The Grand Master’s Australian Medal (Awarded to an individual, a group or organisation involved in any branch of aviation in the Australian Region or to Australian nationals abroad, who or which has made a meritorious contribution to any aviation activity, either by displaying technical excellence or by the development of a procedure or operational technique of an outstanding nature) is awarded to Queensland Helicopter Rescue

In recognition of 34 years of outstanding professional performance and dedication, Emergency Management Queensland Helicopter Rescue is awarded Grand Master’s Australian Medal. In 1981 the Queensland Government established a Helicopter Unit within the State Emergency Service. Renamed in 2004 the EMQ Helicopter Rescue (EMQ HR) it currently operates a fleet of three Agusta Westland AW139s and two Bell 412s, the Service logs around 3000 hours each year providing Queensland (a land area seven times that of the British Isles) with a 24 houra-day, seven day a week response to meet emergency, community and Government aviation needs

Throughout its history EMQ HR has made an outstanding contribution to the development and improvement of helicopter rescue services in Australia. In 2008, it was the first emergency helicopter operator approved by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to use Night Vision Goggles (NVG) in SAR operations. A number of recent rescues have been completed through the detection of mobile phone lighting from large distances.

During the devastating floods of 2010 and 2011, EMQ HR conducted a series of daring and extremely challenging rescues in the Lockyer Valley in atrocious weather conditions. Maps were useless in the conditions, described as an inland tsunami, and the few patches of ground that weren’t inundated by the waters were frequently festering with snakes and other animals desperate to escape the flood.

The February 2013, Bundaberg Floods became the focus of another significant rescue operation when 50 individuals were rescued on a single day. Significantly, the Rescue Crew Officer (RCO) on the day had only recently received his qualifications and performed both his first and fiftieth operational winch rescue during this single task. A further ten night rescues were performed on the same night by another crew.

About the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators.
The Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators was established in 1929. It is based in London but has an internationally based membership of professional and private pilots.

The principal activities of the Guild are centred on developing action and activities to ensure that aircraft are piloted and navigated safely by aviators who are highly competent, self-reliant, dependable and respected.

The Guild supports the education and training of pilots and navigators from the initial training of the young pilot to the specialist training of the highest levels. Through its charitable activities, education and training, technical committee work, aircrew selection, scholarships and sponsorships, advice and recognition of the achievements of fellow aviators worldwide, the Guild keeps itself at the forefront of the aviation world.

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HeliHub.com understands the award will be formally presented at the Guild’s annual Trophies and Awards Banquet to be held in the Great Hall of London’s historic Guildhall on the 23rd October.  The Banquet will be attended by His Royal Highness Prince Andrew Duke of York, Grand Master of the Guild.