderness medicine Training Company. He is an award -winning educator, having spoken at numerous regional and national medical and rescue conferences.

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