Meet our Leadership Team
SHAWN BRAIDEN
SHAWN BRAIDEN: VP MAINTENANCE, AME, DOM/PRM
Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Services
A lifelong aviation enthusiast Shawn received his pilot’s license in 1997. As a pilot (later becoming a tow pilot, glider instructor and tow plane manager), he felt it was important to understand the workings of his aircraft and began pursuing his AME licensing at BCIT. After his first year at BCIT, Shawn accepted a part-time position with Harbour Air as an Apprentice/Groomer/General team member, while also working part-time for Tasman Helicopters, gaining both fixed and rotary experience. His leadership, commitment to safety, passion and willingness to take on challenges propelled his career, and despite still being an Apprentice, in 2000 Shawn was appointed crew chief and later led the creation of the Coal Harbour Line Maintenance Base. In 2013, Shawn was accepted by Transport Canada as a PRM delegate, and a few months later, accepted that same position for the Harbour Air Group of Companies, where he is currently responsible for a fleet of 40 aircraft, 30 additional third-party aircraft and responsible for Quality Assurance.
Shawn is PRM for three different AOCs, PRM for both a maintenance AMO and manufacturing AMO, and sits on the BCIT Program Advisory Council. In 2016 Shawn received the top 20 under 40 in Canadian Aviation and Aerospace and in 2020 was awarded the Robert Hope award for his outstanding work in the aviation industry.
A lifelong aviation enthusiast Shawn received his pilot’s license in 1997. As a pilot (later becoming a tow pilot, glider instructor and tow plane manager)…
ERIKA HOLTZ
ERIKA HOLTZ, P. ENG., DAR #345
DAR / Certification & Engineering Services
Erika has been involved in aviation all her life, beginning her career in 2003 as an EIT with International Aero Products where she became general manager and person responsible for quality to Transport Canada. While leading the negotiation of the 9000lb gross weight Otter STC, including prototyping the wing and modifying the aircraft for physical and test flying, in 2007 Erika completed her professional engineering status with APEG BC. Achieving her delegation status as a structural delegate under the Design Approval Representative Program with Transport Canada, Erika became one of only eight structural DARs in the Pacific Region and started her own engineering company in 2010. In 2012, she accepted a position as the Engineering and Quality Manager for the Harbour Air Group of Companies, where she created a production control system for the manufacturing department, acquiring design approvals, and manufacturing a significant number of parts. Erika is also the Project Manager and Lead Engineer for the electrification of the DHC-2 Beaver project, successfully obtaining first electric flight of a commercial aircraft in December 2019.
Erika has been involved in aviation all her life, beginning her career in 2003 as an EIT with International Aero Products where she became general manager…
RALPH HORSTMANN
RALPH HORSTMANN, 3RD PARTY LEAD AME
Third Party
Ralph has been in the aviation industry for over 30 years. He started at BCIT in 1990 and upon graduation began his apprenticeship with Alex Aircraft Maintenance and Repair Inc. After almost a decade with Alex Aircraft and gaining his AME license, he moved to Cascade Air worked on Dash 8 and 737’s. He then went to Air Canada and worked on 747’s, 767’s, 757’s, 737’s, Airbus A310 and 320. In 2005, Ralph returned to his roots and reunited with Alex Aircraft Maintenance. When Alex retired and closed his AMO in 2012, Ralph began work with Harbour Air Aerospace Services. Ralph is passionate about aviation and his knowledge and expertise makes him an invaluable resource to apprentices and AMEs alike.
Ralph has been in the aviation industry for over 30 years. He started at BCIT in 1990 and upon graduation began his apprenticeship with Alex Aircraft…
DAVE BATEMAN
DAVE BATEMAN
Structural Repair
David Bateman possesses two decades of experience in aviation, specializing in structural repair of both fixed and rotary aircraft. He spent the majority of his career at Kenn Borek Air and Regent Aircraft Services and with them organized and led teams in four aircraft salvage missions, and many additional extensive repair projects worldwide, some of which took place in the most harsh and isolated environments. In 2018, David took on the new challenge of being the Person Responsible for Manufacturing at Borek. Prior to his departure in 2019, he was responsible for adding over 22 PDA, STC and RDA approvals to the Manufacturing Certificate. In September 2019, Harbour Air Aerospace was lucky enough to have David join the family. In short order, he became an essential member of the crew, leading the Structures and Manufacturing Departments.
David Bateman possesses two decades of experience in aviation, specializing in structural repair of both fixed and rotary aircraft. He spent the majority of his career at Kenn Borek…
DAVE COON
DAVE COON, HEAD OF AEROSPACE PAINT SHOP
Paint Shop
Painting is not only Dave’s passion – it is a family legacy. His father, his two brothers and his son are all expert painters in aviation. Dave began his painting career in his 20’s, working with his dad Tony who was running a paint shop in Kamloops at the time. Tony then moved to YVR South Terminal to run a paint shop here and Dave helped him out periodically. Dave and Tony then worked together at Penta Aviation for many years. In 2011, we were lucky enough to have them join the Aerospace team, running our paint shop. In 2014, Dave’s son joined the paint shop, continuing the long family tradition. When Tony retired in 2015, Dave assumed the position of running the shop. With this much expertise in the family, it should come as no surprise that Dave’s favourite assignments are complicated, detailed paint schemes – no challenge is too great. He believes an exceptional paint job is only possible with a close team of paint shop professionals working together, and ‘prep work, prep work, prep work’.
Painting is not only Dave’s passion – it is a family legacy. His father, his two brothers and his son are all expert…
KALEY HOFFMAN
KALEY HOFFMAN, SCMP – SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER
Parts Department
Kaley is passionate about all modes of transportation, so it is no surprise that he pursued a career in aviation. He started with Harbour Air in 1998 driving the shuttle bus, and quickly moved into Supply Chain Management the year after. In 2013 he achieved SCMP accreditation from the SCMA of BC, after completing three years of business courses at SFU. Kaley is a keen negotiator and loves the challenge of ensuring all aspects of the parts/services logistics come together smoothly. His biggest joys are working with a talented team of professionals on the legacy deHavilland aircraft and believes these pioneering aircraft are still among the best.
Kaley is passionate about all modes of transportation, so it is no surprise that he pursued a career in aviation…