Meet The Team

Dennis is a disciplined visionary, a leader whose career has been defined by bold ambition, relentless service, and a passion for reaching new heights both on the ground and in the sky. His journey began in the United States Army, where his quick thinking, unwavering sense of duty, and natural leadership earned him early recognition. There, Dennis honed his skills notonly in combat field medicine but also in aviation, pursuing pilot training with a vision of serving beyond borders. After completing his military service with honor and distinction, Dennis continued building a life of purpose through public service and education. He served as an EMT, a Flight Medic, and an adjunct professor at Ocean County College in New Jersey, where he inspired and trained the next generation of emergency responders. Dennis' commitment to community leadership extended into law enforcement, where he spent nearly 20 years with the Lakewood Police Department, becoming a respected figure known for integrity, courage,and mentorship. Yet, his passion for aviation never left him; it evolved into a larger dream: to bring extraordinary experiences to new horizons. Dennis operates a successful Part 135 charter service in New Jersey and has now turned his vision toward the Caribbean, founding Dowden Aviation in Grenada  the first Robinson Helicopter Tour Company in the region. Through Dowden Aviation, Dennis merges his lifetime of service, leadership, and aviation excellence to create unforgettable experiences that redefine how we see and connect with the world around us. His mission is simple but powerful: to lift perspectives, inspire adventure, and open the skies to all who dream of soaring.

From the volcanic cliffs of Hawaii to the vibrant landscapes of Zimbabwe, Captain Matthew Westhoff brings global expertise and an unshakable commitment to excellence in the sky. With over 1,500 flight hours logged including more than 1,000 tours flown across the islands of Hawaii. Matthew is not just a pilot; he’s a storyteller, a mentor, and the calm behind every smooth ride.

A certified CFI and CFII, Matthew’s passion for aviation is matched only by his dedication to safety and education. Whether guiding first time flyers or training the next generation of pilots, he’s known for his precision, professionalism, and patience. His experience spans Part 91 and Part 135 tour operations, with significant time in Robinson R44 and R66 helicopters.

Now serving as Chief Pilot at Dowden Aviation, Matthew leads with both heart and discipline, ensuring every guest enjoys a safe, unforgettable journey above the Caribbean. When he’s not in the cockpit, you’ll find him managing projects on the ground, supporting environmental causes, or chasing the next horizon with curiosity and focus.

Born and raised in Munich, Germany, Oliver Kranz has turned his passion for flying into a global adventure. With over 2,100 flight hours logged, Oliver’s journey has taken him from training future pilots in Arizona to flying breathtaking tours over Hawaii and navigating the challenging skies of Nepal as a helicopter captain. He holds FAA Commercial, Instrument, CFI, and CFII certifications, as well as ECCAA certification, and has experience flying aircraft ranging from Robinson R22s to Airbus AS350s. Whether it's scenic flights or mountain missions, Oliver brings a calm, confident presence to every flight. Fluent in English and German, he’s excited to share his love of aviation and a few incredible stories with you

Alfred Michael is a certified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer at Dowden Aviation, bringing over six years of experience to the team. Known for his sharp attention to detail and commitment to safety, Alfred plays a key role in ensuring every helicopter is flight ready and performing at its best. He has worked extensively on the Bell 206L4 Long Ranger and has hands-on experience with the Robinson R44, R66, and Ayres Turbo Thrush. Alfred is also skilled in specialized tasks like sheet metal repairs, propeller balancing, blade tracking, and non-destructive inspections such as eddy current and magnetic particle testing. With Alfred on the ground, you can feel confident in the skies