YOUR AERIAL WORK PARTNER
Dakota Rotors is a premier helicopter operator based in Custer, South Dakota, providing specialized aerial services under Part 133 and Part 135 throughout the Mountain West—including South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, Idaho and beyond — with authorization to operate nationwide. We built the company on a foundation of safety, integrity, service and professionalism. We support a wide range of aerial work from precision external load operations to on-demand charter services in some of the most demanding environments in the country. Our team is committed to delivering reliable, efficient, and safety-focused solutions while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence. At Dakota Rotors, we take pride in serving our customers, supporting our communities, and looking out for one another—on every flight, every day.
Contact us today to see how we can provide wings to your project!
Dakota Rotors exists to provide unparalleled aerial services at the highest levels of safety and customer service.
We view all activities through the lens of risk management, dedicated to do no harm to persons, equipment, property, or our team. We value the Sacred Trust placed in us by our customers and guests.
We do the right thing every time, even when no one is looking. We are open and honest, emotionally intelligent, and communicate freely without fear.
We view all of our actions through a lens of service. We focus externally to serve our customers, the community, and our team.
Our pilots average over 4,500 flight hours each and represent a wide range of operational experience. From tours and patrols to complex lift work and high end charters, our experience translates directly to the success of your projects.
Chief Pilot Austyn Schlueter is has more than 12 years of helicopter experience and leads our local team. Austyn ensures that the team is high functioning and prepared, providing our pilots with the tools they need to serve you.
Director of Maintenance David Ash holds both Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) and Inspection Authorization (IA) certifications—the highest FAA maintenance credentials. Confidence in our aircraft readiness is his mission. His meticulous approach keeps our helicopters operating safely and efficiently above the FAA required standards.
Co‑Owner and Director of Operations Mark Schlaefli, a local Custer, SD resident, brings decades of operational excellence across multiple industry segments including high end utility, powerline and firefighting, VIP charter, helicopter management, high volume tour operations as the Chief Pilot Southern Nevada with Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters and Director of Operations for Sundance Helicopters. Giving back to the industry is of high importance, and Mark has served in leadership roles nationally and internationally, most recently as the Chairman of the Board for Vertical Aviation International (VAI) and served on the FAA’s Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) for aerial tours, helping to shape safety and raise the bar for tour operators across the United States. Mark has participated in and held leadership positions with other prominent aviation safety boards and councils.
Co-Owner John Wells, another local Custer resident, has decades of commercial helicopter tour and charter experience, including senior roles at Sundance Helicopter, in Las Vegas, NV, and Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, in Hawaii. As CFO and owner of Dakota Rotors and President of the Keystone Chamber of Commerce, he is deeply involved in community outreach—supporting local schools, charities, and events, and maintaining active participation in Keystone, Hill City, and Custer chambers.
