Ex-Qantas pilot David Keavy has transported many passengers to remote and exotic destinations in his lengthy career as a commercial pilot, but a change of pace has seen him explore another career option that will assist the North West.
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In the twilight of his career Mr Keavy has accepted the position of senior base pilot for the Mount Isa Royal Flying Doctors Service.
"It's time to give back to the community and I couldn't think of a better way of helping people," he said.
As senior base pilot Mr Keavy will provide aviation services on behalf of the RFDS in an aeromedical environment, perform supervisory functions and tend to administrative matters, such as ensuring staff are not infringing their duty times, all their licences and reporting is up to date and maintaining rosters.
"The biggest challenge and benefit of this job is, everyday when you come to work, you just don't know what you're going to be doing," Mr Keavy said.
"One day you will be off to Townsville, or Normanton or to a (cattle) station, when I was a commercial pilot you'd know weeks in advance what you'd be doing."
Mr Keavy is no stranger to the outback having lived in Mount Isa 35 years ago.
After arriving back in the North West he said Mount Isa ticked all the boxes for him and his wife.
"Last time I worked at a cattle station north of here, mustering cattle, and for three years, I was based in Mount Isa working for Mount Isa Air."
"It's great to be back," he said.
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