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Meet Mark

Mark never had any doubt that his career would involve flying … he’s been obsessed with aviation since he was a child.

We talk to Mark about that childhood obsession and his job today as a pilot at the New Zealand Flying Doctor Service.

When did you first know you wanted to fly?

I don’t know when it started, but I was really young. I remember drawing pictures of planes when I was about five years old. When I was at school if I heard a plane flying past, I’d just get up out of my chair and leave to look at it. Eventually the teachers gave up trying to stop me!

Tell us about your journey to join the NZ Flying Doctor Service.

I trained as a pilot at the Southland Aero Club before becoming an instructor at the Club. My first job as a commercial pilot was flying for Southern Air, flying hunters and trampers over to Stewart Island and back.

I then went to Air Nelson where I flew the Saab before coming down to Christchurch to fly the Dash-8 for Air New Zealand.

I loved the flying but wanted to spend more time at home with my family, and I’d always thought flying for the NZ Flying Doctor Service would be an awesome job. So, I started bugging the Service’s Operations Manager Arthur until a job became available.

What has been one of your most memorable flights for the NZ Flying Doctor Service?

I remember flying over to the West Coast to pick up a patient. When I saw the patient, I thought he looked familiar, but it took me a while to work out who it was. It turned out it was one of my teachers from primary school. When we arrived in Christchurch, I re-introduced myself to him and he remembered me and my family. That was pretty cool.

What is your favourite destination to fly to?

That would have to be the West Coast. It’s pretty isolated, the weather can be challenging, the runways are short, and the landing approaches are interesting, but the views we get as we fly over the main divide – just stunning.

When we land, we’re always welcomed so warmly. West Coasters rely on the NZ Flying Doctor planes and it’s a privilege to be part of a service that has such an impact on the community.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

Spending time with my son – I’m currently trying to teach him to drive. I also love tinkering on cars. At the moment, I’m converting an auto car to a manual and am also building a rally car. It’s a fun hobby.