|
Andrew Humphries (OKG98)
Wednesday, 22 November 2023
|
|
Andrew Humphries (OKG98) spoke with the KGS senior cadets last week about his career as a pilot, first with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and, now with Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter Service (TOLL). Andrew went straight into the RAAF as a Direct Entry Officer Pilot in his first year out of school and served fulltime for 12 years. During his service, Andrew flew fast jets, C-130J Hercules, and also worked as a qualified flying instructor on other aircraft. He also flew 400 combat flight hours in Iraq and Afghanistan and is now a Flight Lieutenant in the inactive reserve. Transitioning to helicopters, Andrew first flew in General Aviation before shifting to offshore Oil/Gas operations in northern WA. He then flew with the Christchurch Westpac Rescue helicopter, before joining TOLL Ambulance Rescue in NSW as a Pilot and Pilot Instructor / Examiner. These roles have seen Andrew accrue more than 8,000 flying hours across 14 different aircraft (fixed and rotary wing). Andrew spoke with the cadets about the importance of having a mindset of “service above self” in whatever you do, and the three pillars underpinning a pilot’s success: being a good human, work ethic and some natural ability. Although he missed out on an ADFA scholarship in Year 11, this did not stop Andrew pursuing his dream to join the military as a pilot and to fly for the rescue helicopter service in Sydney, a dream which was first inspired by the RFS helicopters which put out fires near his childhood home in Hornsby Heights. |