29
Jan
Yorkshire Air Ambulance pilots reach rare 6,000-hour flying milestone
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Hundreds of emergency flights, years of split-second decisions and now a mark few ever reach – two Yorkshire Air Ambulance pilots have each passed 6,000 flying hours.
Chief pilot Owen McTeggart and pilot training captain Garry Brasher reached the milestone after long careers in military, police and air ambulance aviation. Between them, they have more than 58 years of flying experience.
Both began their careers in the British Army, training together at the Army School of Aviation in Middle Wallop. They later served on operations around the world before moving into civilian flying roles.
Mr Brasher went on to fly police support missions and worked across the UK air ambulance sector before joining Yorkshire Air Ambulance 13 years ago, making him the charity’s longest-serving pilot.
Mr McTeggart first joined the service in 2012, then left to work elsewhere in the air ambulance sector, before returning seven years ago.
Reaching 6,000 flying hours is significant in any aviation role but it is particularly impressive in helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) operations.
Unlike commercial aviation, air ambulance pilots fly many short, high intensity sorties each day, often into confined landing sites and in adverse weather conditions.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s director of aviation, Steve Wardby, said:
Reaching 6,000 flying hours in a HEMS environment is an outstanding achievement and reflects the professionalism, judgement and commitment Owen and Garry bring to the role every day.
Owen McTeggart (left) and Garry Brasher (right) both achieved 6000 flying hours
In addition to flying missions, both pilots hold senior leadership roles within the charity. As chief pilot and training captain, they are responsible for mentoring pilots and technical crew members as well as maintaining training and safety standards.
Reflecting on the milestone, Mr Brasher said:
I genuinely love flying for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, so reaching this point in my career feels incredibly special. Every flight has a clear purpose and a real impact for patients across Yorkshire.
Mr McTeggart added:
6,000 flying hours is something I’m very proud of, particularly knowing how hands-on air ambulance flying is. Being able to use that experience to support our crews and ensure every mission is flown as safely as possible is something I take great pride in.
Over their careers with Yorkshire Air Ambulance, the two pilots have flown countless missions supporting patients in towns, cities and rural communities across the region.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance operates three Airbus H145 helicopters and provides a seven-day, year-round emergency service across the county. As an independent charity, it relies on donations and fundraising to continue its lifesaving work.
More information is available here.
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