Australian Aviation

In this special In-Focus edition, we investigate the most significant issues in emergency medical services aviation. Our cover feature, by new contributor Andrew Boniface, examines why mental health and teamwork are vital in modern-day helicopter EMS. Boniface knows his stuff better than most as an AW139 co-pilot and mindfulness facilitator. In his piece, he speaks

A brief look into the history of the Victoria Police Air Wing, and Victoria Police’s very first helicopter, by Hannah Dowling. By the 1970s, commercial aviation was thriving and authorities around the globe were beginning to recognise the benefits of aerial capabilities for the purposes of policing, emergency medical services and transportation, and search and

Aerial emergency medical services (EMS) are critical for modern-day frontline emergency response operations, offering unique capabilities that no other vehicle can provide. In New Zealand, the country’s unique geography presents even more challenges for traditional emergency services, making aerial operations even more crucial. This month, we sat down with Liv Lewis-Long from Auckland-based MRO, parts

While simulators will always be secondary to flying on a real aircraft, these still hold an important place in both pilot and role-based firefighter training. Bella Richards examines the importance of simulators, the NAFC simulator project that kicked off in 2021 and Australia’s current capabilities. Simulators build muscle memory, explains Bernie O’Rourke, an aviation and

From spotting bushfires to dropping inflatables to drowning swimmers, RPAS innovations are responding to incidents faster than manned aircraft. Adam Thorn speaks to the key players revolutionising our response in Australia and worldwide. 

AW139 EMS co-pilot and mindfulness facilitator Andrew Boniface investigates why mental health, teamwork and training of people are so vital in modern-day HEMS.