Channel Islands Air Search appoints new person to be responsible for operations and safety
- Nick Griffin appointed as the new Accountable Manager of Channel Islands Air Search.
- He succeeds John Fitzgerald, who retired after 31 years of volunteering.
- Griffin has been involved with CIAS for five years and previously served as a search crew member.
- He aims to enhance operational oversight while maintaining the team's positive culture.
- CIAS is a voluntary service providing search and rescue cover in the Channel Islands since 1980.
Channel Islands Air Search has announced the appointment of Nick Griffin as the new Accountable Manager, following the retirement of John Fitzgerald.
As the Accountable Manager, Griffin will be responsible for overseeing overall operations and safety at CIAS, leading the operational management team, and maintaining high standards for recruitment, retention, and training.
Griffin has been with CIAS for five years, initially joining as a standard crew member. His background includes private piloting, but he has primarily operated as a search crew member. He became an Air Search pilot in 2024 after obtaining a multi-engine rating and a commercial licence at his own cost. He completed line training with CIAS and has since flown numerous searches and crew training flights as the Pilot in Command of the Islander aircraft.
“Over the past five years I’ve had the chance to get to know the organisation well and I feel very privileged to be taking on this role,” Mr Griffin stated.
He expressed enthusiasm about the variety his new position offers, particularly in engaging with partner agencies and gaining broader oversight of operations.
“Above all, my main aim is to maintain and build on the positive culture we have among the crew. It’s a really friendly, professional team, and that’s something I want to ensure continues.”
The trustees of CIAS paid tribute to Mr Fitzgerald, who led the charity for eight years. They acknowledged his dedicated leadership and the strong legacy he leaves for Mr Griffin and the team to build upon.
Mr Fitzgerald expressed his support for Griffin’s appointment, noting that he is “ideally suited to the position and will be a worthy successor.”
“Nick is a calm and considerate member of the crew, but he also shows determination and decisiveness when tough decisions are required. I am confident that the service will continue to thrive under his leadership.”
Established in 1980, CIAS serves as a voluntary organisation providing vital search and rescue services in the Channel Islands. The charity operates with funding from donations and community support and comprises around 20 active crew members, along with engineering staff and volunteers from the Friends of Air Search group. CIAS crews engage in regular training through monthly meetings, recurrent flying, and development into specialised roles, such as camera operators and search directors.
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