Meet Nic Tillim, our rotor wing pilot, who has been part of the AMS team for two months. Outside of his flying duties, Nic enjoys outdoor activities. With a love for kite surfing, fishing, and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa. His passion for both his work and his hobbies brings an inspiring energy to the team.
Who is Nic Tillim?
“My name is Nic, and I’m a helicopter pilot at the AMS Mthatha base. Originally from Johannesburg, I spent my school years in the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal midlands. From a young age, I was captivated by the idea of flying helicopters, and I am grateful that I’ve been able to turn that childhood dream into a reality.
After I completed school, I dove headfirst into my helicopter training in Johannesburg. Eager to broaden my horizons, I also trained in Durban, using every opportunity to explore our beautiful country, while honing my skills.
Once qualified, I worked in the security industry before joining the tourism sector in Madagascar. Now at AMS, I am combining my passion for flying with the opportunity to make a real difference You’ll likely find me outdoors, either hiking or planning my next adventure. I’m always eager to learn and grow, both as a pilot and person.”
Tell us about your role here and what led you to this chosen field.
I joined AMS for many reasons. Firstly, the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art aircraft is incredibly exciting for me as a pilot. However, it’s not just about the equipment, the people make AMS truly special. Here, I am surrounded by incredible teams and mentors who generously share their wealth of experience. This environment of continuous learning and growth is invaluable to me.
Also, saving lives is always something I wanted to be part of. It’s a calling that resonates deeply with me. There’s simply no better opportunity to combine my passion for flying with the meaningful work of helping others in their most critical moments.”
Why have you chosen to become part of the AMS team?
“My role at AMS fulfills a lifelong dream. As a helicopter pilot, I am part of a world-class operation I’ve admired since childhood. I remember being captivated by the red and white rescue helicopters. Watching them carry out incredibly advanced missions, I’d think to myself, one day when I’m big, I want to do that.
Now, I’m living that dream, flying these same helicopters and contributing to life-saving missions. It’s a privilege to be part of a team that makes such a significant impact on people’s lives in critical moments.”
What motivates you?
“Simply put, it’s making a difference and helping people. I’m driven by the opportunity to positively impact lives through our missions.
Equally important is my commitment to self-development. I’m constantly motivated to improve my skills and knowledge, ensuring I can perform at my best in this critical role.”
How do you unwind at the end of each day to manage workload and avoid burnout?
“To unwind and manage stress, I make sure to connect with family and friends at the end of each day. I find cooking a good meal after a long shift to be incredibly relaxing. These simple rituals help me recharge and avoid burnout.”
If your life was a movie what would it be called?
“Oh my goodness”
What’s a wild adventure you’ve had or an unexpected hobby you’re passionate about?
“I’m passionate about outdoor adventures. I love kite surfing and fishing, but my real joy is exploring South Africa. Whether it’s by car, motorbike, or helicopter when I’m lucky, I’m always excited to discover new parts of our beautiful country.”
Do you have any motto you live by?
“Fly to Live”
