Ep2 - James Koens - Helicopter Aircrew Officer, Pilot, Firefighter.

On this episode the tables are turned! Episode 1's guest and co-host Cameron Edgar chats with co-host James Koens about his history, the complexities of maintaining a training and assessment system through challenging times, and one of the most challenging rescues he has conducted to date.

James has an extensive background in government and defence. After 15 years service with the Australian Army, James is now a Training and Checking Aircrew Officer on an Ambulance Rescue Helicopter based in NSW, Australia. James is also a qualified helicopter and aeroplane pilot and an experienced volunteer firefighter. More notably he deployed to Canada in 2021 as an Operations Chief and Incident Commander during a devastating wildfire season.

James opens up about the pathways into becoming an Aircrew Officer and provides advice on those looking to break into the world of helicopter and search and rescue.