Episode 81: The Rescue Series: Mountain missions and max-range hoists on the CH-149 Cormorant Part 2 - John Livingston

In Part 2 of our deep-dive with Capt John Livingston, we step directly into the world of operational Search and Rescue flying on the CH-149 Cormorant. After years of military flight training, John found himself at 442 Squadron in Comox-one of the busiest SAR units in the country-where the missions were real, the weather was unforgiving, and the learning curve was steep.John brings listeners into the cockpit and onto the hoist with stories that highlight the intensity, teamwork, and urgency of SAR operations. He discusses the challenge of flying in the mountains of British Columbia, battling severe winds and turbulence, and the emotional toll of missions where outcomes hang in the balance. From max-range mountain rescues to long-lining injured hikers, from his first aircraft commander upgrade flights to the rescues that shaped him as a pilot, John offers a candid and powerful peek into what it means to fly SAR in Canada.