Iain MacDonald
Newbury,West Berkshire
Summary
- Aug 2022 - Present 28 Sqn OCU Puma Flight QHCI B1 with deployments to Brunei in support of jungle exercises and MEDEVAC.
- Jun 2013 - Jul 2022 RAF Support Helicopter Crewman, Crewman Trainer and Puma Force Standards Officer, RAF Benson. Lead crewman deploying with 8 crewmen to Kenya and Glasgow airport in support of MACA during COP26. Multiple flying detachments to Afghanistan, Jordan, Oman, USA and Kenya with Puma HC2.
- Sep 2011 - Jun 2013 RAF Support Helicopter Crewman on Puma HC1. USI maritime and Flight Safety Officer. Detachment to RAF Akrotiri station operations team.
- Jun 2009 - Sep 2011 RAF Initial Training Course Non-Commissioned Aircrew, RAFC Cranwell. Initial helicopter crewman flying course, RAF Shawbury.
- Sep 2003 - Apr 2009 Aerospace Systems Operator, RAF Boulmer School of Fighter Control. Detachments to BFSAI Falklands Joint Operations Centre, RAF Akrotiri Station Operations and RAF Cranwell Air Traffic Control. Recruit Training Squadron RAF Halton.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Weapons Systems Operator (WSOp) Rotary Wing
Royal Air Force Benson
Wallingford, Oxfordshire
09.2011 - Current
- RAF Qualified Helicopter Crewman Instructor (QHCI) instructing and assessing crewmen during training and maintenance of operational standards on front line squadron's.
- Standards Officer for the RAF Puma Force responsible to two Squadron Commanders for rear crew ground and flying standards.
- Crewman Trainer experience in overseas operational theatres and well versed in low visibility landings in the desert by day and night.
- Operated throughout the world on the Puma helicopter in support of operations and exercises.
- Experienced user of Night Vision Devices in the UK, desert and jungle environments.
- Fast rope and abseiling manager / instructor responsible for the safe planning, execution and resources directly to the Delivery Duty Holder (DDH).
- Unit Survival Instructor (USI) and Crew Served Weapons Instructor (CSWI).
Aerospace Systems Operator (ASOp)
Royal Air Force Boulmer
Alnwick, Northumberland
09.2003 - 04.2009
- Responsible for launching Quick Reaction Alert armed aircraft to defend the UK airspace.
- Identifying and tracking aircraft of special interest across the whole of the UK's airspace.
- Providing a recognised air picture from various multinational air, land and sea resources.
Education
NVQ Level 5 - Leadership and Management
City & Guilds
Burntwood, Staffordshire 06.2025 - 06.2025
Foundation Degree in Science - Aviation Studies
Staffordshire University
Stoke-on-Trent 09.2009 - 09.2011
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Physiology
University of Gloucestershire
Cheltenham 09.1998 - 06.2001
Skills
- QHCI teaching crew resource management, underslung loads, confined areas, dispatcher, winchman and winch operator roles
- USI teaching maritime survival
- OCU flying and simulator planner/programmer for long, short and re-role courses
- Aviation safety knowledge through MAA flight safety courses
- Meteorology knowledge
- Radio communications experience with multi national organisations and air traffic control
- Dangerous goods qualified
Affiliations
- Sport and exercise including swimming, squash, tennis and mountain biking.
- Family and kids - immersing them into various sports and activities.
- Keen blood doner being O neg.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
NVQ Level 5 - Leadership and Management
City & Guilds
06.2025 - 06.2025
Weapons Systems Operator (WSOp) Rotary Wing
Royal Air Force Benson
09.2011 - Current
Foundation Degree in Science - Aviation Studies
Staffordshire University
09.2009 - 09.2011
Aerospace Systems Operator (ASOp)
Royal Air Force Boulmer
09.2003 - 04.2009
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Physiology
University of Gloucestershire
09.1998 - 06.2001