We’re thrilled to introduce you to Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance’s (SCAA) newest pilot. Captain Cammy has officially joined the Helimed 76 crew at SCAA’s Perth Airport base replacing Captain Kimball Chilcott. We caught up with Cammy to find out more about his aviation background and what inspired him to become an air ambulance pilot with the charity.
Name: Cammy
Position: Captain
Q. How did you become a pilot?
A. During my 23 years in the military, I decided after 12 years as an infantry sniper that I wanted a career change, so I chose to pursue flying training. I was fortunate enough to pass the Army Pilot’s Course and subsequently joined the Army Air Corps and beyond, flying for a further 21 years in many environments worldwide, including the USA, Middle East, Norway, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Philippines and Australia to mention a few.
Q. What made you want to become a pilot?
A. After spending many years being flown around in the back during various operational tours around the world, I thought it would be a nice change to sit up front and fly other people around, while also staying dry and out of the rain, especially in Scotland.
Q. Where did you fly before joining Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance?
A. I have returned home after living and working in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, where I served as the Head of Training for a military and civilian flying school. In this role, I oversaw flight training for a wide range of students, from those completing their Commercial Pilot Licence course to those undertaking NVG, military, and police aviation training.
Q. What made you want to become a SCAA pilot?
A. The main reason I wanted to become a SCAA pilot was to fly for such a worthwhile cause. The job is incredibly rewarding, as every time we receive a call it means someone is in need and urgently requires assistance and support that we may be uniquely positioned to provide due to the nature of our role. In addition, having grown up locally in Fife and flown extensively across many areas of Scotland, including the West Coast and the Highlands, I hope this experience will enhance my effectiveness as a SCAA pilot.
Q. How does this role differ to your previous roles?
A. This role is an operational call-out role, whereas my last role was in a training environment. Although that work was rewarding, it was not as immediate or diverse as this role, so I welcome the change.
Q. What’s your favourite thing about your job?
A. My favourite thing about this job is the variety and not knowing what we’ll be doing from one day to the next. We are also lucky enough to see one of the most stunning countries on the planet from the air, at different times of the year.
Q. What areas in Scotland do you enjoy flying over the most?
A. The Highlands and West Coast of Scotland are among the most stunning areas on the planet, and being exposed to these remote locations, places many people will never have the chance to see, is a privilege.
Q. What are the main challenges an air ambulance pilot faces when flying in Scotland?
A. Scotland is a stunning environment; however, these coastal and mountainous areas present many environmental factors. The associated weather, especially in winter, with low temperatures and unpredictable conditions, including rain, snow, reduced visibility, high winds, and turbulence (particularly when flying in areas such as the Great Glen and the Cairngorms), makes operations challenging. That being said, these challenges are part of what make the job worthwhile and interesting.
