Career Testimonial - Ed Terry
Search and Rescue Co-pilot
Prestwick (West coast of Scotland)
What is your current job?
My current position is that of a SAR Co-pilot working out of Prestwick International airport on the Leonardo AW189 helicopter.
I only recently became qualified in role but a typical working day involves a 24-hour shift commencing from 13:00. Within that shift you are allocated a certain amount of training time to keep all the crew current for SAROPS. Currencies such as flying with night-vision goggles (NVG flying), mountain flying, deck winching etc. This crew consists of the following; Captain, Co-pilot, Winch Operator and Winchman; each with individual roles and responsibilities, but working together as one unified crew.
Outside of that you are on standby for any rescues, searches or medical transfers that may occur! A lot of variety and interesting flying covering the lake district, Northern Ireland, central belt of Scotland and up into the highlands!
When did you first have the idea that you wanted to become a pilot?
I toyed with the idea from a young age, my dad was my main inspiration. A former helicopter pilot in the military and now fixed wing pilot, he was the guy that made me believe I could do it!
What is the best thing about your job today?
The challenging flying, the ability to take a state of the art aircraft and train to become the best you can be is fantastic. The best part for me however is the teamwork and the variety of people you get to work with!
Career Timeline
What was the hardest thing about getting to where you are now?
There have been many challenges and at many points I questioned myself as to whether I could do it. One of the hardest parts of the process was the time it takes to get qualified and get through the commercial ATPL exams. For me it meant taking time off flying to concentrate on working a different job and studying to get through the 14 exams. It’s a long process but my advice is to enjoy it and make the most out of every flight!
What would be your advice to people just starting out or considering a rotary career?
My number one top tip for anyone considering a career as a pilot is to look into CAA class one medicals. If you can’t get a medical then you can’t get a commercial license! Book in with an AME and get checked over, even if it means spending a little more money, you could save yourself a fortune in the long run…
After that my other tip is to enjoy the process, helicopters are amazing! Book yourself in for a trial lesson, if you come out and find yourself smiling from ear to ear then you know you’ve caught the flying bug and it’s worth chasing that big end goal.
“Helicopters are amazing! Book yourself in for a trial lesson, if you come out and find yourself smiling from ear to ear then you know you’ve caught the flying bug and it’s worth chasing that big end goal”
What’s the most interesting thing to learn?
The theory behind autorotations and the practical applications are pretty cool.
In terms of physical learning, I’d say the moment I learned how to hover is one of my favourite feelings in a helicopter.
If you could choose any other career, what would it have been?
I was always interested in music growing up; in fact my first passion was drumming. I started playing at a young age so maybe a session drummer and drum tutor, I think that would be great…