On November 27th we hosted an exclusive live broadcast where we opened the doors of the flight deck to the pilots behind global surveillance, medevac, and coast guard operations – now available on-demand. From emergency medical flights in the North Atlantic to maritime patrols safeguarding international waters, you’ll hear firsthand what it takes to fly for purpose – not just passengers.
Special mission flying sits at the intersection of skill, purpose, and adventure yet few pilots get the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day of special mission operations. This is your backstage pass to the aircraft, the missions, and the people behind them.
Meet the pilots – Hear directly from PAL Aerospace captains and air ambulance leaders flying surveillance, medevac, and coast guard missions across Canada and abroad.
Discover the pathways – Learn how Canadian pilots can fly special missions; the training, mindset, and skills required.
Ask Questions Live – Get candid insights from the cockpit. From flight ops to lifestyle, our pilots are ready to answer what you’ve always wanted to know.
Gain real-world perspective – See how purpose-driven flying differs from commercial airline operations and why many pilots call it the most rewarding work of their careers.
Join the discussion with pilots:
- Luke West: Training Manager, Force Multiplier Program | 13,000+ flight hours
Based out of Halifax and operating internationally, Luke leads training for PAL Aerospace’s Force Multiplier program in the UK. With a diverse flying background across multiple mission types, he brings a global perspective on how technology, training, and mission readiness come together in special-mission aviation.
- Iain Allison: Captain, Air Ambulance & Airborne Maritime Surveillance | 6,500+ flight hours
With over a decade at PAL Aerospace, Iain has flown both air ambulance missions in Halifax and maritime surveillance operations across Canada’s coastlines. His experience bridges the worlds of life-saving rapid response and long-range surveillance showcasing the versatility required in PAL’s special-mission fleet.
- Richard Bradford: Captain, Airborne Maritime Surveillance Division (AMSD) | 10,000+ flight hours
A seasoned pilot with nearly 10 years in AMSD, Richard has spent his career navigating the demands of daily surveillance operations. From harsh northern conditions to cross-coast deployments, he brings insight into what it takes to sustain Canada’s surveillance readiness year-round. 10,000 + flight hours.
- Teri Childs: Director of Air Ambulance | 18,000+ flight hours
Teri began her career with AMSD in June 2006, later flying the Dash 8 with PAL Airlines before returning to AMSD as Captain in 2010. She moved into leadership roles soon after, becoming Training Manager in 2011, serving as Chief Pilot from 2019–2020, and then East Coast Base Manager from 2020–2024. In 2025, she transitioned into her current role as Director of Air Ambulance, bringing nearly two decades of operational, training, and leadership experience across air ambulance, airline, and special-mission surveillance operations.
Watch on demand using the form below:
