ZIMMER AIR - Key Persons


Aaron Trudell

Job Titles:
  • Operations Manager
Aaron Trudell is a native of Chatham, Ontario where he spent much of his time as a youngster growing up on his grandparent's farm, which was located down the road from Zimmer Air Services Inc.'s head office between Chatham and Blenheim. Experiencing his first ever helicopter flight at that same farm at the age of 14, it's safe to say Aaron was bitten by the helicopter bug. His early employment as a teen with ZASI was like many others entering the industry; he started out tasked with shop duties and operating ground support equipment on helicopter operations. Aaron put his full time efforts in obtaining his CHPL becoming an aerial application and charter pilot for ZASI. He has also attended the 2 year Confederation College AME program and is working when time prevails to complete his M1 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's licence. Aaron's desire to learn more of the workings of the company and the industries it served beyond that of a pilot, afforded him the opportunity to take on a more managerial role within the company while maintaining his flying duties. Now as the company's current Operations Manager, much of his time is spent planning and preparing for the upcoming season, meeting the company's regulatory requirements under the Canadian Aviation Regulations as Ops. Manager, and directing other to carry out their duties safely and efficiently. When there is down time to take advantage of, he enjoys travelling and experiencing the world.

Charles Goggin

Job Titles:
  • Chief
Charles Goggin's passion for aviation began at a young age when he piloted a Cessna 150 aircraft solo for the first time at the age of 15 and ultimately obtained his commercial pilots license (helicopter) in 2010. Charles was hired by ZAS in 2012 as a ground support worker and in 2014 he completed his first season in the pilot's seat. Now with over a decade of experience and knowledge in helicopter flight operations, Charles has taken on the role of Chief Pilot. With the support of his young family he eagerly works to promote safety, and build upon the high standards that were put in place by his predecessors at ZASI. Charles has committed to ensure ZASI pilots meet the highest level of flight safety standards, through training and mentoring. He has also committed to ensure ZASI remains compliant with an ever increasing regulatory burden in helicopter flight operations.

Jason Howes

Job Titles:
  • Director of Maintenance
Growing up in Chatham Kent, Jason developed a keen interest in helicopters and aviation. He graduated from Canadore College's Aviation Maintenance Technician Program in 2010 and obtained his M1 Aviation Maintenance Engineers License in 2012. Most of his career has been spent maintaining Bell's and Airbus Helicopters in remote locations throughout northern Canada, Alaska and the southern United States. He has experience working in the environmental, mining, as well as the oil and gas sectors. In 2018 Jason joined Zimmer Air Services taking on the position of Director of Maintenance.

Paul Zimmer - President

Job Titles:
  • President
  • President and Accountable Executive
Paul Zimmer is the current President. Paul is a Commercial Helicopter Pilot and Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, and has been with the company since its inception, and has held his current position since 1988. Paul Zimmer is the current President of Zimmer Air Services Inc. and has held that position since 1988. Growing up in an aviation family with a father that flew helicopters and was employed as a Fixed Wing Fire Bomber Pilot for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, it was a logical choice to enter the aviation field when his father started his own aviation company in SW Ontario in 1975. He is a graduate of the AMT program at Centennial College and holds an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence, M1 and M2, with experience on both rotary and fixed wing. Paul also holds a Commercial Pilot Licence, Rotary. 2023 marks his 48th year in the industry, all with Zimmer Air Services Inc., except for the time to obtain his credentials through training programs and apprenticeships. Working on a wide variety of aviation related opportunities in Canada, Central, and South America, Paul has a very good understanding of how this industry works and through his leadership and hard work has built a company committed to quality, service, and safety.

Rob Meilleur

Job Titles:
  • General Manager
An expert in the aviation field, having spent the last 25 years working in all aspects of the helicopter industry. Graduating from Canadore's AMT program with honours in 1995, early posts included work with small and large MRO's in southern Ontario, and with operators in British Columbia. Contracting for various organizations started in 2003 with a focus on helicopter maintenance, manufacturing, production management, operations, quality assurance, regulatory auditing, import and export, sales and trade school technical training development. International leasing and operational support has provided exposure in many parts of the globe. Volunteer work with youth groups in the Niagara region has helped introduce the industry to the next generation of aviation professionals. Attention to detail, organization, systems and safety have been the basis of a disciplined regimen.