Base Engineer
As the Senior Base Engineer for Snowy
Hydro SouthCare, Colin Hobbs, also known as "Chobbsy,"
completes maintenance and repairs to ensure the helicopter can
be used to safely complete rescue and transport missions. This
involves regular maintenance after every 25 hours the
helicopter flies. When he isn't working directly on the
helicopter, Colin keeps busy updating important manuals, making
sure spare parts are on hand and keeping up to date on newly
developed equipment.
Despite wanting to work with aircraft Colin began as a diesel mechanic due to the difficulty of getting into the industry. Over his career, Colin has earned qualifications in engineering and electrical instruments, and a Civil Aviation Safety Authority licence. "Although most people became a base engineer through a private or military apprenticeship, I took a different path by studying and sitting exams," says Colin.
In addition, he completed six years of experience as a helicopter engineer to earn his position as Senior Base Engineer and has had many career highlights. Some memorable projects include travelling to the Philippines to provide helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft support and going to Portugal to assist with fire-fighting.
Colin hopes to stay with the Service for many more years because he knows that by keeping the helicopter in the air and saving lives, he is making a difference.