25 Apr 2025
On World Pilot’s Day, we spoke to recently promoted Captain, Toby Chamberlain, who shared where his passion for aviation began and how it led to him working for London’s Air Ambulance Charity – flying our team of experts to a patient’s side when they’re needed most.
Name: Toby Chamberlain
Position: Captain
1. How did you end up becoming a pilot?
My father was an airline pilot and a big influence on my decision to pursue aviation. I remember when I was young, helicopters were a big part of popular culture on TV and in film which I think also seeped into my psyche! Once the seed had been sown early on, it became a dream in my 20s to make it a reality.
2. Where did you fly before joining London’s Air Ambulance Charity?
I worked for other air ambulance charities in the UK for a couple of years prior to joining London's Air Ambulance Charity. Before that, I was busy for around 10 years as a charter pilot as well as an instructor and examiner, working for various companies around the South of England.
3. How does the role of a captain differ from your previous position?
From a day-to-day flying perspective, there isn’t much difference between flying as captain and as co-pilot as we maintain a very shallow command gradient and share flying of the aircraft equally. However, the captain ultimately is in command and signs for the aircraft. The extra gold bar on the shoulder definitely brings with it an extra burden of responsibility and rightly so.
4. Explain the process of becoming a captain – what did you go through?
At London’s Air Ambulance Charity, a co-pilot who has gained the required experience will go through a Command Assessment period, where flying with his peers he is deemed appropriate to move forward for command. Following successful completion of this, a command course finishes training the candidate for captain. If not obtained already, the pilot in question will require an Airline Transport Pilots Licence ATPL(H) to be able to act as captain in a multi-crew environment. Finally, a command line check must be passed with the chief pilot.
5. What advice would you have for someone looking to begin the same journey as you?
It isn’t easy becoming a helicopter pilot, it can be expensive and time consuming. However, if there is a dream, you will find a way. Many people join the military which is a great way to receive top notch training and for free! But it’s a large commitment and not for everyone. Otherwise, training can be spread out over several years which can soften the blow of the expense.
6. What’s your favourite thing about your job?
Every day is different. Operating in London offers a uniquely challenging and varied flying experience. The fact that I can do a job I feel very passionate about while helping people on their worst day also offers a huge sense of personal satisfaction.
When people in London suffer life-threatening traumatic injury, only our teams can provide them with the help they need, performing innovative and complex medical procedures to save lives where others can’t. Thanks to our team of pilots and the fleet of helicopters, we can fly to anywhere in London within 11 minutes.
But we can’t operate without your support – 95% of our funding is reliant on donations. Can you support us today, helping Toby to fly us to someone’s side when they need us most.