Michael Benton founded VyClimb Consulting LLC in 2015 to support aviation and air medical organizations with safety, compliance and operational strategy. His work spans air medical transport, offshore helicopter operations, search and rescue and airline operations across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, providing broad insight into global best practices.
He serves on the boards of CAMTS and NEMSPA, is an ambassador for the Fred North Helicopter Safety Mentoring Program, contributes to several industry safety committees, and is the founder of The UPLIFT Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to leadership and safety training for aviation, air medical, and special missions professionals. Benton is adjunct faculty at ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ and a frequent presenter at aviation and safety conferences. He holds a master’s degree in aeronautical science and a bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle, as well as an MBA from Colorado State University.
An Army combat veteran, Benton previously served as an OH-58D standardization instructor pilot and master gunner and later as Director of Aviation Compliance at Air Methods. He has worked on scene and served as a party member in five major NTSB accident investigations.
M.A.S. - Master of Aeronautical Science in Aeronautics: Aviation/Aerospace Education Technology and Aviation Aerospace Operations, ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ
M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration, Colorado State University
B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics: Aviation Safety, ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ
Undergraduate Certificate in Aviation Safety, ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ