Working at Airtask: Duncan’s Story

Meet Duncan, a BN2 Islander pilot at Airtask and a key member of our dedicated team. Duncan’s role takes him to some of the most remote and stunning parts of Scotland, including the Shetland Islands around Lerwick, Fair Isle, and Foula. He also supports operations in the Hebrides, flying to destinations such as Stornoway for Hebridean Air Services, part of the Airtask Group. Providing a vital air service to these communities, Duncan is instrumental in ensuring people and essential resources stay connected in some of the country’s most isolated areas.

Having recently also taken on the role of Deputy Head of Flight Operations, Duncan brings extensive experience and a passion for aviation to his roles. His journey highlights the variety and opportunities that come with working at Airtask, where every day presents something different and exciting.

Join us as we learn more about his experiences, the rewards of flying to Scotland’s remotest islands, and what makes working at Airtask truly special.

What does your role involve? 

“As a BN2 Islander pilot, my role is about providing a vital lifeline service to the Islands, ensuring that both locals and tourists can reach the Islands quickly and, most importantly, safely. I also fly scenic flights, which I find particularly enjoyable, along with regular scheduled maintenance flights, cargo flights, charter flights and occasionally cover other bases. Together, these responsibilities bring plenty of variety, making each day unique and rewarding.”

How did you come to join Airtask?

“I grew up in Shetland and had always been aware of the inter-island service from Tingwall being an integral part of island life. Not long after I qualified as a military pilot, I returned to Shetland on a holiday and was lucky enough to get a familiarisation flight on the BN2 Islander, which has remained a highlight in my 27 years in aviation. 

A fellow Shetlander who joined the RAF had returned to Shetland upon his retirement and started flying with Airtask in Shetland. I kept in touch with him and often pestered him to keep me in mind should a position at Airtask become available! Thankfully, my persistence paid off, and I was thrilled when the opportunity came along to join the team.

What sets Airtask apart?

“Airtask is a small and very personable company where each individual can really make a difference. The non-routine nature of all the contracts provides both lots of variation within the company and plenty of scope for career development for anyone looking to progress to other aircraft types or disciplines.”

What does a typical day look like for you?

“When I arrive at the airport, I start by chatting with the local engineer to discuss any updates or maintenance completed on the aircraft. I check the day's weather and NOTAMs, ensuring I have all the information I need to plan for a safe and smooth flight. After that, I check the aircraft, making sure it has the appropriate fuel, and that any loads are correctly balanced. Once everything is confirmed and ready, I set off into the skies to begin the day’s operations.

In addition to my flying duties, I’m also the Deputy Head of Flight Operations. This role adds another layer to my work, which might involve deputising some management functions or attending meetings to ensure our flying operations continue to run smoothly. Balancing these responsibilities keeps my days varied and rewarding.”

What have you learned whilst working at Airtask? 

“Having gained my Civilian Airline Pilot’s licence through the CAA's Military accreditation scheme, I had not operated multi-piston aircraft or commercial single pilot operations before joining Airtask. Airtask helped me bridge this gap in knowledge and skill by providing additional training through a specialised flying school, where I was able to develop the skills required for the operation. This learning experience was very different from the large, multi-engine, multi-crew jet and turbo prop aircraft I’d been flying for most of my career.

On a personal level, working at Airtask has made me realise that a proper work life balance is by far the most important thing for me and my family. In the military, I was often deployed for long periods of time. As a long haul corporate pilot, my roster was often unstable and planning around normal family events was difficult. When I became an airline pilot I became exhausted and found that my days off were just being used to recover or catch up on lost sleep - it was a poor quality of life not just for me but for my family. 

Now working at Airtask, the demands of my role are much more manageable and being able to be around for my family is truly priceless. I find myself with enough time through the week to manage domestic matters and work, allowing me to really enjoy my weekends and days off.”

What do you enjoy most about your role?

“Having grown up as an Islander myself, I understand the lifeline an air service can provide. Knowing that I'm getting people, mail, food, medical supplies or anything else required out to the remote island communities is highly rewarding. 

A close second is getting to look out of the aircraft window and enjoy the stunning scenery passing by as I fly.”

Why should someone consider joining Airtask?

“The lifestyle benefits at Airtask far outweigh the T&Cs being offered by more conventional commercial operations. I am home almost every night with my family and I feel like a valued member of a small team. 

The flying is also incredibly rewarding and spectacular. It has rekindled my love of flying aircraft - and I've flown many!”

Explore Airtask Career Opportunities

Inspired by Duncan's journey and keen on advancing your career in aviation? Consider joining the Airtask team, where we strive for excellence. Explore current career opportunities on our Careers Page.

We also encourage speculative applications, so if you would like to work at Airtask, please send your CV to cfd.hq@airtask.com.