Pilots And Aircrews To Be Recognized At UK Guildhall
Ceremony
The
heroism and professionalism of aircrews from around the world and
across the whole spectrum of aviation is being recognised by the
Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators’ annual Trophy and
Awards event, which will take place in London’s medieval
Guildhall on Thursday 27th October. Among those receiving a total
of 24 different awards are military aircrew, airline pilots, test
pilots, flying instructors and newly qualified trainees. All have
been chose for their exemplary commitment to the highest flying
standards.
“The GAPAN awards are particularly noteworthy because the
recipients are selected by fellow pilots” says Captain Wally
Epton, the Master of the Guild. “When this organization
was formed in 1929, the spirit of the medieval guilds spurred them
into forming an association of pilots to foster recognition of the
importance of their professionism and sometime heroism. That is
proving every bit as appropriate today as it was eight decades
ago.”
Chesterman
The Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award will be presented to
the crew of a Royal Navy Lynx helicopter from HMS Chatham for the
successful rescue in May last year of 23 crew from the container
ship ‘MV Dubai Moon’ in the Northern Indian Ocean.
Caught in a tropical cylone, the merchant ship was rolling heavily
through 40 degrees and sinking by the bow with a significant
pitching motion. HMS Chatham’s Lynx helicopter, flown by
Flight Commander Lieutenant Peter Higgins RN, and Observer,
Lieutenant Craig Castle RAN, worked for over three hours in storm
conditions that were at the very edge of the aircraft envelope. So
arduous were the winching activities that they had to be shared
between AET Wilmot, who was carrying out his first live winching
from the aircraft following his qualifying course and Lieutenant
Commander Chesterman. Lt Cdr Chesterman had been visiting HMS
Chatham to conduct a Ship Operational Airworthiness Audit on behalf
of Navy Command HQ, when he volunteered to assist with the rescue.
While a qualified Lynx Observer, he had not flown for 15 years and
it was his first time as winchman in a rescue mission.
Army Air Corps Apache attack helicopter crews have been
nominated for no less than four of the top awards, reflecting the
gruelling nature of their operations in Afghanistan. The Attack
Helicopter Force have been awarded the Johnston Memorial Trophy
were commended for the sustained effort by the entire ‘UK
Team Apache’ in making the Apache the weapon of first choice
in counter insurgency operations. The skill and bravery of the
Apache crews has been recognised by the award of two DFCs, three
MCs, one MID and two QCVS, plus many other citations.
Captain (now Major) Matthew Noble-Clarke AAC, has been awarded
the Grand Master’s Commendation on behalf of the HRH Prince
Andrew. He was the first Apache pilot in the AHF to have amassed
over 1,000 hours of operational flying in that theatre, most
recently as the senior Attack Helicopter Commander. Between 2006
and 2010 Captain Matthew Noble-Clarke completed four tours of
duty with the Attack Helicopter Force (AHF) in Afghanistan. He
spent 19 months deployed in a period of three and a half years at
which time he operated under fire as a matter of routine. 656
Squadron Group AAC received The Master’s Commendation for
their pioneering work in deploying the Apache helicopter at sea in
supprt of Marine forces in 2005 and subsequently into Afghanistan
in 2006. As part of the Apache Helicopter Force and 4 Regiment Army
Air Corps, the Squadron has has built an enviable reputation. In
the Jugroom Fort rescue, it handled the Air Mission Command of the
largest Commando Raid since WWII.
A380 Crew
Among those being honored at the event are the crew of the
Qantas Airbus A380 which last year suffered a major engine failure
while departing from Singapore’s Changi Airport, causing
significant damage to the wing and a number of aircraft systems.
The crew led by Captain Richard de Crespigny, successfully managed
an extremely complex emergency and by superb handling of the
aircraft in extreme circumstances, made a safe landing.
Finally, Major David Amlôt MBE AAC has been awarded The
Sir Barnes Wallis Medal in recognition of an exceptional and
innovative contribution to aviation. His work in the development of
aviation ‘Judgemental Training’ for the Attack
Helicopter Force (AHF), in the application of Rules of Engagement,
Targeting Directives and Law of Armed Conflict, has helped numerous
crews better understand of the risk to collateral damage. Major
Amlôt’s efforts have directly contributed to saving
contless lives by balancing the crews’ offensive spirit
against courageous restraint.
Not all awards are for those involved in emergencies or
conflict. A Grand Master's Medal is awarded to a pilot under the
age of 30 for outstanding achievement and endeavour in any field of
flying activity. One of this year’s recipients is Isabelle De
Montet-Guerin, who at the age of only 23, became BA's youngest Type
Rating Instructor/Examiner on the Boeing 757/767 airliner. She was
subsequently selected to fly HM the Queen to Africa for the
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting having demonstrated
consistently high standards of flying and training abilities.
However, having always wanted to become a Test Pilot, Isabelle
worked to become the first ever self-sponsored student at the
Empire Test Pilots School, remortgaging her house and taking unpaid
leave from BA. She was referred to as 'one of the most enthusiastic
students ever seen at ETPS.’
“All the GAPAN Award winners are an inspiration, not just
to other pilots, but to those in every walk of life” says
Captain Epton. “Each of our recipients has demonstrated a
blend of skill, professionalism and determination to succeed
whatever the odds. I am both proud and humbled by their
endeavours.”