>>> THE CREW
Liam Brettkelly
Base Manager / Pilot
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 MEMBERS
The TrustPower TECT Rescue Helicopter crew members are
supplied on a contract basis from St John Ambulance and
NZ Police.
On all accident work the air ambulance 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.
