Robert Gallagher
A Leader in Aviation Innovation and Safety
Mr. Gallagher serves as the President and CEO of the Coldstream Group of Companies which includes Coldstream Helicopters Ltd, Coldstream Aerospace and Manufacturing, Coldstream Helicopters USA, and Coldstream Helicopters International, earning him recognition as a prominent figure in the Canadian and International aviation sector. With over 33 years of industry experience, he is a distinguished expert in helicopter operational and safety management.
Key Qualifications and Experience
Dynamic and results-oriented CEO with decades of leadership experience in the aviation sector, specializing in driving corporate growth and optimizing operations to enhance profitability in competitive markets. He excels in delivering end-to-end contracting, procurement, and logistics solutions throughout the air support life cycle, leveraging a strong entrepreneurial mindset and excellent communication skills to foster innovation and build lasting relationships. His proven track record in developing and executing successful business strategies has consistently increased market share and revenue. With a focus on organizational planning and prioritization, I bring strong fiscal oversight and a commitment to enhancing business viability and safety processes. His ability to recruit, develop, and lead high-performing teams has enabled him to effectively meet business needs and optimize performance across diverse operations and programs.
Formal Education: Mr. Gallagher holds a degree in Commercial Aviation from Okanagan University College, an ISO Quality Management System (IRCA) International Registered Certified Auditor qualification from Ashbrooke Institute and has completed an Executive MBA at McGill University in 2017. Most recently a graduate of the Ivey School of Business where he completed the Ivey – KPMG Quantum Shift Program in 2022.
Innovation and Safety Advocacy: Mr. Gallagher is a passionate advocate for aviation safety, actively engaging in initiatives both within Coldstream Helicopters and in various industry associations. His leadership roles include Director at the Helicopter Association of Canada (HAC), Executive Chair of the Oil & Gas Committee, and participation in the OGP Aviation Safety subcommittee. Additionally, he was Team Lead 702 Operations at the IHST (International Helicopter Safety Team) / JHSAT Canada Air Safety and Accident Analysis Team to enhance helicopter safety standards.
Technical Expertise: As an accomplished Airline Transport rated pilot with over 14,000 flight hours and specialized expertise in flight training and pilot competency. He serves as a Transport Canada Check Pilot and a FAA Chief Pilot for the Bell 212 and Airbus A332. His proficiency in challenging flight environments—such as mountainous, arctic, jungle, and desert regions—enables him to effectively assess pilot capabilities, crucial for maintaining high standards of flight safety.
- AH 36987 -Transport Canada Airline Transport Pilot – Helicopter (Unrestricted)
- CA 369873 -Transport Canada Commercial Multi Engine – Fixed Wing
- 4510421 US FAA ATP – Helicopter (Unrestricted)
- Transport Canada Designated Approved Check Pilot (DACP)
- Valid and current IFR Ratings Unrestricted
- United States Forest Service (USFS) Type 1 carded Captain Airbus 332 Super Puma
- Valid FAA IPC
Lynda Flynn
Executive Vice president & CFO
Prior to joining the Coldstream Group of Companies, Lynda was Chief Financial Officer (2001) and later President (2007 - 2010) of Alpine Helicopters, an operator of approximately 40 Bell helicopters, and its subsidiary company, Alpine Aerotech, a helicopter parts manufacturing and MRO facility. At Alpine, Lynda led a team of 200+ pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, and operations, administrative and support staff. She was a member of the Executive Management team charged with providing leadership to Canadian Mountain Holidays, a subsidiary of Alpine, the world’s oldest and largest helicopter skiing operator.
