Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust pilot Alan Deal is retiring after a flying career of more than 50 years.
Taking to the skies and saving lives has been a reality for Alan Deal for nearly two decades.
But he now will remain grounded as he retires from his role as rescue helicopter pilot for the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
The Hobsonville resident, who wanted to be a pilot from the age of six, has been flying for more than 50 years. He started off his career in the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1965 and when time came for him to retire as Squadron Leader, he took up a role with the New Zealand Police and then later with the rescue helicopter to avoid heading into an admin role.
Deal says his favorite part of the job has been working with "truly committed and motivated people".
"What you can achieve when you have a team using all their initiative and skill to save a patient's life is greater than the sum of any one of those parts," he says.
"Rescue helicopter work is a unique environment; you never know what you're going to get. It's free-flowing and challenging, but hugely satisfying."
Deal plans to spend time with his grandchildren and take his boat out while he's still "fit and active".
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz
No comments:
Post a Comment