Pro RP: What is your current position?
I am currently assigned as the commander of the Aircraft Support Branch, Special Enforcement Division, Kentucky State Police (KSP).
RP: Tell me about your first experience with helicopters.
My first experience with helicopters was operating as a rappeler for the Kentucky State Police Marijuana Eradication Program. I was a rappeler assigned to a Kentucky National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk for the summer eradication season. We travelled throughout the state eradicating illegal marijuana plants that were located by KSP spotters operating out of the National Guard and KSP aircraft. Ground teams were also employed to marijuana that was accessible from vehicles. This exposure gave me great insight into the helicopter community, along with the specialized work that could be completed by its amazing machines. The pilots that I worked with were some of the best and allowed me to ask questions throughout the summer.
RP: How did you get your start in the helicopter industry?
I started with that Marijuana Eradication Program as a passenger in helicopters. I then transitioned to the Kentucky State Police Special Response Team and started fast-rope and rappel operations out of the Kentucky State Police UH-1 Huey. We also trained in aerial observation and interdiction. This continued my interest
10 May/June 2025
Meet a otor
Captain Timothy “Brad” Austin
in aviation. During down time or refuel trips, I was allowed to observe from the copilot seat. The pilots within the aircraft branch were top-notch professionals that shared information and lessons learned throughout their careers. This led to an interest in helicopters and aviation in general that caused me to want to pursue a position within the Aircraft Branch.
RPMN: When and how did you choose the helicopter industry? Or did it choose you?
While working with the Special Response Team, I started taking flying lessons with Larry Short Aviation out of Big Sandy Airport and Combs Airport located in Martin and Johnson counties. Larry was a longtime flight instructor in the area who had been instructing since the 1980s. This was an out-of-pocket expense that I hoped would allow me to transition into the Aircraft Branch if a position became available. When a position opened, I was able to apply for selection and had just obtained my private pilot license for single-engine airplanes. I was fortunate to be selected for the branch and truly began my aviation career at that point.
RP: Where did you get your start flying or maintaining professionally?
After selection to the Kentucky State Police Aircraft Branch, I immediately added on a private helicopter rating with Officer Don Evans. I then flew the marijuana suppression mission along with the other airborne law enforcement missions conducted by the agency for the summer and fall of that year. I was able
to log around 500 hours of experience in those three to five months, which started my career path off strong. This led me to adding a commercial license. I then immediately transitioned back into airplanes. I started with my instrument rating and then continued to progress from there. This led to where I am now with a commercial multi-engine land instrument certification.
RP: If you were not in the helicopter industry, what else would you see yourself doing?
I would still be working with the KSP in some capacity. It has been a rewarding career that provided me with many great opportunities and allowed me to work with some of the best people.
RP: What do you enjoy doing on your days off?
With the hectic schedule and on-call capacity of the Aircraft Branch, I spend most of my time off with my family. I try to devote as much of my free time as possible to them. This would include taking the kids to their extracurricular activities, hiking, fishing, and time on the water at one of Kentucky’s many lakes.
RP: What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
To be blessed with the opportunity to work with and lead the members of the Aircraft Branch. We have a long history of many great pilots, and I am proud to be able to carry on the legacy and traditions built by those who came before me not
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