Pacific Helicopters Limited (PHL) continues to solidify its reputation as a hub for aviation excellence, dedicated to nurturing local talent and fostering expertise within its team. The latest example of this is Nigel Garry, PHL’s newly qualified maintenance engineer, who recently achieved his licensing milestone.
Nigel Garry’s journey with PHL is a testament to passion, ambition and the power of mentorship in shaping a successful aviation career. Growing up in Papua New Guinea’s capital Port Moresby, Nigel’s fascination with airplanes and helicopters took root in childhood, but it wasn’t until after high school that his dream solidified.
Despite limited local opportunities in aviation at the time, he pursued his passion with determination, studying Applied Physics before transitioning to Indiana Aerospace University in the Philippines to gain the specialised training he needed. After graduating in 2019, Nigel began his career with Airborne Maintenance in Port Moresby.
Yet, from the start, he had his sights set on PHL, a company he viewed as the pinnacle of aviation standards in the region. “Pacific is iconic in Papua New Guinea and in the region because of its high standards,” Nigel explains. “They’re in a class of their own. Pacific is where you want to be if you really want to fine-tune your skills so it was always my goal to one day work there.”
When he joined Pacific Helicopters in May 2023 as an apprentice engineer, Nigel discovered a deeply supportive environment that nurtured his growth. “The team here molded me,” he recalls. “I was fortunate enough to be mentored and trained by senior engineers who developed my craftsmanship, attention to detail and all the little things that make great engineers.”
Under the mentorship of seasoned colleagues, Nigel gained the confidence and skills needed to earn his license, a milestone he achieved in October 2024. Nigel credits Pacific Helicopters’ culture of excellence and commitment to training for enabling his success. From in-house coaching to external opportunities like his recent engine type-rating training on the Arriel 2 Series through Safran Helicopter Engines Australia in Sydney, the company’s commitment to professional development has been instrumental in his journey.
“Without Pacific and the support from the team, I wouldn’t have felt comfortable enough to sit for my exams to become a fully qualified aircraft maintenance engineer,” he says. Looking ahead, Nigel has clear and ambitious goals for his future. He aims to earn ratings on all of Pacific’s diverse fleet, which includes the BK117, Bell 212, AS350 and Airbus H145 helicopters.
PHL Engineering Manager Jeff Braley says Nigel’s aptitude for learning new aircraft types was evident from the outset and is just one of his many positive traits. “Since starting at PHL, Nigel has mastered several specific skills and techniques through his development, including a deep understanding of OEMs, company MODs and engineering SOPs. His ability to adapt to change is also very impressive.
“Nigel stands out due to his excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to clearly explain situations or issues at hand. These qualities are a direct example of the quality of training that young professionals now receive and have certainly impressed both me and the team.”
Next year, Nigel will travel to Texas in the United States where he will undertake H125/AS350B3 Airframe Field Maintenance training with Airbus Helicopters. But his career goals extend beyond personal advancement.
Acknowledging the shortage of licensed rotorcraft engineers in Papua New Guinea, Nigel aspires to become a mentor for future generations as a way of giving back. “One of my career goals, and the legacy I want to leave, is to train apprentices – particularly rotorcraft licensed engineers, of which there are only a handful in the country – to increase the number of nationals in this field,” he says.
Pictured above: Nigel Garry at Pacific Helicopters’ headquarters in Gorkora, Papua New Guinea.