006 - Andrew Gutsell - Helicopter Rescues on Mt. Everest, Assessing Risk & Telling Someone You Can't Save Their Life
- S1E6
- 1:05:58
- September 30th 2021
As one of the most distinguished helicopter rescue pilots in the world, Captain Andrew Gutsell (@andrew_gutsell) quite literally lives a life beyond your wildest imagination.
Raised on the farms of New Zealand's South Island, Andrew's flying has taken him all over the world. In 2016, he landed in Nepal, where he became the Head Pilot at one of Nepal's premier Helicopter Rescue services.
This put Andrew at the forefront of rescues on the planet's tallest mountain - Everest - and left him in charge of daring rescues in some of the most unforgiving terrain known to man.
Perhaps more than the deeds themselves, this kind of career speaks volumes about the man. Andrew makes decisions on a daily basis which are the difference between life and death; for the client, himself and his crew.
It takes a unique and special human to operate to their potential in these environments. With carnage often surrounding him, Andrew finds a clarity few could dream of. His perspective on life is rare and eye-opening.
Unmapped with Mike Kelly
Unmapped is an exploration of the human desire for travel. Why do we travel? What do we learn from it? How does it enrich our experience of the world? What impact do our travels have on the rest of our lives?
Mike speaks with pioneers, adventurists and trailblazers from around the planet, hearing their stories and unlocking the life secrets they’ve learned from their time on (and off) the beaten path.
This Podcast has been produced by Bondi Radio Media Group, and creative illustrations of the host and authors contributed by Moral Studios.
Meet the Host
“Unmapped is my next journey; a true passion project. It’s an opportunity to express my way of life and to give mavericks a platform to share the beauty of their lives. It’s easy to feel trapped in society but freedom is always available and for me, it was travel which showed me that.”