Pilot hangs up wings after 43 years service

The Parks and Wildlife Service’s chief pilot is retiring after 43 years with the department.

Greg Simpson started in 1977 and has logged 16,000 flying hours, piloting fire spotter aircraft and providing detection and air attack.

Mr Simpson served as chief pilot and head of aircraft airworthiness for 13 years, avoiding aviation incidents during that period.

Mr Simpson’s last flight was on Friday when he was cheered into his landing by family and staff from the Manjimup Parks and Wildlife Service office, some of whom created an arch for him to taxi the plane through using the department’s fire trucks.

A department spokeswoman said Mr Simpson was a highly respected member of the Warren Region Parks and Wildlife Service team.

“Greg has always strived for excellence in the spotter operations and innovation, from aircraft selection to technology and pilot development,” she said.

After retirement, Mr Simpson said he was planning to catch up with his family in Melbourne, who he hasn’t seen since the COVID-19 outbreak started.

Mr Simpson wished his co-workers all the best in the future.

“All the best to everyone, and clear skies and smooth flying,” he said.