Congratulations, Captain Henrietta
27 November 2023
Huge congratulations to pilot Henrietta Davies who has recently been promoted from co-pilot to captain flying HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) missions with East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), becoming the only female multi-crew commander with Babcock, EAAA’s aviation partner.
This fantastic achievement follows three years of Henrietta co-piloting with Babcock, having developed her ambition to become a pilot aged just 12. She completed her commercial licence in Florida when she was 19 years old and then gained her instrument rating in Gloucester in 2010. Her flying career started flying offshore from Aberdeen and Norwich.
“I flew offshore to oil rigs, initially flying the S-92 and then the AW189,” Henrietta says. “This helped to build up experience operating in a multi crew hostile environment.”
To become a Captain, Henrietta worked towards gaining her Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (ATPL) which is a requirement to fly multi-crew helicopters.
“For the last three years with Babcock and EAAA, I’ve been building my experience flying HEMS missions across East Anglia and learning from the pilots I’ve flown with.”
“ My favourite part of the role is the flying. It’s interesting, dynamic and requires us to constantly evaluate the weather, different plans, routes, landing sites and hospitals. Every day is different, and I enjoy working in a such close team. We never know where we might be called or at what time of day or night to get help to those who need it most. It’s incredibly rewarding. ”
Working with the EAAA clinicians, Henrietta will continue to work alongside a co-pilot as part of a pilot flying/pilot monitoring crew. She is now responsible for the aircraft and crew safety and makes decisions in terms of flying and weather conditions.
“We all work closely as a team and pilots rely on the clinicians’ input too.” Henrietta continues. “EAAA is a supportive and encouraging place to work, particularly in terms of learning and progression.”
With only 36 female commercial helicopter pilots in the UK (Source: Civil Aviation Authority 2022) compared to over 1200 male helicopter pilots, Henrietta is also keen to be a role model for other women.
“Many people may have pre-conceived ideas about traditional male/female careers and sometimes it can be hard to alter opinions. There is now much more promotion around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects and careers to young women.”
Henrietta is a brilliant example of what can be accomplished with passion and determination, and we are so proud of her achievements.
“My favourite part of the role is the flying. It’s interesting, dynamic and requires us to constantly evaluate the weather, different plans, routes, landing sites and hospitals.” Henrietta adds. “Every day is different, and I enjoy working in a such close team. We never know where we might be called or at what time of day or night to get help to those who need it most. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
Congratulations, Captain Henrietta!