Michael Benton

United States – Air medical

Michael is a passionate advocate for aviation safety and a recognized leader in the air medical industry. His career spans military service, where he flew as an Army helicopter pilot in Bosnia and Iraq, and HEMS where he served as a pilot for Med-Trans Corporation. He later joined Air Methods Corporation, culminating in his role as Director of Aviation Compliance, overseeing safety and compliance for a vast fleet of aircraft and conducting multiple investigations with the NTSB.

Michael's commitment to mentoring and safety led him to found VyClimb Consulting, LLC, where he guides aviation organizations worldwide in achieving operational excellence. He is a recipient of the prestigious Jim Charlson Safety Award from AAMS, recognizing his significant contributions to air medical safety.

A dedicated educator, Michael shares his knowledge as a speaker at international conferences and a lecturer for AAMS. He also serves as a Board Member for CAMTS and a Board Advisor for NEMSPA, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing safety and best practices in the air medical community.

Michael holds dual graduate degrees in aeronautical science and business administration. When not promoting aviation safety, he can be found capturing the world's beauty through his lens as a published photographer.