In our third Meet the Team feature, we speak with Aviation Consultant, Chris Heale, about his background, day-to-day work and what motivates him in this fast-moving industry.
Since joining Safeguard Helidecks in 2023, Chris has brought experience from his 13-year Royal Navy career as an Aviation Handler into the superyacht aviation world, offering a strong understanding of aviation operations and safety across a variety of platforms.
During his interview, Chris shares what he enjoys most about the role, some of the most memorable places his work has taken him and how he expects yacht aviation to evolve in the years ahead …
What do you enjoy most about working at Safeguard Helidecks?
“This job is amazing for so many reasons, but what I enjoy most about working at Safeguard Helidecks is the variety of work and the responsibility that comes with it. It’s a world where high standards and compliance are essential, and it’s incredibly rewarding to work closely with clients to them help achieve that. No two jobs are ever the same, which keeps the work exciting.
Of course, it can be challenging at times – whether it’s interpreting aviation standards on a superyacht or finding practical solutions for a non-compliant deck layout. But what makes this job special for me is knowing I’m trusted to use my judgement and experience to keep operations safe and compliant. Knowing that my work directly contributes to safety gives me a real sense of purpose.”
What does a typical working week look like for you?
“My working week varies depending on which project I’m involved in. One of the most challenging, yet enjoyable weeks I had started with a helideck landing area inspection in Spain on Monday. By Wednesday, I was in Hong Kong attending the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit, where I gained valuable insight into the exciting future of the industry and met some incredible people. And just when I thought the week couldn’t get better, I flew to Hawaii for a final yacht inspection. The travel can sometimes be long and tiring, but it’s so rewarding. The toll it takes is often outweighed by the satisfaction of helping a client or connecting with new people. It’s such an interesting job – arguably one of the best in the world.”
Where’s the most interesting or memorable place your work has taken you?
“It’s hard to name just one, as I have been fortunate to visit some amazing parts of the world whilst working with Safeguard Helidecks. If I had to name a few highlights so far, Hawaii, Malta and Miami stand out. But the great thing about this job is that this list will more than likely change if I were to be asked this question again next year!”
How has the industry evolved since you began working in it, and where do you see it heading next?
“I’ve only been working in the superyacht industry for the last two years, so it’s hard to comment on long-term trends. That said, what’s clear even in that short time is how much growth and innovation is happening. There are a lot more yachts being built, and the level of craftsmanship is mind-blowing – the designers and project teams really do bring the owners’ visions to life in remarkable ways. Each year, I’ve seen yachts getting bigger and packed with more facilities, catering to a generation that has a passion for exploration and adrenaline. Looking ahead, I think we’ll start seeing eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft becoming a normal part of yacht operations, used for both leisure and transport. It’s an exciting time to be in the industry.”
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the helideck certification industry today?
“One of the biggest challenges we face is keeping pace with the rapid development of both vessel design and aviation technology, while still ensuring that safety and compliance standards remain consistent and practical. There’s a growing need to strike the right balance between innovation and regulation, especially as yacht designs become more complex – incorporating more ambitious, functional upper deck layouts with a sleek, designer finish. But working together, we always manage to find that balance.
Another key challenge is around education and awareness. Many clients and shipyards aren’t fully aware of what’s required to meet certification standards, and it’s part of our role to guide them through that process. Our job isn’t just about inspect, it’s about supporting safe aviation operations right from the very start of a project, which begins by bridging that knowledge gap.”
Get in touch with our team…
If you’d like to find out more about how we can help with your helideck certification requirements, please get in touch. Our team will be happy to answer any questions and give advice on the steps you need to take to ensure the safety of your superyacht helideck. Contact us here.
