Josh goes to extremes

FROM fires to floods, that’s what Ingham helicopter pilot Josh Liddle has dealt with this year.

Mr Liddle – who is the chief pilot for Hinchinbrook Adventures and Liddle’s Air Services – spent nearly two weeks based out of Hobart fighting the fires in Tasmania.

He then returned to Ingham help with the flood relief.

“I was asked to help support the Tasmanian Fire Service with water air attacks during their fires in 2016, so it was good to get back there and help out again,” Mr Liddle ( pictured) said.

“We worked mainly out of Hobart but also travelled to the Huon River and Great Lakes area. Every day is different down there and it’s very challenging work, but it’s a great thing to be a part of.

“There’s a limited number of helicopter pilots in Australia who have the specific skill set to do that type of fire work, so when you’re asked if you’re free you’ve got to go and help.”

After 12 days in the bushfire emergency zone, Mr Liddle assisted with mapping work and moving emergency personnel around, as well as some work for Ergon Energy to help return power services.

“Going from fires to floods in the space of a few hours really shows you what a land of extremes Australia is and it’s a really good feeling to be able to do something to help in times of natural disasters,” Mr Liddle said. to