SAR pilot baby bonus
A Royal Navy pilot serving with the Royal Navy Search and Rescue 771 ‘Ace of Clubs’ Squadron inCornwallhas achieved a key professional milestone.
Lieutenant Paul Smalley [29] Royal Navy has completed the Instrument Rating Instructors (IRI’s) qualification that greatly enhances the skills of any aircrew enabling them to formally teach other aircrew how to operate in extreme flying conditions.
Royal Navy Search and Rescue are often required to fly when many others would be grounded and this was put to great effect recently when Paul was one of pilots who took part in the dramatic transfer of Ella McLachlan from the Scilly Isles to the mainland and who gave birth in mid-air on 1st October 2013. Baby Marcus Daniel McLachlan (5lb 3oz) was born onboard call-sign R193 at 1924 on 1st Oct 2013 approx 2 miles South East of Truro at 150’ and all are now doing very well.
Paul said: “I feel privileged to have been selected to attend the IRI's course which will be a great bonus to my professional capability” and added “this has already been put to the test in recent events and being able to help the new pilots who arrive at the squadron is a great bonus".
Paul was born in Cheddar, Somerset and joined the Royal Navy from university in 2006. After the award of his flying wings, Paul trained with the Commando Helicopter Force in the Sea King Mk 4 and undertook 3 Operational tours of Afghanistan before joining 771 NAS in Sept 2012.