CHC Australia - Spotlight On: Captain Grant Kahler, Line Training Captain and Senior Base Pilot at Amberley

Today we have the second in our Australia ‘Spotlight On’ series – where we catch-up with engineers, pilots, air/rescue crew and other colleagues across CHC Helicopter to discuss their careers, tips for those entering the sector, and the role CHC plays in supporting the Department of Defence in Australia.

Introducing Captain Grant Kahler, Line Training Captain and Senior Base Pilot at Amberley.

Q: Grant, could you tell us about your role?

A: I serve as both a Search and Rescue (SAR) Captain and a Type Rating Instructor here at Amberley, the largest military base in Australia. We support the Australian military by conducting training operations and being on standby for search and rescue missions.

As a SAR Captain, I lead the team in planning and executing missions. Ultimately, I am responsible for ensuring the team and the helicopter flies and returns to base safely. In my instructor role, I train pilots to one day undertake my responsibilities.

In addition to military operations, our expertise sometimes extends to assisting with natural disasters, such as fires.

Q: What are the highlights and challenges of the job?

A: I really enjoy mentoring and training the next generation of pilots. We’ve built a strong relationship with our customers over the years, so it is essential we have a pipeline of new people to continue delivering at the high safety and quality standards they expect.

The unpredictability of the role can be incredibly challenging, but that’s also what makes it an interesting and rewarding career. For example, we are the only operator in Australia with approvals to utilise autohover to winch a stretcher from the water at night.  These are challenging missions requiring highly skilled specialists to assist people when they’re in the pitch-black ocean. But that’s what we’re trained to do – it’s part of the job.

Q: You mentioned unpredictability, could you give an example?

A: Recently, we were conducting training exercises for boat transfers, where our new pilots learn to safely transfer aircrew down to a vessel, while the helicopter is moving at approximately 25km/h. It’s a core part of the job.

During the exercise, we received a call from the search and rescue centre in Canberra regarding a distress beacon from a ship.

We swiftly adjusted our plans, coordinated with the Coast Guard, and set off to investigate the situation immediately. Thankfully, it turned out to be a false alarm, but it shows how we are always on alert and ready to respond to emergencies at a moment's notice.

Q: What makes CHC unique as a partner?

A: We have a 35-year history of providing a safe, consistent capability to our customers without fail. Our broad experience from Search and Rescue to military support is second to none.

The nature of our work means we have to work incredibly closely with our customers. Our site at Amberley is just 200 meters from the runway – putting us right in the middle of the operation. This proximity helps us to be incredibly responsive and in tune with day-to-day demands.

Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in joining this field?

A: If you’re ready to be challenged and satisfied going to work on a day-to-day basis, flying rescue helicopters is as great a job as you can get.

‍