Cathy Press is the CEO of Chinook Helicopters in Abbotsford. Beginning her flying journey at age 11, she was Canada's first female helicopter flight instructor and remains the only person in Canada certified as a Transport Canada Pilot Examiner in both airplanes and helicopters. She currently holds flight instructor ratings issued by Transport Canada (TCCA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Under Cathy’s leadership, Chinook has grown from a fleet of 3 helicopters to 15, while also expanding into a 13 aircraft fixed-wing training operation. Chinook is established as a Robinson Helicopter dealership, a Bell 505 dealership as well as an Approved Maintenance Operation. She has earned numerous accolades over the years, including Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100, the W.A. ‘Dub’ Blessing Flight Instructor of the Year Award, an Honorary Doctorate from UFV and most recently led Chinook to receive the 2025 Transport Canada Safety Award.

Cathy serves as Chair of the British Columbia Aviation Council and sits on the board of the Helicopter Association of Canada, along with several other industry boards. She is also a strong advocate for aviation education, maintaining partnerships with British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). Cathy continues to inspire the next generation of pilots while breaking barriers for women in aviation.