Greenlea to the Rescue (Again)

Greenlea to the Rescue (Again)

The amazing team at Greenlea Premier Meats love helping people. They also love the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, which is why they have come to the rescue once again.

Late last year Philips Search and Rescue Trust, operators of the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, reached out to the community for financial assistance to upgrade their simulated (SIM) flight trainer.

With the trust-wide project’s original cost estimated at $45,000 it was a lot to ask of people so close to Christmas, however, the call for such a valuable piece of training equipment resonated with many, including the team at Greenlea Premier Meats.

Greenlea Livestock Manager Bruce ‘Mudgey’ Mudgway picked up the phone to Pilot Nat Every and asked what value the SIM would add to the Trust.

All Philips Search and Rescue Trust pilots undertake unique and specialised training, including simulated (SIM) flight training. ‘The SIM allows pilots to practice flying in every type of weather condition from
the safety of the hangar. This ensures they are ready for all scenarios when on a real mission.’ Every explained.

Nat also explained this training had been of personal benefit to him when caught in unexpected weather. As Principal Sponsor of the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, Greenlea place an extremely high value on the safety of its pilots, crew and patients.

Mudgey recounted this story to the Greenlea Board and the decision to contribute a generous $10,000 to the project was made.

The upgrade project requires a new physical SIM training environment – a replica helicopter cockpit complete with instruments and controls and a series of large projector screens to display the simulated flight – and the custom development software for New Zealand’s unique terrain and weather conditions.

The main advantage of training in the SIM is the huge cost saving to the communities who generously support their local rescue helicopter as it reduces the amount of training that needs to be done in the air. This is not insignificant with 53% of the operational costs of each rescue helicopter funded by the community.

The project cost has increased to $55,000 of which $34,000 has been raised to date. This project benefits each of Philips Search and Rescue Trusts pilots, crew, future patients and the communities they serve.

Covering the majority of the North Island, Philips Search and Rescue Trust operate; Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter (Waikato King Country), Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter (Bay of Plenty) BayTrust Rescue Helicopter (Rotorua - Bay of Plenty), Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, (Taupo - Central Plateau) and Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter (Manawatu – Whanganui).

2017 marks PSRT’s 30th year, during which time 32,223 lives have been potentially saved by one of their rescue helicopter teams. To ensure this vital service is available for the next 30 years please donate by visiting www.rescue.org.nz

Philips Search and Rescue Trust (PSRT) is a charitable organisation, operating rescue helicopters throughout the Central North Island. Philips Search and Rescue Trust relies on support from principal sponsors and community donations. Special thanks to Taupo’s principal sponsor, Greenlea. This crucial financial support ensures our rescue helicopters can continue to bring life-saving equipment, rescue personnel and trauma-trained medics directly to the patient. For further information about PSRT visit our website rescue.org.nz

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