Chopper command a dream come true

Flying Officer Simon Press is relishing the chance to fly Black Hawk helicopters in East Timor. Photo by FLGOFF Simon Paton

By FLGOFF Simon Paton

FOR the first time since the disbanding of No. 9 Squadron in 1989, an Air Force pilot has command of a sophisticated Black Hawk helicopter.

Flying Officer Simon Press describes the opportunity to fly helicopters as “tremendous” and the realisation of a dream.

Attached to the 5th Army Aviation Regiment, FLGOFF Press is serving in East Timor supporting the important aeromedical evacuation task, a role in which the Black Hawk is ideally suited.

“This is a sophisticated and capable aircraft. Its capacity to manage rugged terrain is well established, both here in East Timor and also in Australia,” he said.

He described his “embedding” in an Army unit as a little different to what he was used to in the Air Force, but described his work mates as “a great bunch with a great commitment to the task”.

FLGOFF Press was previously attached to No. 37 Squadron and expects to return to fixed-wing flying in the future. For now, the thrill of rotary-wing flying is staying with him as he enjoys every minute of his posting.

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