Gary Smith Made a Master Air Pilot
31 Jul 20
Platform Training Services OBU
31 Jul 20
Platform Training Services OBU
Inzpire CQHI Gary Smith has been made a Master Air Pilot by the Honourable Company of Air Pilots.
The Master Air Pilot award is granted to those who have, during the course of their career, displayed qualities as a pilot that have brought honour and respect to the profession.
Gary Smith has made an outstanding contribution to UK Army Aviation over a 40-year career. His aviation experience began in 1980 when he qualified as an Aircrewman Observer on the Scout and Gazelle and subsequently the Lynx helicopters subsequently attending the Army Pilots’ Course, graduating in February 1987 and winning the Bob Bowles Memorial Trophy for the Best Student on course. Since then, Gary has accrued 9300 flying hours on various platforms, including Gazelle, Lynx Mk7/9 and Apache. Four years after completing the Army Pilots’ Course, he attended the Qualified Helicopter Instructors’ course at RAF Shawbury, continuing his journey on what would be a long and distinguished instructional career.
Gary Smith
Gary had his first experience of the Apache, during an exchange with the US Army, where he was employed as an Instructor Pilot on the AH-64D, teaching at Fort Rucker in Alabama, USA. On his return, he qualified as an Instructor on the UK WAH-64D and, due to his A1 category and considerable US experience was employed by Army Aviation Standards. He finished his military career as part of 673 Sqn AAC in 2012, where he subsequently transitioned to the Civilian Qualified Helicopter Instructor role and shortly after to join Inzpire where he has remained since as part of the helicopter services team.
We would very much like to congratulate Gary on the exceptional achievement of being made a Master Air Pilot, and are delighted that his dedication to his profession has been recognised with such a prestigious accolade.
Congratulations to Gary on his wonderful achievement.
Images MoD Crown Copyright 2019, Darren Edds.
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