Above and beyond
Words Rebecka Keeling | Photos Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust
Helicopter pilot, Simon Owen, on his work with the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters, where each flight can be the difference between life and death.
Matakana local, Simon, used to be a builder, before realising his dream of becoming a helicopter pilot. A path that led him to the challenging yet rewarding world of rescue missions. His journey took him from his hometown of Wellington to the Northern Territory in Australia, where he worked on land management with rangers, engaging in feral animal control, controlled burning, and firefighting.
Seven years ago, Simon came across an opportunity with the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters and jumped at the opportunity of moving back to New Zealand - starting as a co-pilot before rising through the ranks to the captain's position.
A typical day in Simon's life is far from ordinary. Working four days on and four days off, Simon and his crew prepare for an average of three missions a day. These missions range from medical emergencies, like heart attacks, to trauma cases such as motor vehicle accidents, to search and rescue operations.
"This weekend we did three winch jobs," he says. "One woman in the Woodhill Forest fell off her horse and needed to be lifted out, the second was a guy who fell off the rocks in Tiritiri Matangi, and the third was three sailors who sent a mayday call as their yacht was sinking 100km offshore. Luckily we got there in time to winch all three of them out of the water."
Apart from the pilot, the helicopter crew consists of a critical care paramedic who is also a rescue swimmer, an aircrew officer, and a doctor. Simon describes teamwork as the backbone of their operations. "We're all bringing our own specific sets of skills, so bringing that together is really rewarding."
As a father of two young boys, Hugo and Enzo, one of the toughest aspects of Simon's job is the emotional challenge of dealing with sick or injured children. "Luckily we don't go to that many kids, but when we do it pulls at my heartstrings," he says. "Whatever you can relate to is the hardest."
The rescue of a young man in Kaipara was a memorable one that underscores the importance of the helicopter rescue work. "His foot had become stuck in machinery and his whole leg was cut off just above the knee," says Simon. "He managed to put a tourniquet on himself and call for help." The young man not only survived but went on to become a professional para- canoeist, representing New Zealand in the Commonwealth Games. "He came into the base to visit this year - it was really great to see him."
Simon pilots a Leonardo AW169, a 15 million dollar technologically advanced machine well-suited for rescue missions. Its capabilities include a 300-foot winch, two turbine engines, and the ability to operate in adverse weather conditions, meaning it’s IFR capable.
Thanks to the fundraising of the Rodney Health Charitable Trust, there are several IFR approaches in the area, including at Omaha and Warkworth. "These are basically like a highway in the sky, meaning we can get there and land even in poor weather," says Simon. Simon also highlights the support they receive from local emergency services, particularly the volunteer fire brigades, in setting up landing zones during rescues.
For those wanting to follow in Simon's footsteps, he says the right attitude, determination, and persistence are key. "Because it's a hard industry to get into," says Simon. Staying calm under pressure, being a team player, and making sensible decisions are other necessary qualities in this field of work. "I was never the smartest kid in school, I just kept on going."