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.”

FMI: www.gapan.org