The People Behind the Standard

As President of Priority 1 Air Rescue, Matheson has led the company's evolution from a specialized SAR training provider into a global leader in rear-crew training, simulator development, operational support, and mission readiness programs. Under his leadership, Priority 1 has trained more than 15,000 aircrew members across 40+ countries and developed one of the world's most comprehensive rotary-wing SAR training ecosystems, integrating live-flight operations, synthetic training, advanced simulation, and mission-specific courseware.

Matheson has overseen the development and deployment of Priority 1's Advanced Aircrew Mission Simulator (AAMS) platform and related synthetic training technologies, supporting customers ranging from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, and Army National Guard to international military, law enforcement, offshore energy, and commercial SAR operators. He has played a central role in establishing industry-leading training standards, simulator certifications, and regulatory approvals across multiple aviation authorities, including FAA, EASA, Transport Canada, and other international regulators.

Widely recognized for his ability to bridge operational experience with innovative training methodologies, Matheson has helped organizations reduce training costs, improve standardization, accelerate qualification timelines, and increase mission readiness through the integration of simulation, scenario-based training, and performance-driven instruction. His work has supported major OEMs, operators, and government agencies around the world, including Airbus, Leonardo, Sikorsky, Bristow, CHC, and numerous defense and public safety organizations.

Today, Matheson continues to lead Priority 1's global expansion across synthetic training, operational support services, and next-generation aircrew development programs, with a focus on creating safer, more capable, and more effective rotary-wing rescue and special mission crews worldwide.

Throughout his career he has completed more than 8,000 rescue hoist evolutions in highly demanding environments—open ocean, mountainous terrain, desert, arctic conditions, and extreme heavy sea states—during both day and night operations. With over 30 years as an SME in SAR training and courseware design, he has developed and delivered advanced, mission-ready training programs for military, commercial, and law enforcement organizations worldwide.

He held key leadership roles including Chief Pilot for USCG HH-60J Standardization and Training, overseeing initial pilot training and proficiency for 230 pilots across 42 aircraft, and Commanding Officer of HITRON—the U.S. Coast Guard's first armed airborne counter-drug unit.

As Executive Vice President of Priority 1 Air Rescue, he directs seasonal global SAR and Medevac programs operating 24/7 across the Gulf of Mexico, South America, and Asia, ensuring the highest levels of safety, compliance, and training standardization.

During 24 years with the French Air Force, Stève operated as a Flight Engineer and Rear Crewman on the SA330, AS332, and H225. He flew a wide range of mission profiles including SAR, MEDEVAC, CSAR, Personnel Recovery, Special Air Operations, air-to-air refuelling, and aerial use of force, with deployments to the Middle East, CENTCOM AOR, Asia, and Africa.

Since 2017 he has served as Chief Operating Officer and Lead Instructor at Priority 1 Air Rescue France. He delivers EASA-compliant training across TCM, HEMS, NVIS, HEC, HESLO, HHO, and MCF, alongside NATO Personnel Recovery, AirTEP© and Special Forces instruction on a broad fleet including the H225/H215, H145/H135, H125, AW139, and S-70i.

During his Coast Guard service he served as Chief of the MH-60 Enlisted Standardization Team, where he helped develop and standardize aircrew procedures, training programs, qualification standards, and rescue operations for the Coast Guard's MH-60 fleet.

With more than three decades of aviation and rescue experience, Ian has accumulated over 10,000 hoist evolutions and has spent more than 25 years instructing helicopter rescue personnel. Since joining Priority 1 Air Rescue in 2018, he has served as lead instructor and instructional designer for numerous U.S. Coast Guard Flight Mechanic and Helicopter Hoist Operator training programs, helping train hundreds of military, law enforcement, public safety, and commercial aviation professionals.

In addition to classroom and flight training responsibilities, Ian leads curriculum development, instructor standardization, and program management efforts that support military, public safety, and commercial rescue organizations around the world.

Ian is recognized throughout the helicopter rescue community for his expertise in hoist operations, aircrew standardization, search and rescue mission execution, human external cargo operations, and instructor development. He specializes in translating decades of real-world rescue experience into realistic, scenario-based training that prepares crews to perform safely and effectively in demanding environments.

Following his Coast Guard career, Jason continued his commitment to search and rescue as a Rescue Specialist with Bristow Search and Rescue, supporting offshore operations in Norway and the Gulf of America. Drawing on decades of operational experience, he has dedicated his career to protecting lives, advancing rescue capabilities, and fostering excellence in aviation safety and emergency response.

As Director of Training at Priority 1 Air Rescue, he is responsible for training delivery and instructor standards across all P1 programs. Every curriculum, every evaluation rubric, every instructor certification flows through his office.

Guided by a commitment to service, leadership, and teamwork, Jason remains actively involved in the aviation and rescue communities, sharing his knowledge and passion for helping others while supporting the continued evolution of professional rescue operations.

As U.S. Air Force and Defense Program Lead for Priority 1, Ben has played a key role in the delivery and support of synthetic training systems, operational training programs, and search-and-rescue mission readiness initiatives.

Recognized as Airman of the Year and a member of multiple award-winning teams, Hehr has been entrusted to represent the rotary-wing community before senior Air Force leadership, advocating for the continued advancement of airborne mission capabilities.