ALL EYES TO THE SKY… With all the helicopter activity in the area, Pilot Michael Findlater gave us an insight into how he is assisting with the ongoing emergency in the region.
It is hard not to notice all the activity in the skies since the devastating floods hit our region. There have been up to 14 helicopters based at Parkes Airport to help with the biggest emergency operation ever in NSW.
Michael Findlater, a helicopter pilot for Orange Helicopters, is one of the pilots engaged by the SES to support the relief operations.
Michael said that his role was predominantly moving SES personnel and also doing reconnaissance. “Some aircraft are doing the heavy lifting, for example lifting cages full of livestock. I am doing reconnaissance, which involves mapping, crew movements, dropping much needed supplies and generally anything that is needed.”
Michael has been in Parkes for 10 days and will stay at least another week until the next crew changeover. Sadly, he predicts he will be back in the area as the water is not going away, it’s just moving west.
Originally from Dunedin in New Zealand, Michael has flown in six different countries over the last 20 years including Australia, Fiji, Czech Republic, Sage Islands, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
“Every mission is different in nature and scale. I did the Black Saturday fires in Victoria, flying an MS helicopter into Marysville. The town was flattened by fire, 90 people died and the survivors were all huddled together at the local football oval with their families and pets waiting to be rescued. It was a horrendous event, but all you can do is try to help.”
By Roxane Manley