Richard Butterworth

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Richard Butterworth has a long and distinguished career in both Defence and corporate aviation sectors, having been responsible for the design, development, and implementation of a number of innovative helicopter training and operational initiatives.

Richard joined Kestrel in 2017 undertaking the role of Head of Training, including the Night Vision Systems Chief Pilot’s delegation.

His flying career began in 1996 with the Australian Defence Force as both a pilot and instructor. During this time, he saw service in Bougainville in support of Peace Keeping Operations and was a member of the Joint Incident Response Unit for the Sydney Olympic Games.  In 2004 he joined the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter project as a flight and tactical instructor and was part of the integration and training team supporting the ADF.

In 2009 Richard moved to Australian Helicopters as a line pilot in South Australia conducting HEMS, Law Enforcement and Fire Support operations.  This role evolved into helicopter type, NVIS and instrument check and training positions, culminating as the Flight Training Manager for Babcock Onshore operations. In 2014, he was the AW139 production acceptance pilot and fleet manager in support of Ambulance Victoria contract operations.

Since joining Kestrel, Richard has developed the night firebombing program of which he is project manager and flight lead.  In conjunction with EMV and other industry contributors, Kestrel created Australian history in March 2018 by providing the first contracted night aerial firefighting service.  Since that time, Kestrel has continued to advance the Australian night fire capability, using early response initial attack and pioneering hover fill operations which is considered an international first.

Richard is an experienced flight instructor and examiner across a range of advanced flight regimes, in particular night vision systems, instrument flight and simulation. 

During an award winning 2022, Richard was recognised during the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) Awards as Pilot of the Year, followed by the Australian Aviation Awards as Rotary Wing Pilot of the Year and Aviation Professional of the Year, all for recognition of the contribution he made in the development of an Australian-first night aerial firefighting capability.

Richard became Kestrel's Head of Flight Operations (Chief Pilot) in 2023.

He holds the following qualifications – Head of Flight Operations (CASR Part 119 Air Transport), Head of Operations (CASR Part 138 Aerial Work & Part 141 Flight Training); Senior NVIS Pilot; Air Transport Pilots Licence for helicopters; Command Instrument Rating for helicopters with multiple renewals; Instructor Rating for helicopters with multi-engine approval; and Examiners Rating including instrument flight and NVIS; Flight Safety Management and Investigation; and a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering.