He embarked on a distinguished naval career, serving as a Search and Rescue helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy from 1972 to 1980. Initially based on the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, he later relocated to RNAS Culdrose, situated near Helston in Cornwall.
During his tenure at Culdrose, he played a crucial role in rescuing numerous civilians, including yachtsmen who were participating in the infamous 1979 Fastnet race, which was ravaged by a storm on August 13-14 of that year. His exceptional bravery and skill earned him numerous commendations and decorations throughout his career.
By the age of 25, he had become the most decorated peacetime naval pilot in history, a testament to his unwavering dedication and commitment to his work. In the 1982 New Year's Honours, he was awarded an Air Force Cross by Her Majesty the Queen for his outstanding gallantry in search and rescue operations. He has shared his remarkable experiences in his autobiography, "Rescue Pilot: Cheating the Sea".
After leaving the Navy in 1980, he moved to Liskeard, Cornwall, to join forces with Roy Flood, a garage owner, and his Navy colleague and helicopter pilot, Keith Thompson, in establishing Castle Air, a helicopter charter company. The company gained fame for supplying helicopters that were used extensively in the popular TV series Treasure Hunt (1982).
In 1989, he and his wife, Sara Hine, a television researcher and producer, founded their own company, Helifilm, which specializes in providing helicopters and pilots for aerial film and TV work. Since 2002, they have resided in Melbourne, Australia, where they continue to operate Helifilm, a testament to their enduring passion for the industry.
