“Tank” Murray is a Royal Navy search and rescue helicopter pilot. On a daily basis he and three other guys from his squadron are ready to fly out at 15 minutes notice to offer search and rescue. When you sit through the safety briefing and when you hear their stories you realise just how much danger they are willing to put themselves through to be able to rescue people and save lives. But at the same time they remain humble and very down to earth about what they do. Really inspiring. Here’s Tank’s story of following his passion.
What’s your story of getting into being a pilot?
I wanted to be a vet or a doctor but I didn’t think I was clever enough. I applied to the Royal Navy and I got in – it was a shock! Only about one person out of 2000 applicants get in. And on our course only four of the 38 actually qualified. I’m from Farnborough and used to watch the planes but I hadn’t thought about it much – I hadn’t even been airborne – I just fancied giving it a go. The first time I flew I felt sick! But I got used to it pretty quick.
I did always want to join the military – my family have always done it. I approached all three – the army said I could drive tanks, the RAF said I could fly jet planes (although I didn’t get offered a place) and the navy offered me to fly helicopters – and that’s what I fancied the most. It’s been great.
What do you love about it?
All of it. The dead beast comes to life – you just press a few buttons. I love being outside, there’s no-one breathing down on you – you’ve got some freedom. And there’s so many different things you can do. I’ve got to go everywhere – I’ve been to around 60 different countries.I visited my old school (by helicopter) to talk about it.
What’s hardest about it?
Being away from my family. After my son was just born I was called away for seven months. When I came back he had teeth and was crawling. Quite often I am away for months at a time. I got married in Dec 91 and then I was called away and didn’t come back until Sept 92!
It was hard getting through training. You might get ten trips for example to get everything right. You might get a couple of extra goes but basically if you don’t get it all right – you’re out.
Getting the helicopter in position can be a big challenge. Everything adjusts everything else. So if you press harder on a pedal it will mean you have to do something different with your hand controls for example. You need a lot of co-ordination. Sometimes we are working in really small spaces. I was in Scotland for example – the weather was trying to throw us into the mountain. We got caught by a down-draught and the helicopter was beginning to spin – one of the worst things that can happen. We managed to get away and we were ok.
Have you ever thought about giving it up?
Not really. Maybe for a minute or two when something winds you up.
A particular moment of joy/a high?
There’s loads. I feel the best when I’m working the hardest. The harder I work, the more I’m challenging myself.
Even if the trip doesn’t have a happy ending you can achieve something. If you’re recovering a body at least you might be able to help the family grieve. And save someone else from risking their life to get up there.
An embarrassing moment?
I was at an air show in Waddington and we were staying over. At night I went to the toilet and took a wrong turn – I heard the door click shut behind me – I was outside totally starkers! I had to climb through brambles to get to a window to knock so that I could get let back in. I was outside for ages in the cold with nothing on – must have been a bit of a sight.
Is there anything you are particularly looking forward to/ambitions?
If you can do it in a helicopter I’ve done it. I’ve just got my 8000 hours. I got an Air Force Cross medal for a rescue during an avalanche.
What are you most proud of?
Winning the Fleet Air Arm Pilot’s Golden Wings.
How would you sum it up in three words?
Exhilarating – it really is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
Proud – it’s an honour to wear Fleet Air Arm wings and operate with such committed crew members.
Responsible – the rest of the crew trust me with their lives.
Has anyone been a particular inspiration to you?
There was a guy called Nige Hennel. He seemed to know everything about flying helicopters. He was a bit of a legend. When I was training I wanted to be like him.
My dad was my biggest hero. He was one of the reasons I didn’t want to fail. He would have been fine about it – he didn’t pressure me – but he was an inspiration for me to do well. He was in four wars and bought seven of us up and we’ve all done alright. He was a really top bloke.
