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Liam started his working career as an apprentice motorcycle mechanic in Taupo. After gaining his Trade Certificate and working for five years on motorcycles, Liam, who had by this staged gained is PPL fixed-wing licence, decided it was time to pursue his aviation career further. He began working as an aircraft engineer at Taupo airport and during this time commenced training in flying helicopters.
The year 1995 saw Liam engaged full-time on the West Coast of the South Island doing scenic flights in a Jet Ranger in the Southern Alps glacier region. He progressed to twin-engine Squirrel helicopters flying for Helicopter (NZ) Ltd and The Helicopter Line.
When the opportunity came to relocate to the North Island, in particular Tauranga, Liam and partner, Rachel, grabbed the opportunity with both hands and Liam has been Pilot/Manager of the Tauranga operation since its inception in June 2000.
Crew
The TrustPower TECT Rescue Helicopter service employs the pilots with additional crew members made available on a contract basis from St John Ambulance and NZ Police.
On all accident work the air rescue service utilises paramedics from St John Ambulance to respond to emergencies in the field. These paramedics are readily available to respond to accidents and emergencies in the pre-hospital environment.
Search and rescue missions require the use of trained Police members. They often operate the long-line and winch and are very good observers in searches.
In all cases the medical and paramedic crew are specifically trained to perform their duties in and around the helicopter, and in most cases will be trained in familiarisation, long-line and winching.
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