Real World Perspective – Day in the Life of a Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot at the LifeFlight Hangar!

Our CPL(H) students kicked off their first day of Navigation yesterday with a visit to the LifeFlight hangar, where they got an up close look at their impressive AW139 helicopter. What a machine!

A huge thank you to Captain Ryan Cross (AFT ATPL(H) alumni) and Base Administrator Kay Hollyoak for generously sharing their time and knowledge. Their insights gave our students a real world perspective of what a day in the life of a Search and Rescue (SAR) pilot looks like. From medical evacuations, vehicle and ocean rescues to disaster response, SAR crews are on call 24/7 – navigating tough high pressure environments while making quick critical decisions on weight and balance, fuel calculations and flight planning. All of this is done while piloting an advanced aircraft like the AW139, with the focus of putting the safety of others first!

We are very fortunate to have Australia’s largest and most advanced aeromedical service right here on our doorstep at the Sunshine Coast Airport.

Thank you @lifeflight_au for everything you do!