On Sunday 26 April we are marking World Pilots’ Day by celebrating the extraordinary skill, dedication and professionalism of our helicopter pilots as we welcome our first female pilot, First Officer Carla Feben, to Team KSS.
Our Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) pilots play a vital role in saving lives across Kent, Surrey and Sussex by safely and speedily flying our specialist doctors and paramedics to the most critically injured or unwell people – enabling them to deliver lifesaving treatment and care when every second counts for survival.
Our highly skilled pilots and medical crews respond to an average of nine medical emergencies every day. Operating in often challenging conditions, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. HEMS pilots fly missions that are inherently unpredictable, planning and navigating rapidly changing routes and often landing at unprepared or confined sites close to patients, rather than pre-planned airfields thus requiring exceptional decision making, precision and adaptability.
This year, on World Pilots’ Day, we are recognising the contribution of our pilots alongside the appointment of our very first female pilot, a landmark moment for the charity and an important step in reflecting the communities we serves.
Carla, who is originally from Cornwall, discovered her passion for helicopters in 2015 while working in event management on the Red Bull Air Race. She went on to gain her Private Pilot Licence and Federal Aviation Administration Commercial Licence in Florida, before returning to the UK to gain her Civil Aviation Authority Commercial qualification. Her flying career has included charter operations and supporting offshore wind turbine work, before joining KSS.
Said Carla: “I’ve always known I wanted to work in HEMS. It’s where your flying abilities are pushed to their maximum potential, and where you can truly give back to the community. KSS is my local charity, so joining the team feels incredibly special. It’s a challenging role where every second counts, but that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding.
“I have personal experience of the lifesaving work air ambulances carry out and the role gives me deep personal meaning. It’s a privilege to be in a position where I can help others in their moment of greatest need, while doing a job I absolutely love.”
As the first KSS female pilot, Carla is also helping shine a spotlight on diversity within aviation.
She added: “Aviation has always been a male dominated industry, but it’s heartening to see the positive reactions on scene. Sometimes there’s real surprise when a woman steps out of the cockpit, and it’s especially rewarding to see young girls watching the helicopter with such excitement. With women making up only around 5% of helicopter pilots in the UK*, that’s definitely something we can and should change.”
Carla concluded; “The everchanging dynamics, the intensity, and the need to problem solve under pressure make this role incredibly fulfilling. You rely on your training, your instincts and, most importantly, your team. Being part of such an exceptional group of people, all focused on helping others when they need it most, is something I’m immensely proud of.”
Our Chief Executive David Welch said: “Our pilots are exceptional and bring a combination of technical skill, professionalism and calmness under pressure. They are a vital part of our lifesaving team, working together seamlessly with our doctors and paramedics to give patients the very best chance of survival.
“Welcoming Carla as our first female pilot is an incredibly proud moment for KSS. It’s important that we continue to inspire and support greater diversity within aviation, and we hope this encourages other women and girls to consider a career in HEMS.”
As a charity, we rely on public support to continue delivering our lifesaving service. We are funded almost entirely by donations, helping ensure that the most critically injured and unwell patients across the region receive the best possible treatment and care when needed most.
On World Pilots’ Day, we extend our thanks to all pilots, past and present, whose expertise and commitment help save lives every day.
* Source: UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) personnel licensing statistics.
