Our Team

Melvin Lagersson
President

Melvin worked at Capital Helicopters for 9 years before his natural ambition and drive saw him purchase the company in the spring of 2020. He is an accomplished pilot, and has spent virtually all of his career flying and working in Yukon's mountainous terrain. In his time at the helm of Capital Helicopters Melvin has more than doubled the fleet, strategically expanding in order to adjust to client demands while still ensuring that the company's well-established, historic customer base is looked after. Melvin is focused on building a strong local business that places an emphasis on customer service and safety.

Laura Vinnedge
Director of Operations

After spending 9 years working in both private industry and non-profit sectors in the Yukon, Laura joined the Capital Helicopters team in early 2018. She has a passion for collaborating directly with customers and clients to help ensure that any flight, big or small, is conducted safely and efficiently. With a field background in mineral exploration and logistics, she is well-placed to answer any questions you may have with respect to planning your next project. When she's not in the office, Laura enjoys hiking, reading, and training and racing her team of sprint sled dogs.

Kevin Beamish
Director of Maintenance

Kevin joined the Capital Helicopters team in the fall of 2021, where he quickly found his footing at the helm of our AMO. Kevin was raised in an aviation family, with helicopters never too far away, bringing us generations of experience combined with a youthful passion for excellence. He has an endless drive for recreational sports in the mountains with his faithful German Shepherd, Loki, always at his side.

Erik Polzin
Chief Pilot

Knowledgeable and dedicated, Erik brought 19 years of flight experience with him when he came to Capital, half of which took place in the high Arctic. Erik also holds his AME license and has over 16 years of engineering experience on several aircraft types. His well-rounded, in-depth understanding of aircraft mechanics and field expertise ensures that you'll be in the most capable hands possible on your next flight with Erik. In his spare time Erik enjoys travelling, camping, canoeing, and beating Kevin at poker.

Kim Flament
Pilot

Kim first joined the Capital team in 2018, and has spent the past 15 years flying in the Yukon, Quebec, and on the west coast. Kim has flown precision longline work on high-altitude exploration programs, supported wildland firefighting efforts across Canada, served as a specialized instructor in mountain flying and other advanced techniques, and is fluent in French, English and Spanish. Kim is also an avid photographer, and enjoys showcasing the dramatic beauty of the regions where he works and plays.

Scott Smith
Pilot

A Whitehorse local with 17 years of flight experience and a love for the great outdoors, Scott has been a familiar and integral part of the Capital team for the past 8 years. He has carved out a niche for himself as a wildlife specialist, flying with biologists and scientists to assist their research, survey and collaring efforts on everything from bison to caribou. In his free time, Scott enjoys hunting, snowmobiling and adventuring with his family.

Bryan Johnson
Pilot

With several years of dynamic aviation, as well as Yukon industry, experience under his belt Bryan has been an invaluable asset to the Capital team. His calm demeanor and talent for planning ahead helps ensure that customer's projects are conducted smoothly and efficiently. Bryan is also one of Capital's tour specialists, regularly going above and beyond to ensure that visitors leave having experienced the flight of a lifetime.

Adam Fox
Pilot

Adam has been flying in the Yukon for the past 8 years on various helicopter types, and accompanies his strong flying talents with a knack for mechanics. He has become one of our turnkey Bell 407 pilots, and enjoys the camaraderie and teamwork of remote field camps. Adam owns a selection of "interesting vehicles," and his curious mind enjoys tinkering and fixing whatever may come across his path. If he isn't flying or wrenching, you'll find him enjoying the outdoors to its full potential or reading a novel of historical accounts.

Damon Juss
Pilot & Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Damon Joined Capital Helicopters in 2023 and quickly demonstrated himself to be a very well-rounded aviator, whether the job may entail moving a drill in a Bell 407 or performing an inspection one of our A-Stars. Whatever the season, you can find Damon on a mountaintop, either snowmobiling, snowboarding or mountain biking. Outside of the aviation and thrill-seeking, Damon is a proud husband and father.

Robert Girard
Pilot & Airborne Geophysical Division Manager

Rob is a seasoned helicopter pilot with over two decades of flight experience in North America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Europe. He now brings his extensive expertise as a pilot specializing in geophysical exploration within the mining industry to the Yukon Territory. When he’s not out flying in the stunning northern backcountry, you can find Rob immersed in new experiences with his wife and two kids.

Owen Davis
Apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Owen joined the Capital team in the winter of 2023, having moved here from the interior of BC, and has since become a proud Yukoner. Owen loves exploring with his faithful dog Tucker, discovering new favourite outdoor spots and spaces during their adventures. Owen has a growing passion for helicopters and his career. Good luck out working this young man!

Mark Cunningham
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

If the saying "he's seen it all" was coined for one individual, it would be for Mark. Mark has been fixing helicopters here in the Yukon for, let’s just say, a few years... Mark is truly one of the anchors of the maintenance department. When he's not in the shop, Mark enjoys spending time on the open road in either his Model-A truck or on a motorcycle. Regardless of the situation, we can always count on our man Mark.

Jay Chow
Technical Records

Jay retired early from the federal government, and embarked on an adventure to the far north in 2017. He spent a number of years on the logistics and operational side of aviation before deciding to dive into the maintenance end of things. Jay's great passion is travelling, particularly to tropical destinations, and he also enjoys sports and cars.

John Martin
Pilot & Ground Crew Support

John joined Capital Helicopters in 2024 and quickly made himself indispensable, willing and able to tackle anything that gets thrown his way. If it includes adventure, there's a good chance John has done it - a former carpenter, he spent 5 years overseas spear fishing and surfing. John travelled back and forth between Canada and New Zealand working as a ski patroller for some time prior to developing an interest in flying. The Yukon is particularly attractive to John, with stunning remote backcountry and mountain peaks giving him the chance to ski, climb and bike to his heart's content. John knows all the best tour paths for our guests and takes great pride in ensuring that everyone flying with him at Capital has a truly epic experience.

Trevor Strochinski
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer & Maintenance Supervisor

In early 2024, we were very excited to welcome Trevor to our growing team. He joins the Capital crew with a wealth of aviation knowledge, a cheerful, easygoing disposition and great spirit. Trevor's gentle old black Lab, Nyx, is a company favourite and can often be found "supervising" him in the shop while he works. Trevor enjoys skiing, hiking, camping and can  fix his way out of any jam.

Dominika Tejmlova
Office Administration & Human Resources

Dom arrived in Whitehorse from Prague in 2015, having been drawn to Canada and the Yukon to experience all that the remote wilderness had to offer. 8 years later, she became a proud Canadian citizen, and joined the Capital Helicopters team in the spring of 2024. She has taken on the mantle of the Human Resources role, and is excited to work alongside a dynamic, growing team. When not in the office, Dom is an avid hiker, camper and skier.

Max Skoogh
Pilot

Max arrived in Canada in early 2024, having previously flown in the Swedish Laplands supporting CAT work and reindeer mustering. He has had a keen interest in heavy machinery since he was young, and has operated excavators, tractors, snowcats, etc. On the hunt for a unique challenge, he turned to helicopters. Max has a strong affinity for the mountains, and enjoys backcountry sledding, skiing, hiking - and strong black coffee.

Jesse Kirby
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Jesse and his partner Ellen, a nurse practitioner, recently relocated to the Yukon from the US and have been happily immersing themselves in everything that northern Canada has to offer. Jesse has over 15 years of hands-on aviation experience, both in shop and field environments, and pairs curiosity and a passion for aviation with a strong commitment to safety and teamwork. Jesse enjoys travelling and exploring, both within North America and internationally.

Kyle Landry
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

Kyle moved to Whitehorse in December of 2024, but is an experienced AME and has been working in aviation and living in the north since 2018. Up until now he has primarily been an AStar guy, but "the 206 has a bit of charm to it." In his spare moments, Kyle enjoys tinkering with motorcycles, sleds, and electronics (old game consoles, audio equipment etc). He's excited to explore the Yukon mountains by motorcycle this coming summer. Kyle is currently supporting a family of three cats.

Halle Stasiuk
Bookkeeper

Halle has a degree in Natural Resource Management, but moved into a different career stream at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022, she decided to pursue a formal education in accounting and subsequently moved up to the Yukon along with her partner, Michael, and their dog Tagish. Halle spent 13 years coaching competitive cheerleading, and recently began coaching gymnastics at the Yukon Gymnastics Center. When not working and volunteering, Halle enjoys exploring the wild natural beauty surrounding their home on Spirit Lake.

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