Ex-military pilot makes maiden rescue flight

The seven-year-old Brisbane boy was accompanied by his father as he was flown in a stable condition with suspected asthma.

It was the first flight for Rowan, 33, since he joined LifeFlight and gained his rating for the BK117 helicopter.

He joined LifeFlight’s Bundaberg-based crew earlier this month after a 10 year career with the Australian Army where he flew Blackhawks and other helicopters.

“I was looking for something different, with a bit of meaning and helping people. It’s very rewarding,” said Rowan.

“It’s certainly different to the military because you don’t know what you are doing day to day.”