5Q4 > A Helicopter Pilot

When considering a job, few Adventists can claim to have aimed as “high” as Nigel Bullas. As a helicopter pilot for the Victoria Police Air Wing, his job takes him all over Victoria, wherever his skills are needed.

1 What is it like flying for the police? > Flying helicopters for the Victoria Police Air Wing is the best helicopter flying job in Australia and possibly the world. It provides a lot of variety such as police, air ambulance and search/rescue flying throughout the entire state of Victoria, both day and night and most weather conditions. It is this challenge that gives me so much enjoyment and satisfaction.

2 What are your personal reactions to seeing crime scenes or accidents? > It has taken me at least two years to get used to police operations, the culture, seeing crime and being involved with specialist police groups like the dog squad and the special operations group. My role is to fly the helicopter, so usually I am not required to assist unless absolutely necessary. I generally keep myself focused on transporting the patient and my flight crew back to hospital, safely and quickly.

3 Have you had any life-changing experiences in your day-to-day work? > I’ve been involved in many events that have changed my outlook on life. Police operations like drug detection and dealing with motorcycle gangs has highlighted to me the difference in lifestyle that Christians have to these criminals. Regarding ambulance tasks, the most impacting are when innocent people are killed because of speeding and a lack of commonsense. Remember that accidents can happen to you. Drive safely and responsibly.

4 have you ever been confronted with having to respond to an emergency on sabbath? > Working in emergency services is generally accepted by the Adventist Church. However, this issue has confronted me over the years. Most of my previous helicopter jobs have allowed me to take the Sabbath off. I still try to observe the Sabbath, even when I’m at work. I don’t take church attendance for granted and attend as much as possible, even after a long night shift. To me the important aspect of working on the Sabbath is remembering it as a holy day and doing only what is necessary.

5 are any of your work colleagues christians? > There are only three other Christians in my workplace of 54 people. Generally religion is not accepted by my work associates; however, I have had some inspiring religious conversations with my flight crew about God and my Adventist beliefs while flying around. My work associates respect me for my beliefs and apologise if they feel they’ve said unacceptable comments in my presence.