This unique interview features lively discussion with Royal New Zealand Air Force Squadron Leader Andy Scott, who is the Flight Commander of Hercules Operational Flight, 40 Squadron, based in Auckland, New Zealand. He is an experienced C-130 Hercules pilot and specialises in extreme weather airborne operations in theatres such as Antarctica and Afghanistan. In this conversation, he relates the inherent dangers in these operations, from 'wheels up' to 'touchdown'. He also touches on those elements of the mission that justify the risks involved.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force operates C-130 Hercules, P3-K Orion, and Boeing 757 fixed wing aircraft and UH-1H Iroqouis and SH-2G Seasprite helicopters in regional and international operations, ranging from personnel and logistics movement in Afghanistan and Timor-Leste, to disaster relief and humanitarian aid distribution in the Pacific Islands, and personnel, logistics and Aero Medical Evacuation ice flights in Antarctica.

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