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Landing in the urban jungle of inner Sydney is a far cry from dropping off SAS troops in the jungles of Vietnam – Ken Vote has done both in his career as a Navy and EMS helicopter pilot.
>> Listen to Part 1 of this interview here <<
Ken started his helicopter career with the Australian Navy, spent time in Vietnam, instructed in the military and had a career in the EMS world. He was one of the senior pilots during a counter terrorism readiness operation to oil rigs in Bass Strait, survived a live fire SAS killhouse training run where he played the role of a hostage and has also flown off Australia’s last aircraft carrier.
I was put in touch with Ken by Craig Bowman – Bowie is flying an EMS bird in Western Australia – which is possibly the largest EMS area of coverage in the world in terms of square kilometers – that might be a story for another time. In researching this interview I also got in touch with one of the volunteers at the Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia who knew Ken – he indicated that Ken is not known for being reticent in sharing memories!!
So I hope you enjoy this interview. I have cut it into 2 episodes for length so this is Part 2 that you are about to hear.
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The Cancel Sarwatch Podcast
Video – Wessex Helicopters Blade Unfolding on HMAS Melbourne
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Do you have a question about Ken’s career or EMS flying that you want to ask? Be part of the conversation by leaving a comment below.
Vale Ken “KJ” Vote
KJ died, 23.10.2022, after a long battle with cancer.
Funeral 28.10.2022 13:00 St Josephs Catholic Church, 84 Hill Street, Orange NSW
I worked with KJ as a CareFlight EMS doctor over 20 years (finished 10 yr ago). Solid safe pilot. Minimal tact but kind enough to us ‘self loading ballast’ medical team. He was very clear precise and capable which was exactly what is needed and made my job less stressful in the process.
Thank you KJ for some wonderful missions, ínteresting’ political discussions, and for never getting me in harms way. Enjoy a well earned rest.