What type of flying work do you do?
Whatever turns a penny these days. Last few years - African pipeline construction, UK offshore, Dutch Offshore, Penzance-Scillies, now offshore for the winter
What types(s) do you fly? -
S61, S76, AS365, Bo 105, B206, B47, AS350
Where?
From Brunei to Greenland. As long as the money is OK and there's no shooting
Previous jobs?
Instructor Pilot & TRE/IRE - challenging; HEMS - humbling, we get all the glory but the doctors/paramedics are awesome; Law Enforcement- respect - you have to see it to believe it!; SAR - scary, how come we have to do the toughest of jobs with the oldest equipment?; VIP - interesting insight to the world of celebrity, Charter work with the 206 - great fun! - at least it was 20 years ago; Offshore - the daily grind no matter what the conditions - every penny earnt is thoroughly deserved,
Previous types?
as above with the military adding Hiller 12-E, Whirlwind 7, 9 & 10, Wessex 1 & 3, Sea King 1 & 5. Plus a chance to pole a few others - A109, BK117, 365N3, Mil-6, Mil-8, Bell 47H model
Military / ex-Military?
RN
How long have you been flying?
Since 1967
Hours?
Commensurate with age!!
Most Memorable flight - Has to be a toss-up between the day I was flying Saudi Sheik from London to Coventry in a 206. He was in the front seat and calmly drained the dregs of a half bottle of Scotch before sliding the window open and tossing the (glass) bottle out before I could even say "what the *******
" We were passing over a housing area next to Northolt at the time!
or
the day we picked up a badly burnt baby from a campsite (gas expolsion in tent). The paramedic was cradling the babe in his arms in the seat next to me. I remember looking down at the squalling mite and thinking "if God ever had a purpose in mind when mankind created the helicopter then this was it". The combination of prompt action by the father (dowsed baby in cold water) swift transport to specialist Burns Centre and the skill of the hospital staff meant that no skin grafts were required. Babe made full recovery.
Very interesting to just how broad the spectrum of "Ppruners" is.
Happy New Year and keep the revs up - Fly Safe
