Our Team
Elling Halvorson, Former Chairman
Elling Halvorson originally founded Elling Halvorson Construction Co. in 1957. Shortly thereafter, it was incorporated as Elling Halvorson Inc. Elling was in the construction business for over 35 years specializing in difficult logistical projects many of which required helicopters for their successful completion. In 1960 Mr. Halvorson acquired his first of a fast-growing fleet of helicopters. Mr. Halvorson has received several distinguished awards, including alumni awards from universities, an honorary doctorate, and many awards in the aviation field, including the coveted 2001 Flight Safety Foundation, President’s Citation, the Lawrence Bell Memorial Award, Saluting Excellence in Management within the Helicopter Industry. He has served on many committees and boards within the Helicopter Association International, as well as serving the organization as Chairman for two terms. In 1992, Mr. Halvorson co-founded Rainier Heli International and has been Chairman of The Board since its inception. Rainier Heli International is one of several aviation companies owned by the Halvorson Family, which includes Papillon Helicopters, Grand Canyon Helicopters, Grand Canyon Airlines, and Scenic Airlines as well as several aircraft leasing companies.
You can read more about Mr. Halvorson's early accomplishments in his memoirs, appropriately titled "Detours To Destiny". Unfortunately, Mr. Halvorson passed away April 16, 2020.
Lon Halvorson, CEO
Lon is the Co-Founder of Rainier Heli International and has held the position of CEO since the company’s inception. In addition, he holds the position of President and CEO of Elling Halvorson Inc. and Monarch Enterprises parent and sister companies respectively. He is Executive Vice President of both Papillon Airways and Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines. He is President or a Managing Member of the Halvorson Aviation Group of thirteen aircraft leasing companies. The total number of aircraft owned by these companies is in excess of 80 aircraft. Lon is a Principle in all of the above referenced companies.
Richard “Lash” Larew, President
Lash has been working for Rainier Heli International since January 2005. He is an ATP rated helicopter and fixed Wing pilot with over 12,000 accident free hours logged in helicopters. He started flying helicopters at the age of 18 for the US Army and served two tours overseas, one of which was as a Cobra pilot in Viet Nam. After 9 years in the military, he went to work as a line helicopter pilot for Era Helicopter, Inc. based in Alaska. Lash held several positions in his 27 years with Era including Director of Training and Safety, Director of Operations, and retired from Era as Executive Vice President and member of the Board of Directors.
He is currently active in all aspects of Rainier’s operations. Duties include acquisitions and sales of aircraft as well as developing and managing the national and international lease fleet.
Steve Wright, Vice President, COO
Steve has been with Rainier Heli International since 1998. He has transitioned Rainier from a helicopter logging company to a national and international leasing company. His area of expertise is the management of the leasing fleet and the operation of Rainier’s heavy lift & firefighting Kmax program.
Steve is a graduate of the University of Washington, Jackson School of International Studies with a degree in International Trade and Investment. He served on the Jackson School’s Advisory Board and is the co-founder of the Jackson School Alumni Association.
For twelve years prior to joining Rainier Steve was an owner and President of Fly Wright Helicopter Corp. and was the founding President of the Seattle Vertical Flight Association Northwest. In 2007, Steve was elected to serve on the Helicopter Association International (HAI) US Government Contracting Committee and served as Chairman for three years from 2016 to 2018.
Cindy Parfitt, Controller
Cindy joined Rainier Heli International in 2023. With over 30 years experience in accounting and financial management, she is a highly skilled strategic and tactical Controller. Her experience includes positions such as Controller at professional/consulting service firms and non-profits.