An air engineer from RNAS Culdrose has achieved an extraordinary milestone, accumulating more than 400 flying hours – a feat typically reserved for aircrew members.
Chief Petty Officer Gary ‘Disco’ Furneaux has achieved more than 400 hours of flying hours – which for an air engineer is quite rare unless like the 47-year-old they serve with RNAS Culdrose’s Flight Test Department.
CPO Furneaux who is originally from Somerset but now lives in Helston has a wealth of experience having flown every Merlin MK2 helicopter in the fleet. His knowledge allows him to bring the Merlin back to fighting fitness following depth maintenance, and regularly assist units in resolving vibration issues.
CPO Furneaux said: “It’s such a privilege not only to see the aircraft fly from an operator’s point of view but also to know that the testing work that we do is so vital in ensuring they stay safe.”
“The flying hours he has amassed are nearly all whilst conducting very complex and critical test flights. His knowledge and experience have been key to delivering hundreds of test flights and depth output deliveries.
“His direct impact on the forward fleet should not be underestimated.”
CPO Furneaux initially began flying the Merlin Mk1 helicopter in April 2005 as a flight maintainer. He then progressed onto the Merlin Mk2 as a flight recorder in April 2015.
More recently, he has completed two assignments as the lead flight test recorder within the department and has helped the flight team develop and improve.
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To be able to carry out the role, an engineer must not only be medically fit but also pass an aviation medicine course to spot the symptoms of hypoxia or lack of oxygen. They must also show they can escape from a ditched helicopter – also named the ‘dunker’ training – and then go through pool and sea drills using life rafts.
They must learn airmanship procedures, so they can perform many of the key functions of fully-fledged aircrew, such as radio communications and emergency procedures.
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