Here at 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours/Kouri’s Kopters we’re all family. This means that as soon as you step through our doors our staff welcome you with open arms. We aim to provide you with the best experience that provides you with memories that will last a lifetime. With this new perspective let our crew provide you a Service above the Rest.
DAVE KOURI
President Operations Manager & Chief Pilot
Dave is owner and the founder of Kouri’s Kopters Inc. Although his dad was a key driving force, Dave has pursued his dream to maintain & grow Kouri’s Kopters into its glory today. He has had over 35 years of experience with variety family businesses. Dave has been flying helicopters for over 25 years and is licensed in Canada and the United States. He holds endorsements on Robinson, Bell, Rotorway and Schweizer helicopters. In the little spare time Dave loves to get outside and spend time hunting, fishing and four-wheeling with his daughter Charlotte.
GEORGE EAST
Pilot
George has been involved in aviation for close to 40 years and is a commercial helicopter Pilot/Engineer. Meaning he flies them and fixes them too.
Now being a retired Transport Canada Inspector, he enjoys the ride, just like you. When not flying, he and his wife Claire enjoy living in Prince Edward County, kayaking, paddle boarding and motorcycling.
SCOTT KOURI
SMS Manager & Company Guide
Scott’s primary responsibility is to drive our Safety Management System (SMS). These systems are becoming standard throughout the aviation industry worldwide as the next step in the evolution of safety in aviation. His other responsibilities include managing our security and passengers’ safety at special events, ground crew supervision and training. Scott has been a hunting and fishing guide for over 20 years. There are more than 5000 lakes in the Land O’ Lakes Region and Scott knows the names of all of them! With his innate knack to find the right fishing spot every time, our clients love him, but the fish hate him.
MURRAY MCLELLAN
Maintenance Manager
Another valued member of our staff, Murray is our go to guy when it comes to fixing our messes. Always ready to work, he remains flexible to our wants and needs. With over 50 years of flight experience, Murray knows almost all there is to know about planes and helicopters. He has successfully build a Glastar float plane which he flys to this day. Like a true Canadian, Murray is a hockey fan and always watches the Chicago Black Hawks. In addition, Murray is always up for a hunt with his partners in crime Scott and Dave.
KATHY MACRAE
Sales/Marketing Director
Kathy is the newest member of our staff, but is by new means new to the ever changing landscape of the tourism industry. After graduating with a degree in advertising and public relations, she went on to get her Travel Industry Specialist certification through Purdue University. Now with over 20 years of experience under her belt, Kathy joined the team in 2018 as our sales and marketing person extraordinaire! When she’s not chasing leads or attending trade shows, Kathy enjoys renovating, attending concerts, and spending time with her family.
MARTINE ROBERT
Pilot
Martine grew up in the French part of Switzerland. She moved to Canada in her early 20s with her husband and bought a 60 cow dairy farm near Spencerville. Since a very young age, she has had a passion for machines, including tractors, combines, excavators, and, of course, helicopters. Martine obtained her commercial pilot licence in 2011 and bought her own helicopter in 2012! In 2020, she and her husband, made the decision to sell their cows. At this point Martine became more involved in flying for Kouri’s Kopter. She is fluent in French and English.
QUINTON LADD
Pilot
Quinton had always been fascinated with aviation at a young age. Quinton got his helicopter license in 2017 at Canadore college/ essential helicopters. Quinton is a volunteer firefighter at BBD&E station since January 2023 and covers the Perth area. Quinton is into 80’s rock music and loves going to concerts with his friends.
BRIANNA BLIGHT
Pilot
Brianna grew up in the Kingston rural area and grew passionate of helicopters through her travels and military experience. She changed careers and got her helicopter licence at Canadore College in 2021. She also has a BSc in Biology and has been in the military reserves for over 14 years with multiple deployments. Her hobbies are playing hockey, hunting, gardening, and travelling the world.
