My humbling day as a Royal Flying Doctor

[@flywithcaptainjoe]

Hey Stefan! What a fantastic video! A lot of people don’t see the pilots and staff working hard every day behind the scenes! So happy to see the King Air 350, flown her for a year too and absolutely love that thing! And the pilot wearing gloves, classic!!! Keep on doing what you’re doing! All the best! Joe

[@milkshake-380]

Hi joe big fan! Also I agree

[@lachlan8624]

Why was the pilot wearing those gloves? Thanks

[@escade2]

Gloves.....ex airforce I would say

[@HabashyGaming]

As Australians we are humbled by your sweet comment and recognition of such services us Australians have for our fellow Australians. Thanks

[@virtualaviator21156]

Whats up sir!

[@jackyeoman4685]

Tim is also a CASA testing officer, I did my PPL with him a few months back. Fantastic bloke

[@Paul_Lucas]

Fab video Stefan - always wondered what the RFDS was like, much respect to the crew!

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed this insight.

[@GoldenJet-bahaa]

"some people fly planes and actually save lives" these videos save my life

[@lubtp7133]

RFDS transported me from La Trobe to Melbourne when I was 15, HEMS were worried I wouldn't make the straight trip from Wilson's prom. Huge thanks and respect to them for being part of the team that saved my life that day.

[@AbsolutelyEverybody1]

One of your best vids mate. Well done. The RFDS do such great work for the community. I donate to the RFDS and I encourage everyone (if their able to) to please donate. It's for such a great cause.

[@csak30]

Man, what you're doing is not useless. I'm getting my private license now in the US and trying to think outside the box for next steps and goals in aviation. Doing this kind of work would be so fulfilling and rewarding. Wouldn't have even known about or considered this line of work without this video. This really inspires me to continue on with instrument/commercial training and maybe become a hero like these people one day. Thanks, Stefan!

[@Dhrruvv]

Doing my flight training in Adelaide I got to greet them every single time they were on the same frequency...🙏 Huge shoutout to RFDS Love from India 🇮🇳

[@mini_steve]

They saved my life in the late 90's. Forever thankful. Put a dollar in the box people, best money you will ever spend.

[@aussieshedtalk7811]

Their turn around time is so quick, during my CPL training we we're taught to be time efficient, but they are next level experienced and time efficient pilots.

[@breytac]

Massive shoutout to the pilots, doctors and nurses of the RFDS. Without them, many in the couuntry wouldn't have even the most basic of medical services.

[@amcconnell6730]

My sister is a doctor for the RFDS in WA, and a friend of mine used to fly for RFDS in Melbourne before she moved to a farm in Tassie. Nice to watch this. :)

[@TheEasyridermatt]

what i want to know is who gives a thumbs down to a vid like this,to me people like this are worth their weight in gold,they dont seek the lime light they just get on with their job & make a huge difference to people who need help.We see people in the media of all varieties like moths to a flame trying to get their 15min of fame meanwhile doctors nurses,police,fire fighters & many more who see the dark side of life,the pain & misery that affects many of us every day & we never give a thought to them until we need them.I see them as heros,unsung heros at that,thank you to those who choose to help others & make a difference it doesnt go un-noticed or un-appreciated

[@truevegas]

Im just a drone pilot (Licenced) but its my dream one day to fly that beautiful, beautiful plane and help people like these guys do. I watch them all the time on FlightRadar24, same with the rescue helicopters. Just amazing people, doing amazing things. Thanks for sharing this Stefan, and thanks to the amazing Australians who do this work for some of our most venerable citizens ❤

[@nolasmith7687]

Glad I’m not the only geek following them on FlightRadar 😎 Love watching where they are going and time taken. Currently living in a small town with no airport so when I hear choppers or planes overhead I know it is probably a transfer from the local hospital to Canberra, our closest tertiary hospital. Sometimes I get to track them to Sydney. Then I sit and wonder what trauma required a trip there. When I worked at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney I hated hearing the choppers landing on our oval… just because I knew they were in a whole world of pain and usually in for months of recuperation.

[@Poundy]

a simple "like" on a video doesn't demonstrate the respect I have for you showing the world some unsung heroes

[@anavelaeshomestead]

Awesome video of the amazing work RFDS. The RFDS saved my mum's life when she was 80years old had a cardiac failure event on holidays in Broken Hill. She was flown back to Adelaide for emergency surgery. Fortunately, she went on to live another 13years after the life saving flight. Thanks RFDS.🥰

[@iceymanz]

Hey Stef, really enjoyed this video, thanks for bringing attention to the fantastic work of the RFDS. I'm wondering if after this experience with non emergency medical transport, you would mind sharing any thoughts you might have on private pilots getting involved in charity orgs that offer this service on a voluntary basis - eg Angel Flight.

[@u2u2productions]

These guys saved my life. I was pretty much out of it from Gladstone to Brisbane but remember being transferred into an Ambulance in the middle of the second runway at Brisbane. They were so professional and will be forever grateful.

[@ianmooney213]

Thank you RFDS workers for the amazing work you do. And thanks for allowing Stef to provide us a sneak peek at what you do. Great as always Stef - love your work!

[@andersbjorklund8148]

What a wonderful video. Thanks from Sweden! (…some SERIOUS gloves!!!)

[@StefanDrury]

Thank you, yeah they're cool gloves, special fingertip material so Tim can use the touchscreens without leaving fingerprints. Also Sweden is so high on our "places to visit when we can leave Australia" list! Can't wait to come back there. Thanks Anders.

[@AdalaAkeri]

More greetings from Sweden, been watching for years, keep up the good work 😊👍

[@StefanDrury]

@@AdalaAkeri thank you

[@andersbjorklund8148]

@@StefanDrury Just let me know, I will arrange some serious flying then. Welcome!

[@StuTheFarmer]

Royal flying doctors are the most important service around Australia! They do amazing work!

[@guilhermesilveira479]

Great video watching from Toronto Canada 🇨🇦

[@trrollinson]

When we were in Port Augusta we popped in and did a tour, the history behind it and how many planes zig zaging Australia with patient transport, remote community healthcare sessions and emergency evacuations and yet it is donations based it amazing.. amazing people doing amazing work.

[@brodiejohnson1802]

1:19 That's me, I'm the person walking back into the hanger from the van!!!!!!!! I saw you recording the intro and everything!!!!

[@lukemoller1127]

Had the pleasure of riding the cockpit when my first son was about to be born, amazing experience

[@Ro77cky]

Australia is a great place to learn flying. Jandakot has a RFDS base and when there was weather warning these were the only ones using the airfield and was cool to see some of the B200 arrivals coated with red clay after their trip from the outback.

[@ChrisPinCornwall]

Bloody brilliant! A far cry from the Flying Doctor on BBC radio in the fifties that I listened to as a kid... 'flying doctor to Wollomboola Base, come in, please'. I So wanted to be the flying doctor. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@flywiseman]

God Bless all those flying responders

[@t8312]

Really cool Stef!! What a great way to show your passion & real life needed service. Awesome👍 James

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks James, yes it was a really interesting and humbling experience. I had a great day with the RFDS team.

[@t8312]

Welcome, I think you would have another humbling experience with the Westpac helicopter team whom are just as important here in our community & abroad. I’m sure there would be a lot of subscribers & alike recipients of this service that would enjoy one of your films of how they operate here in NSW. Food for thought of course! The RFD have always been a part of Australia & I have experienced close family in need of their service. Australia is fortunate to have these essential services to deliver & care.

[@ozbrohutch9044]

At 8:05 it was funny to see storage in the engines haha

[@annagilda1]

This was so cool Stef. I work in aerial healthcare in remote Queensland, as a clinician, but working on my PPL for the Craic. Its a tough lifestyle, but I wouldn't do anything else. I adore it. :-)

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

For some reason the king airs always held a super special place in my heart. When working at brisbane airport, id love to watch them.

[@kingstonwhite3135]

My friends dad is a RFDS pilot, and I really respect the work they do. Thanks for the video

[@glennwatson]

Thanks for bringing exposure to this great organisation. Imagine his efficiency if he did have the auto upload functionality from Garmin.

[@coover65]

Love it Stefan! I worked a lot with RFDS crews when I was stationed in a rural town as a paramedic. Best wishes

[@derickellisster]

Much respect to those pilots and Doctors. And to you, for highlighting this amazing service.

[@StefanDrury]

Thank you, and yes much respect to the RFDS personnel.

[@spiro5327]

I often see these guys flying over head, obviously very busy and and i would think a very rewarding service to be a part of, Great respect to all onboard. To be able to fly the aircraft single pilot and deal with everything else on board is simply amazing. Very interesting insight, thanks Stef

[@jocee569]

Great vid. Love our RFDS.

[@paulneave2041]

Brilliant, brilliant video Stefan. Tim & Ruth - talk about true heroes!

[@dwgustaf]

Unsung heroes right there. I'm not a pilot in real life (and right now have no plan on becoming more than a flight sim pilot) but I enjoy watching these types of videos. Those guys are definitely a critical part of the aviation community.

[@bajamedic]

Outstanding! What an incredible service available to the people located in the rural areas.

[@marsgal42]

They give life. ❤️ My home airport is a base for the B.C. Air Ambulance Service and I see lots of King Airs around.

[@georgedragicevic5618]

Top notch video. RFDS a national treasure..

[@FlightSimMuseum]

May be your best video yet! Thanks for sharing.

[@brettcoates3759]

Brilliant insight into the wonderful work the RFDS do! My Mum was flown down from Mildura to the Royal Melbourne Hospital after a major heart attack. She has ever since drummed into all of us kids that if we ever see a collection for the Flying Doctors to make sure we donate!

[@pederbrown3155]

I used to work for Stanbroke Pastoral Co, when I was at Nappa Merrie our local doctor was the Broken Hill flying doctor base. When I was at Alroy Downs it was the Mt Isa base. There is nothing prettier than a night landing in the bush, pitch black with milk tin flares.

[@StefanDrury]

I've heard stories of aircraft landing at night with flaming runway markers. Some incredible pilotage there.

[@BaradineAllawa]

ooh Stoneybroke?! :D Worked for them for a year then moved over to AA (see my other comment for deets)

[@BaradineAllawa]

Brings back memories. Many years ago, when younger, my sister and bro-in-law lived on cattle properties south of Mt Isa. Due to a condition with my nephew, he had to be picked up by RFDS 2 or 3 times at night. We'd go out and light the dirt strip with coffee tins half full of sand & diesel with a rag hangin out of them. RFDS would plonk that thing down in those no problems at all, every time. Valuable service, that over the 5 or so years I spent around that area, I saw save many lives. Will always throw em a donation if I see them about

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks for sharing that story.

[@warwickkinscher5986]

Hi Stef - heartfelt thanks for your ‘behind the scenes” look at the RFDS, particularly Victoria, where its work is less well known but just as vital as it is in the outback regions of Australia. The RFDS is now some 93 years young and still counting! King Airs the workhorses along the east coast, particularly in Vic, Tas, a goodly part of NSW and even up to FNQ. Ruth showed us the acute care provided to back up their medevac and emergency responses, but another vital part of their job is operating specialist clinics into those areas where travel is too great and specialist medical facilities are not available. They aren’t just “MICA’s in the air” - the RFDS delivers the full gamut of medical services to all of Australia’s remote areas and for all of those for whom land travel to avail themselves of such services offers to much risk or discomfort. So, thanks again, and both you and they have my fullest support!

[@newbris]

Are the bulk of services provided free on Medicare do you know?

[@macdudeuk]

Huge respect for those guys.

[@TheAussieFloof]

I live in Hamilton (The first stop) :) Quick story, when I was 2 I had to be flown to Royal Children's and I was flown via RFDS and I can't thank those men a woman involved in the RFDS enough because without them, I probably wouldn't be typing the comment. I've always be interested in aviation but haven't really done anything about it but recently (now 24) I've decided I'd love to be a pilot but only recreational but I would absolutely love to fly for the RFDS, I think it's fitting and a way for me to 'Repay the favor' and help people in the process. I'm yet to in role into a flight school or see an instructor but hopefully in a few weeks when I get back home I can start looking into it Thankyou for the video, it was a awesome watch

[@philipguacci6452]

I visited the RFDS in Alice Springs. My what a job they do. They deserve more funding from our pollies. Lives depend on them getting the funding they so deserve. Thanks for showing this to raise awareness. Cheers.

[@captmulch1]

Good one Stef. I just got back from an evening beer at the Northern Rivers Aero Club in Lismore, and we had the honor to host one of the Cessna Citation 510 Mustang pilots who is doing a similar thing for NSW Health. He came and had a chat with the club members while waiting for a patient to arrive. Ordinary people doing an extraordinary job!!!

[@macedonranges]

RFDS is a wonderful service - flying out of YMEN and all over Australia AngelFlight Australia is charity that helps our country people get into major centres for regular medical care or checkups -free of charge - we regularly fly missions in our SR22 to country cities in Vic,NSW and SA to help out … a great charity to promote and help

[@ivanblakely903]

RFDS are legends. Please donate, as you can...

[@dogz7546]

I find that its crazy that I can ask how was flinders island on June 23 and are we going to see a video about it? And btw I love your videos

[@StingrayMM20]

Hi Stefan, I just wanted to let you know that I'm incredibly jealous, ha! We all can tell how humbled you are, and I would have been the exact same, I guess. I had the pleasure of checking out the RFDS base in Broken Hill a couple of years back and was so amazed by everything. As an aviation interested nurse I bought a book there called "Nurses with altitude" which I come back to every other year, and it still blows my mind both what the RFDS used to do in the old days and how far they have come. Amazing service!

[@andimuhjafar]

Respect for the crew!

[@robertfantasticsinginggreatson]

A fantastic video Flying Doctors Service are a fantastic service they are in my will cheers

[@Crypt_AU]

This is legit where i want to end up in my aviation career. I see Air ambulance landing at my home airport all the time and single pilot short hops seem like a great deal of fun to me.

[@davidcartwright5591]

Great video Stef . I spent the last 15 yrs of my working life working with NSW Health transporting sick people , and we had many flight nurses working with us on the road ambulances too . It was a great job , one I now miss , but age made me call it a day . Like you , as a Pom it was a different World for me , but the patients kept me going . You rekindled great memories , thank you Stef .

[@jimmydaamen]

Over the last year, I've developed a real interest in becoming a medivac/air ambulance pilot, and that interest has gradually developed into wanting to become an ambulance EMT and eventually a rescue or life flight pilot. The thing is, I'm at university studying environmental science and geography. I don't know how I'm going to fit it all into one life! Great video Stefan, super interesting as always. Provides a great look into this side of the aviation industry!

[@kleigh9310]

Great work from the RFDS love it. Very professional all round.

[@allyboy8]

Absolutely marvellous Stef. Top video. 👍👍👍

[@cirrusflyerh2843]

RFDS is based right opposite our hangar at Essendon. I greatly admire their work. Recently made a point of touring their Dubbo ops base on a trip back from Brisbane. I highly recommend it to all pilots and road travellers alike. Great insight into an essential service that does not get essential service funding. Do whatever you can to support this essential service. I.e Share this video widely.

[@raidazz1]

Loved the video! RFDS.. The real heroes in aviation.

[@lisasutherland-fraser4479]

Fabulous Stefan!!

[@mnewm21]

Great vid mate! Most people have no idea how amazing the pilots and nurses are that provide this service to us in the communities that have no access to major healthcare. The king Air would be right up there with the most important aircraft in Australia I reckon...

[@ockett7047]

Great video Stef, counting down to 100k!!!

[@andrewmack4830]

Fantastic people in RFDS!! Thank you. Why was the pilot wearing gloves ???

[@Syolaar]

After seeing your first RFDS video I got a livery for my King Air in FS2020 and I've been flying all across Australia since!

[@TheNotedHero]

RFDS are bloody legends. Great vid Stef!

[@robgreene1776]

Too cool. Fly ON

[@j-techadventures6312]

Fantastic video Stefan, as both an avgeek and an outback traveller, I’m a big fan of the RFDS and the amazing work they do in our communities. Growing up in rural areas over the years, I get a huge kick out of holding our annual RFDS Fundraiser every July. It was also great to see the vital non-emerg side of the RFDS, as many people don’t know about the patient transfers & health clinics that they run. Keep up the good work mate! Cheers, Josh @ J-Tech

[@flyboyblakeyt]

Great video showing the capability and versatility of the King Air Cargo and how it serves those around the world!!

[@mikeyswingsacrossthesky2244]

Coming from the UK the RFDS, is an amazing service doing an incredible job and hats off to all those involved. I remember watching the TV series on the RFDS mainly for the flying, especially in the outback, the service must have saved thousands of lives. A great video Stef, giving these guys visability around the world. And now of course we have our Helimed service.

[@maximillianairborne3797]

Well-done mate. Road to 100k

[@oliversaviation660]

I’ve been on the RFDS plane before and they are the best people I am so humbled by their efforts and your video

[@StefanDrury]

Yeah they're an awesome team, thanks OA.

[@AviationActionYSSY]

Almost at 100K! Thanks for uploading this amazing video stef

[@pokemonguy6579]

Great insider look of the RFDS in action. One of the best charities in Aussie too.

[@vlfreak]

thanks for this vid stef and thank RFDS, you saved my dad years ago with a burst appendix in the middle of nowhereville, WA, while he was trucking 👍🍻

[@O_Dingo77]

Great video and insight to the RFDS. Last year when I was in Darwin I went to the RFDS and bombing of Darwin VR experience on the wharf. Opened my eyes to the valuable service they provide.

[@billnicholson2470]

Great service. Thanks for shining a spotlight on what they do. Well done. Humbling also.

[@carolinelane9599]

Your right Stefan the RFDS do an amazing job. My American friend does the equivalent in the US. His dream is to do a flight with RFDS.

[@DigitalNomadOnFIRE]

I remember “flying doctors” the Aussie TV show in England when I was a kid… that theme tune…

[@DaTechGuyAU]

Great Video. I live in Port Augusta which is home to one of the big RFDS hubs in South Australia. Its bigger than the Port Augusta Airport. Quiet often when I hear a plane at odd hours, I check flightradar and its an RFDS plane.

[@martypolderman6937]

That's a very unique experience, well done 👍

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks for watching Marty.

[@nickmann9022]

Nice video Stef! Did the phase check on that plane last week in Broken Hill. Virtually brand new aircraft as well!

[@StefanDrury]

Ah very cool, yeah it’s a brilliant aircraft hey? Cheers Nick.

[@arokh72]

I only knew the RFDS as a remote area emergency transport service. Great to see this side of them, and that gorgeous KingAir. I hope that one day you'll make your way out Dubbo, NSW, to see the RFDS museum there.

[@waynegill6198]

Excellent video sir..... would love it if you could swing it in the future the life and times of an a typical aussie 'bank runner'. It's a term I often heard during my flying 20 years ago, not even sure they exist anymore. Cheers mate.

[@blakebrothers]

Great video and a wonderful, caring group of people doing great work. Now that is a job that is fulfilling!

[@kymbiddell7467]

Having had been a emergency patient on a RFDS flight a number of years ago it was interesting to see this side of their operations.

[@lapilloso]

Fabulous how this video makes flying all about people

[@StefanDrury]

And aviation people are the nicest people!

[@lapilloso]

@@StefanDrury agree!

[@bnegus]

Loved that mate... super interesting - thanks so much - could have kept watching that and was sorry when it came to an end. (I'd loved to have known what Tim did before he ended up with RFDS!) Cheers from Switzerland!

[@josephheasley3280]

Great video. Many thanks. Greetings from Belfast. Ireland

[@Metragnome_Images]

Awesome video... I work for the RFDS in WA :)

[@PeteAUS1983]

Great video mate, Used to work out at Moomba in the Cooper Basin in South Australia and the RFDS guys have a base there so we got to know the doctors, nurses and pilots very well!

[@davidjackobigjackosgaming5283]

What a awesome day you had, I have so much respect for what they do

[@pricewhy96]

Awesome video Stef as usual.. Being an RFDS pilot would have to be the best job in the world I reckon

[@cromulentparty]

Proud to be Australian

[@TheNixie1972]

I recently thought about the FD and wondered if you did the same. And here we are! Thanks for the nice watch.