The helicopter company involved in Monday's search for missing teenager Samuel Lethbridge has returned the money the 17-year-old's father paid to launch a desperate hunt for his missing son.

Skyline Aviation Group, who operate flights out of Lake Macquarie Airport, were approached by 51-year-old father-of-three Tony Lethbridge to help find the missing teen.

Lee Mitchell of Skyline Aviation Group was part of the search that located Samuel Lethbridge.

Recounting the events, Mr Lethbridge told Fairfax Media on Tuesday that he was going to get into the air "no matter what" and entered the airport full of hope clutching $1000 cash.

"When Tony first came to the office our CEO wasn't here so our staff offered our services for as long as required for the $1000 offered, and we launched the helicopter in good faith and without payment," director Lee Mitchell said.