Expert in safe, reliable, and efficient aerial patrol operations
KCSI Aerial Patrol, Inc. has over 20 years specializing in surveillance of oil and gas pipelines, oil fields, energy infrastructure, and aerial mapping. Our clients span Fortune 500, major energy companies to small independents. With our headquarters in Bakersfield, CA, and satellite bases strategically located throughout the country, KCSI can meet the patrol and mapping needs of clients anywhere in the United States. KCSI operates a fleet of 35 aircraft and employs professional pilots and observers that are expert at evaluating infrastructure from the air and aerial mapping. In total, KCSI patrols over 10,000 miles per week of pipeline and over 50,000 producing wells. In the past year, KCSI safely flew the equivalent of over seventy laps around the globe.
KCSI’s Leadership Team
Shane Ellis – Director of Operations
Shane has been the Director of Operations for KCSI Aerial Patrol, Inc. since 2002. He is a graduate of California State University, Bakersfield, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Minors in Marketing/Finance. His focus on qualified pilots, quality aircraft and unsurpassed customer service has grown KCSI to its current dynamic operation. Shane aims to provide superior fixed wing aerial patrol and mapping with zero accidents and competitive rates.
Bryan Chapman – Chief Pilot
Bryan has over 5,000 hours Commercial Single and Multi-engine flight experience. As Chief Pilot, Bryan oversee KCSI’s pilot and observer staff operating 35 aircraft. He brings 25 years of previous management and customer service experience to KCSI to ensure smooth operations and guide KCSI to exceed customer expectations. As a third generation pilot, Bryan has restored antique aircraft, built and flys his RV-4, and is currently nearing completion of an Acrosport II biplane.
Chris Cottrell – Director of Maintenance, A&P, IA
With 20 years of aircraft maintenance experience, Chris holds both FAA A&P and I.A. Licenses and brings to KCSI the wealth of experience gained as the Maintenance Director for operations spanning Part 135, Corporate Charter, International Aerial Data Collection, and General Aviation (Part 91). He has experience maintaining aircraft ranging in complexity from single engine piston, to turbine twins, to Gulfstreams, to DC-10’s. He understands the value and safety provided by quality maintenance and the ramifications when maintenance is performed poorly. He strives to provide safe and reliable aircraft to limit downtime in the field.
Tracy Brown – Chief Financial Officer
Tracy has been the Chief Financial Officer of KCSI since 2011. She graduated as the Outstanding Student in the School of Business and Public Administration at California State University, Bakersfield in 1999 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration – Accounting. Tracy received her CPA license in 2003 and joined KCSI with more than 6 years of oil and gas accounting experience.
Winston Seiler – Director of Safety and Business Development
Winston is committed to KCSI’s uncompromised dedication to safety and holds both Commercial and CFI certificates. As a former petroleum geologist, he has ten years of oil and gas experience, with expertise in oil field operations, remotely sensed data, and the value that KCSI’s services provide to its customers. Winston is the chairman of the HSAC Aerial Observation Committee, an aerial pipeline patrol industry safety group.
Patrol Pilots and Observers
KCSI patrol pilots and observers are committed to providing our customers with the safest, most efficient patrol inspection possible. Pilots and observers are FAA DOT tested and Operationally Qualified (OQ) for each client. KCSI pilots and observers are trained and dedicated to the safety of each flight, and the accurate reporting of conditions on the ground. All personnel are registered in ISNetworld.