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KEEPING THE ARMY'S CHOPPERS IN SHAPE

The Lynx and Apache are multi-million pound helicopters. They perform crucial roles on operations and are packed with the very latest, high-tech electronics that help them communicate, find targets and fire weapons. Keeping those systems working is the job of Avionics Technicians like Corporal Colin Hewitt.

Colin pulled his face out of a mass of cables spilling out of a Lynx helicopter to answer a few questions about his unusual career…

What excited you about the Army?

When I was younger I was in the Cadets, I loved it. After I did my A Levels I found out that I could use them as an Avionics Technician. That made my mind up for me.

What do you do?

I look after the advanced equipment on the Army’s helicopters – the sights, electrics, radio monitoring, power supply, radio, weapons, the lot.

What do you love most about it?

That hands-on element. I like the challenge of finding and fixing faults and helping to keep the helicopters flying. I could never do a desk job after this, and because you work on such complicated kit, you get respect from other soldiers.

What’s the job like on operations?

I really enjoy it. You’re busier than you’ve ever been before, but you’re on the based so you’re pretty safe. And you feel like you’re making a real difference.