Elias Lopez
Canyon Lake,TX
Summary
Experienced Camera and Hoist Operator with a strong background in EC145 LUH72A helicopter troubleshooting and maintenance. Proven ability to support high-stakes natural disasters and border security operations through quality assurance and team leadership.
Overview
1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Camera Operator
Department of Defense
McAllen, TX
10.2025 - Current
- Operates L3 Wescam MX15 on the EC145 (LUH72A) helicopter.
- Supports US Customs Border Patrol and D.O.W. teams to ensure video capture and aerial support.
- Collaborated with production teams to ensure seamless video capture and integration.
- Assists in guiding BP agents to IA apprehensions and narcotics.
Hoist Operator
Army National Guard TX
Austin, TX
08.2017 - Current
- Worked on the BF Goodrich hoist system on the Airbus EC145 (UH72A) helicopter platform.
- Trained with Texas Task Force 1 members to prepare for rescues during natural disasters.
- Conducted scheduled inspections on the BF Goodrich hoist and all components to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Assisted in training junior operators on safe and effective hoisting procedures.
Helicopter Mechanic
Texas Army National Guard
Austin, TX
01.2022 - 10.2025
- Inspected and diagnosed mechanical issues on the UH72A 'Lakota' helicopter, ensuring compliance with military and civilian standards.
- Performed routine maintenance on the UH72A systems to enhance operational readiness and performance.
- Collaborated with pilots and other mechanics to troubleshoot technical problems during post-flight checks, improving mission and operational readiness rates.
- Trained junior mechanics on helicopter maintenance procedures, fostering skill development and team efficiency.
Camera Operator
Texas Army National Guard
Del Rio, TX
10.2017 - 02.2019
- Operated the L3 Wescam MX15 system for Southwest Border mission the Del Rio sector.
- Analyzed real-time data to support BP agents in apprehending IA's and narcotics
- Conducted routine maintenance on the Wescam equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
Camera Operator
Army National Gaurd
Laredo, TX
01.2014 - 02.2017
- Operated L3 Wescam MX15 systems for the Southwest Border mission in the Laredo sector.
- Collaborated with US Customs and Border Protection agents to apprehend IA and narcotics.
- Conducted routine maintenance on Wescam equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
Education
High School Diploma -
Morton Senior High School
Hammond, IN05.2005
Skills
- L3 Wescam setup
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Quality assurance
- Load analysis
- Camera operation
- Hoist maintenance
- Staff leadership
- Staff management
Certification
- Airbus AS350 repair course - 2020
- Airframe and Powerplant certificate - 2015
- UH60 Blackhawk repair certificate - 2012
- Eurocopter (Airbus) UH72A repair certificate- 2012
- Turbomeca (Safran) ARRIEL 1E2 level 2 certifiacte- 2012
Timeline
Camera Operator
Department of Defense
10.2025 - Current
Helicopter Mechanic
Texas Army National Guard
01.2022 - 10.2025
Camera Operator
Texas Army National Guard
10.2017 - 02.2019
Hoist Operator
Army National Guard TX
08.2017 - Current
Camera Operator
Army National Gaurd
01.2014 - 02.2017
High School Diploma -
Morton Senior High School