John Downie
Job Description
Spotter Pilot
Period
1957 - 1958
John Downie was born in England and worked for the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company as a spotter pilot under contract, flying a single engine Auster aircraft. He would fly out from Albany twice daily, weather permitting, to spot for whales.
In 1954, with his wife Helen, he established his charter service operating from Gnowangerup, primarily as an aerial ambulance. Behind the two main seats of the aircraft there was a bench-like padded seat which accommodated a patient during ambulance trips. Often after his day’s work was done, Mr Downie transported urgent medical or accident cases at night, making flights anywhere in the state. No-one else in W.A. ventured to conduct such a service with a single-engine aircraft which could be landed on a dusty, bumpy road, a small clearing, or a paddock, using makeshift flares or car headlights at night to show him the way.
At one time, Mr Downie ferried for the Flying Doctor Service and he knew the northern part of the state as intimately as the engine of his plane, which he maintained himself, tending it daily with almost fanatical care.
Mr Downie was former RAAF and was a very dedicated man who flew many thousands of miles assisting in searches for missing people, on bushfire control and other similar jobs, often without financial reward.
In December 1958 he crashed to his death at Albany Airport shortly after take-off. He left behind his wife Helen and son Peter.
Below is a picture of his Aircraft the "Auster".
Downie John