Former Flir Systems VP James McGowan Joins Helinet Aviation as President

James McGowan, former vice president of FLIR System‘s surveillance segment, has been named president of California-based helicopter services provider Helinet Aviation.

He oversaw the development and execution of commercial sales and distribution strategies for FLIR’s portfolio of handheld and weapon-mounted thermal imaging products, Helinet Aviation said Thursday.

The more than 20-year industry veteran previously held leadership roles at Pilatus Business Aircraft and Envirovac.

He also served as an aircraft engineer at Alaska Airlines and supported the Federal Aviation Administration repair station during his time at McDonnell Douglas.

“Jim brings a wealth of experience from all facets of the industry, and I look forward to having him be a key contributor to the continued growth and expansion of Helinet,” said Helinet Aviation CEO Kathryn Purwin.

Helinet offers VIP charter, emergency patient and organ transport, electronic news gathering, film and television production services

The company’s technology division builds surveillance platforms for the law enforcement sector.