Rescue Heroes: Coast Guard Helicopter Pilots
The United States Coast Guard (CG) has about 800 pilots at 24 air stations. However, helicopter pilots, without a doubt, have one of the most dangerous and rewarding jobs in the world. They and their aircrews fly outside the air traffic control system at low altitudes, out of sight of land, fog, rain, and snow to rescue strangers.
Being a CG helicopter pilot is a very demanding career requiring constant training, significant time away from home, and flying sorties in the most extreme conditions.
What in addition to the joy of saving lives fascinates and motivates CG helicopter pilots and their aircrews to excel at their jobs?
I decided to ask 3 pilots about their experiences:
“When I joined the Coast Guard, I never expected to have had the experiences I did flying helicopters. Dramatic rescues, hoisting survivors from overturned cargo ships, landing on frozen lakes, delivering humanitarian supplies, launching from Cutters (aka a ship) in both calm and rough seas; it’s all been exciting. In aviation, every day can be a different experience and often the routine turns into the exciting. I’ve come back from flights thinking, wow, I just got to do that! or, I can’t believe we just did that!”
“Being a Coast Guard pilot is not just about saving people. Though it is a very important part of the job, there are many aspects that drive me to excel every day. I have flown in hurricanes, over volcanoes, seen beautiful sunrises, and landed on snow-covered mountains with skis. Having to solve challenging puzzles during every sortie is what keeps me engaged and wanting more. A strict set of standards keeps us safe and I know that we (The Coast Guard) have the absolute best maintainers and maintenance program. It is the crews that I fly with, the decisions that the team has to evaluate and making irrevocable decisions work. Flying is great, but I believe that it would not be the same outside of the Coast Guard. At the end of the day, it is the people that I have worked with and the stories that we have shared that bring me back, and continue to bring me back to standing duty on holidays, deploying to the Arctic, flying when no one else will.”
“To me, one of the most fascinating things about being a CG helicopter pilot is the incredible professionalism and dedication of almost everyone I served alongside. Some may be under the impression that a CG flight begins when the engines start and ends when the wheels touchdown, but they would be mistaken. That operational time is only a fraction of what is dedicated to ensure the mission is accomplished safely. Storekeepers meticulously track warehouses filled with numerous aircraft parts so that stock is on hand to conduct routine maintenance and emergency repairs. Mechanics work diligently to ensure that the aircraft are safe to operate. Aircrews study their aircraft and procedure manuals tirelessly so they are well-prepared for in-flight emergencies. Administrative support enables the rapid deployment of aircrews in the event of major surge events. Medical staffs conduct exams so that crews are physically qualified to endure the physical demands of aviation. These examples are but a snapshot of the larger number of personnel involved, and just how vital each is to achievement of the mission. The dedication and caliber of personnel in CG aviation leaves me in awe and is something that I am truly proud to be a part of.”
As a homeland security professional I am inspired and encouraged by the responses of these three CG helicopter pilots. Their comments provide a blue print for succeeding in an increasingly chaotic world besieged by a wide range of seemingly intractable problems: terrorism, human’s right abuses, and global climate change to name a few.
They acknowledge and appreciate the importance of knowledge, experience, training, and support infrastructure that allows them to do their jobs well. But, they recognized these things alone are not sufficient for success. They point out these vital elements need to be complemented by the ability of individuals and teams to learn from and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. They recognize the importance of team work and its importance when tasked to save lives. Finally, they acknowledge the importance of recognizing the joys and opportunities present in every challenge.
To learn more about the US #Coast Guard go to @USCG
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