New role for Air Ambulance pilot

The helicopter pilot who has the longest service record and the most mission flights with a single Air Ambulance charity is to use his vast accumulation of knowledge and experience to become the Safety Manager at Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT).

Captain Rob Mackie has flown with DAAT for 23 years recording an amazing 7890 missions during his service but, as he approached his 60th birthday, regulations demand he gives up single pilot flying.

Heléna Holt, CEO of DAAT added “Thankfully we will not be saying goodbye to Rob.  When we were awarded our own Air Operating Certificate (AOC) last year, Rob took on the role of Safety Manager and played an integral part in setting up our safety management systems.  It was a challenging time for all the team as Devon Air Ambulance Trading Company Limited (DAATCL) were the first Air Ambulance to have developed and been awarded an AOC fully compliant with the new EASA regulations. 

“I am delighted that Rob has agreed to continue in this role and will be overseeing the surveying of all the community helipads needed to introduce night flying next winter.” 

Devon born, former Army pilot and Falklands veteran Rob, added: “It will take some adjusting to give up flying after a lifetime in the pilot’s seat but what better way to do so than continue with DAAT in a highly significant role.  I am greatly looking forward to the challenges my new role will generate especially as it allows me to continue working with a great team.”

Picture: DAAT Flight Operations Director, Ian Payne (left) makes a presentation to Rob Mackie.