FLIGHT PATH QUICK FACTS
Jason Quinn
US Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer CURRENT JOB
I host The Real ResQ Podcast. I also work as an instructor for SR3 Rescue Concepts, a helicopter operations training company. The podcast provides a unique platform for sharing the stories and insights of individuals involved in rescue operations worldwide. Working with SR3 allows me to be part of a team of professionals who pass on knowledge from their vast backgrounds and years of experience. Teaching a wide range of search-and-rescue
(SAR) techniques, such as hoist rescue, longline, rappel, fast rope, firefighting, and more, contributes to the professional development of those in the
field while also enhancing the overall capabilities of rescue teams.
FIRST HELICOPTER AVIATION JOB
My first job in a helicopter was serving as a US Coast Guard (USCG) helicopter rescue
swimmer. My first helicopter rescue was in November 2000 while stationed in Kodiak, Alaska.
FAVORITE HELICOPTER
My favorite helicopter is the Sikorsky H-60. The Jayhawk, Black Hawk, Seahawk, Pave
Hawk—no matter the model, I love flying on it. The Sikorsky H-60 has a special place in my heart.
82 ROTOR MARCH 2024
How did you decide helicopter aviation was the career for you?
When I was in USCG boot camp, they were showing us videos about all the options for the jobs you could do. One of the videos showed an aviation survival tech- nician/helicopter rescue swimmer jumping into the ocean. As soon as I saw that, I was sold on being a USCG helicopter rescue swim- mer from that day forward.
How did you get to your current position? One thing led to another, and I have been able to take advantage of each opportunity that has pre- sented itself. I am beyond grateful for the people and companies who have given me a chance.
CHECK OUT The Real ResQ Podcast
What are your career goals? My goal is to meet, fly with, learn from, and capture on film as many people and SAR agencies as possible to highlight their efforts. By showcasing the differences in the ways they operate, I hope to celebrate the diversity of methods they use while providing a plat- form to share their knowledge and experiences.
What advice would you give someone pursuing your career path? Abide by one simple concept: just don’t quit! This is a powerful and straightforward mantra applicable to anyone pursuing a challenging and impactful career, especially in the SAR realm. You will go through phases and periods of your life when some things are harder than others. Everyone hits roadblocks along the way. Hurdles and hard things are just part of the journey. You must find ways to overcome obstacles and create the mindset for success in your field. If it was easy, everyone would do it. So, as simple as it sounds, just don’t quit!
Who inspires you? My wife, Mel, stands out as a continuous source of inspiration. Her qualities, such as patience, affection, and genuine love for life, never cease to amaze me. She goes out of her way to help others. As an elementary schoolteacher, she imparts a simple yet pow- erful rule to her students: be kind. While Mel is a prominent source of inspiration, the list of individuals who have had a profound impact on my life is extensive and almost endless.
Tell us about your first helicopter ride. I was an airman at USCG Air Station in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. I was at the unit for training, and at about the one-month mark, I had completed my Duck syllabus. This allowed me to be a “survivor in the water” for the rescue swimmer. As the Sikorsky HH-60 Jayhawk’s engines started, my antici- pation and excitement soared through the roof! The excitement intensified when we reached the designated offshore training area. After a few training exercises, it was my turn to participate. Positioned at the edge of the
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