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Scott was working in sales and marketing when a recreational flight sparked a “lightbulb” moment that ignited his aviation career.

Today, Scott is a captain for the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service. We chat to him about his career and what he loves about the job.

How did you get started in aviation?

I was in my mid-twenties and started flying recreationally at the North Shore Aero Club. That’s when I had a lightbulb moment and realised flying was the career for me. I moved home and started my commercial licence at the Canterbury Aero Club.

I have flown throughout New Zealand with aerial photographers, worked for a New Zealand company undertaking aerial surveying work across India and Canada and was also a flight instructor at the Canterbury Aero Club. Then I saw the job at the NZ Flying Doctor Service.

What do you love about flying for the NZ Flying Doctor Service?

I love the variation in the flying we do and the fact that we don’t know where we’re going when we turn up for work each day. For those patients who are well enough, I also love connecting with them and hearing their stories.

From an aviation perspective, this role has been a great opportunity to fly the King Air in both the co-pilot and now the captain’s seat.

What’s your favourite flight?

It has to be flying over the Southern Alps to the West Coast. It’s such a beautiful flight, especially in winter when you have clear skies and can see all the way down to Mt Cook.

What do you get up to outside of work?

I love hanging out with my family, running, and I’m a bit of a car fan – whether it’s watching motorsport or tinkering around on cars, I love it.