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Jake R. Harmon

Chief Pilot
Maverick Helicopters
Kihei, Hawaii

Jake Harmon is a seasoned aviation professional with over 20 years of experience in helicopter operations, safety leadership, and program development across the air medical transport industry. He has worked in nearly every sector of rotor-wing aviation, including HEMS, flight instruction, utility, and tourism, giving him a deep, well-rounded perspective on operational risk and real-world training needs.

Jake is the founder of the **Landing Zone Safety Organization (LZSO)**, a national initiative focused on improving LZ safety awareness and standardization among ground personnel. Drawing inspiration from the 2009 NIH study on web-based LZ training, Jake developed a modern, scalable online training platform now used by hundreds of EMS, fire, and hospital agencies across the U.S. Through this work, he has collected and analyzed field data from thousands of first responders—revealing persistent training gaps and driving new strategies to close them.

Known for his clear communication style and relatable field experience, Jake has a track record of building safety cultures that stick. He’s passionate about helping air medical programs reduce risk exposure—not just for flight crews, but for the ground teams that support them.

Jake’s presentations blend data, storytelling, and practical insight, always with a goal of helping teams take immediate, meaningful action. He believes LZ safety is not just a clinical or operational topic—it’s a system-wide issue that demands renewed attention, modern tools, and smarter engagement strategies.

When he’s not flying or teaching, Jake lives with his family in Maui, Hawai‘i, where he continues to advocate for aviation safety, innovation, and community connection.

Presentation(s):

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