QGAir crews reach 30,000 flight hour milestone
The dedicated crews at QGAir have soared past an astonishing milestone, surpassing 30,000 operational flight hours devoted to saving lives and rescuing people in their hour of need. Here’s what it’s like to be a QGAir pilot.
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The dedicated crews at QGAir have soared past an astonishing milestone, surpassing 30,000 operational flight hours devoted to saving lives and rescuing people in their hour of need.
Gathered in Townsville on Tuesday, Queensland Government Air (QGAir) crews celebrated the staggering milestone that was achieved during their response to the Cairns floods.
Senior base pilot Gary Woods said that even after years on the job in North Queensland, the satisfaction that came with helping to save lives never wears off.
“It was a dream of mine as a child to be in this base, flying this helicopter, so personally, it’s been very rewarding,” he said.
“We’re all here because we want to be here and we’re obviously very, very proud to say that we’re here to serve the community and to do this job.”
Yet, amid the accolades, Mr Woods acknowledged the sacrifices demanded by their noble calling, particularly in terms of time spent away from loved ones, as QGAir remains operational around the clock.
Despite the challenges, he reaffirmed their unwavering resolve to stand by during “people’s hour of need.”
QGAir, along with Police Air Operations, is part of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Aviation Capability Group (ACG), which provides frontline aeromedical research, search and rescue operations, law enforcement and government aviation capabilities across Queensland.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Kerry Johnson said those hours were a testament to the efforts of their dedicated crews, which include rescue pilots in the air and those on the ground handling operation logistics.
“It’s a massive effort and incredible to think that have achieved that many hours,” he said.
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Originally published as QGAir crews reach 30,000 flight hour milestone
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