⭐ First Class Medical Certificate

Andrew
Erdle

Dual Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) · 41 Years Experience

"Mr. Erdle began his aviation career in 1985, training in Bell 47 and Hiller UH-12 helicopters at an agricultural flight school in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he advanced through his CFI certification."

8500+ Flight Hours
41 yrs Experience
3,000+ Tours Flown
100% Safety
Andrew Erdle — Chief Pilot
8500+ Flight Hours Logged
About Andrew

The Pilot Behind
Charlotte Helicopter Tours

Andrew Erdle is celebrating 41 years in aviation, with a diverse and accomplished career spanning both rotorcraft and fixed-wing operations. He holds dual Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) licenses for airplanes and helicopters, as well as Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic ratings for both. In addition, he is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) for helicopters and holds an Advanced Ground Instructor certificate, along with a First Class Medical Certificate.

"I've flown over Charlotte hundreds of times and it still takes my breath away. That reaction on a passenger's face when they see the city from 1,000 feet? That's why I do this."

— Andrew Erdle

Mr. Erdle began his aviation career in 1985, training in Bell 47 and Hiller UH-12 helicopters at an agricultural flight school in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he advanced through his CFI certification. Over the decades, he has accumulated extensive experience across virtually every facet of rotorcraft aviation, including flight training, corporate operations, motion picture work, charter, airline operations, firefighting, powerline patrol, vertical lift, aerial application, news, and medevac services.

He holds eight airframe type ratings and began flying fixed-wing aircraft in 1988, progressing from single-engine to multi-engine airplanes. In 1997, he transitioned into corporate jet operations, where he has since built a global flying career. His jet experience includes operating a range of aircraft from manufacturers such as Cessna, Dassault Falcon, and Hawker, flying worldwide in corporate aviation roles.

Dual Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Training in Bell 47 Training in Hiller UH-12
Career Timeline

Andrew's Journey

1985
Spark Discovered a passion
The Spark Discovered a passion for aviation and committed to pursuing a career in flight the beginning of what would become a 41-year journey in the skies.
1985
First Flight Training
First Flight Training Began aviation career at an agricultural flight school in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, training on Bell 47 and Hiller UH-12 helicopters. Advanced through CFI certification within the same program.
1988
Expanded to Fixed-Wing
Expanded to Fixed-Wing Earned fixed-wing ratings and began flying single-engine airplanes, broadening his expertise beyond rotorcraft and laying the groundwork for a truly dual-discipline career.
1990s
Multi-Engine & Advanced Ratings Progression
Multi-Engine & Advanced Ratings Progressed from single-engine to multi-engine airplanes and accumulated eight airframe type ratings across both rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft.
1997
Entered Corporate Jet Operations
Entered Corporate Jet Operations Transitioned into corporate jet aviation, operating aircraft from Cessna, Dassault Falcon, and Hawker — the start of a global flying career in high-end corporate aviation.
Today
41 Years & Still Flying
41 Years & Still Flying Holds dual ATP licenses for both airplanes and helicopters, A&P mechanic ratings for both, CFI (helicopter), Advanced Ground Instructor certificate, and a First Class Medical Certificate. Still actively flying and bringing world-class expertise to every Charlotte Helicopter Tours flight.
8,500+ Total Flight Hours
41 yrs Years Flying
3,000+ Tours Completed
40+ Student Pilots Trained
Qualifications

Credentials & Certifications

🏅

FAA ATP Certificate

Holds the FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate — the highest level of pilot certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.

🎓

Certified Flight Instructor

FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with an instrument instructor rating (CFII). Has trained 40+ student pilots to their own certifications.

🛡️

Military Aviator

7-year career as a military aviator with 2,000+ operational hours. Trained in precision flying, emergency procedures, and high-stakes decision making.

🚁

Robinson R44 Rated

Fully type-rated on the Robinson R44 — the aircraft used for all Charlotte Helicopter Tours flights. Instrument rated for all weather conditions.

Fly With Andrew

Andrew's Favourite Tours

Andrew personally guides these tours and recommends them as his favourites for an unforgettable Charlotte experience.

🏙️🏁

Speedway + Downtown Combo

Andrew's personal favourite — the ultimate Charlotte experience combining skyline, stadium, and speedway in one epic 29-minute flight.

From $229 / seat
🥂

VIP Celebration Package

Andrew leads the majority of VIP packages — his calm confidence and warm personality make proposals and special occasions truly magical.

From $849 (2 seats)
🏙️

Downtown + Panther Stadium

The most popular tour on the roster. Andrew knows every angle of Charlotte's skyline and makes this the definitive city flight.

From $139 / seat
🏁

Charlotte Motor Speedway

As a motorsports enthusiast himself, Andrew brings extra energy and knowledge to the Speedway Tour — passengers always leave buzzing.

From $179 / seat

Ready to Fly With Andrew?

Book your Charlotte helicopter tour today and let Andrew Erdle take you to new heights above the city he loves.

Not sure which tour is right for you? Andrew and the team are happy to help you choose.

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