Pair have surpassed 6,000 flying hours while supporting hundreds of life-saving missions
Chief Pilot Owen McTeggart, left, and Pilot Training Captain Garry Brasher(Image: yaa.org.uk)
Two of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s (YAA) most experienced pilots have each achieved an exceptional aviation milestone. Chief Pilot Owen McTeggart and Pilot Training Captain Garry Brasher have surpassed 6,000 flying hours, a landmark rarely reached within Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) operations.
Owen and Garry have spent decades flying some of the most demanding missions in UK aviation, with careers spanning military, police and air ambulance roles. Together, they bring more than 58 years of operational flying experience and have supported hundreds of life-saving missions across Yorkshire.
Unlike commercial flying, air ambulance pilots carry out multiple short, high-pressure sorties each day, often into confined landing sites and unpredictable conditions with time-critical decision-making. Now in senior leadership roles, both pilots also train and mentor YAA crews, helping to maintain the charity’s high safety standards on every mission.
Both pilots began their aviation careers in the British Army, where they trained together as military helicopter pilots between 1996-1997 at the Army School of Aviation, Middle Wallop, Hampshire, then serving operationally across the globe, before leaving the Forces and building extensive civilian flying experience. Garry went on to fly with PremiAir Aviation, supporting the police, and within the UK air ambulance sector before joining YAA 13 years ago, making him the charity’s longest-serving pilot.
Owen initially began flying for YAA in 2012 before his career took him elsewhere within the air ambulance sector, returning to the charity seven years ago and reuniting the two pilots once again. Over the course of their careers at YAA, both pilots have flown hundreds of missions supporting patients in towns, cities and rural communities across the region.
The achievement was marked at the charity’s Nostell Air Base, where both pilots were congratulated with a bottle of Champagne by YAA’s director of aviation, Steve Wardby. He said: “Reaching 6,000 flying hours in a HEMS environment is an outstanding achievement and reflects the professionalism, judgement and commitment Owen and Garry bring to the role every day.
“Their experience strengthens our entire aviation operation and directly contributes to the safe, reliable service our patients rely on.” Reflecting on his milestone, Garry said: “I genuinely love flying for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, so reaching this point in my career feels incredibly special.
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“HEMS flying gives you opportunities you simply wouldn’t experience elsewhere, from landing in places you’d never reach in any other type of flying to operating a fantastic aircraft, all while knowing that every flight has a clear purpose and a real impact for patients across Yorkshire. Just as important to me is working with other pilots, helping to build confidence and share experience so we continue to grow as a strong, capable team.”
Owen said: “Six thousand flying hours is something I’m very proud of, particularly knowing how hands-on air ambulance flying is. Every flight brings different challenges, and that keeps you focused and learning throughout your career.
“As Chief Pilot, being able to use that experience to support our crews, maintain high standards and ensure every mission is flown as safely as possible for our patients is something I take great pride in.” Looking ahead, both pilots say their focus remains on maintaining the highest standards of safe flying.
While a distant milestone of 8,760 flying hours, the equivalent of one full year spent airborne, remains their next theoretical target, both agree that continuing to fly safely and supporting the development of future pilots is their priority. In 2025, YAA celebrated its 25th anniversary of providing lifesaving care across Yorkshire.
The service is operational seven days a week, 365 days a year, ensuring rapid response to emergencies across the region. Trauma patients are transferred to the nearest major trauma centre at speeds of up to 160mph.
As an independent charity, YAA relies on volunteers and their fundraising efforts to continue its lifesaving work. For more information, visit www.yaa.org.uk