Ben Simpson
Director of Helicopters 

Aged 21, Ben arrived in Kenya from Hong Kong – and over the last 16 years he has developed an intimate knowledge of East Africa. One of Tropic Air’s founding fixed-wing pilots, Ben was instrumental in establishing the company’s helicopter division in 2006.

Committed to delivering a true wilderness experience, much of Ben’s work outside of tourism, involves flying cameras for natural history documentaries, including the BBC’s award-wining ‘Life’ series.

Jamie Roberts
Managing Director & Helicopter Pilot

Born in Kenya’s Rift Valley, Jamie was brought up on the remote shores of Lake Baringo enjoying a childhood surrounded by nature. In 1993 Jamie established Tropic Air - now one of Kenya’s leading air charter operations. In 2006 Jamie set up the helicopter division with Ben.

Jamie is an experienced fixed wing and rotor wing pilot, with a passion for nature, and extensive natural history knowledge.

Mario Magonga
Chief Helicopter Pilot

Kenyan born and raised, Mario spent 12 years with the Kenyan Armed Forces serving in the 50th Air Calvary, after which he became an Instructor Pilot in Helicopter Training School.

He joined Tropic Air in March 2008 and last year was promoted to Chief Pilot of the helicopter division. 

Roger Gower
Helicopter Pilot

Originating from England, Roger qualified as an accountant before leaving for Florida in 2004 to fly helicopters.  After 2 years instructing and having attained his ATP license, Roger moved to East Africa, initially flying for a safari company in Tanzania prior to joining Tropic Air in March 2011.