Our people: Captain David He
News Article / March 18, 2020
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From 12 Wing Public Affairs
“I am very fortunate to work with an incredible group of talented and passionate people every day,” says Captain David He. “We work tirelessly to maintain and ensure the success of daily flying operations.”
Captain He is a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilot, currently serving with 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, which is based in Patricia Bay, British Columbia, but reports to 12 Wing Shearwater, Nova Scotia.
Before joining the Canadian Armed Forces, Captain He was a producer with various companies such as Electronic Arts and, later, Walt Disney, where he managed art and programming teams. Among his high-profile projects were FIFA, Dead Space II, MMA, and Harry Potter. In 2010, however, he received a call from the Royal Canadian Air Force that changed the course of his career. “I left digital media to pursue my other childhood dream – of becoming a pilot.” he says. When Captain He first arrived at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, he flew the CH-124 Sea King helicopter – until the RCAF retired the aircraft at the end of 2018. Now, after completing transition training, Captain He flies the new CH-148 Cyclone helicopter.
As Captain He and his colleagues accumulate flying hours on the CH-148, he understands they are building a new knowledge base and corporate culture around the aircraft. “The Cyclone has proven to be a very impressive airframe with state-of-the-art design philosophy and tactical capabilities,” he says. “I feel privileged to be a part of this community at such a rare and exciting time.”
Also serving as an Aviation Life Support Equipment Officer at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, he is in charge of liaising between the workshop and aircrew, a collaboration essential for meeting operational requirements. “With the new aircraft on the ramp, we are facing new opportunities and challenges,” Captain He says. “These are circumstances that we at 12 Wing will have to learn from and adapt to, so that we can continue to excel in anti-submarine warfare.”
Outside of his daily duties, the captain is very active in promoting the RCAF. His interesting background helps him explain RCAF career options both to the general public and to prospective pilots. “I am a registered recruiter, and my chain of command is very supportive of my role,” he says. “I am eager to interact with the general public, and excite young minds and future aircrew. I am also a registered speaker in the RCAF Speaker Series. I can’t wait to share my experiences and show that this is one of the most exciting careers to likeminded talents.”
For now, Captain He is working on his Master of Science in Human Factors at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in the US, and is looking forward to contributing to his community with his newfound knowledge. “I would hope,” he says, “that my diversified story helps remind others that we can always contribute, even in something completely different, if we are only willing to work hard at it.”
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