In the past eight months, Coulson Aviation Australia has created and recruited almost 40 Australian jobs including maintenance engineers, fixed wing pilots, rotary wing pilots, and business staff.
The team members support the operations of the NSW-owned large airtanker, Cessna Citations, and multi-purpose Bell 412 helicopters.
The NSW RFS-owned, Coulson-operated Bell 412 helicopters have been constantly tasked to flood response and relief supporting emergency services.
Rotary Wing Air Crew Officer Tim enjoys the variety of the tasks involved when working on behalf of the RFS.
“It’s our job but people are very grateful for the work that’s being done,” he said. “I like the diversity of the jobs we do. You don’t know what you’re going to be doing day to day.”
With a background in the military, Rotary Wing Air Crew Officer, Geoff, is familiar with fire and flood response duties.
“It’s still different when you go out and you see every day people impacted,” he said.
He’s been with Coulson Aviation Australia since August of 2020, and was attracted by the organisation’s potential.
“There’s a possibility of building something great and getting this up and running.”
412 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Macauley, has engineering experience working in both a corporate and aerial firefighting setting.
“We’ve got a really good crew here, that’s important. Working for Coulson Aviation Australia is something new – something that’s developing. This is just the start – there are lots of potential opportunities.”
Coulson Aviation Australia CEO Chris Smallhorn said the NSW RFS, which had built a true State aerial capacity, was a key partner for the organisation. Coulson Aviation also supports emergency services organisations in other States with the seasonal larger capacity aircraft.
“We have a team of people here for the right reasons and dedicated to their roles in our emergency services, and the communities we serve, with a focus on supporting and growing an all-hazards emergency capability within the Australian aviation industry,” he said.