First Caymanian RCIPS Helicopter Pilot Meets the Press

By Stuart Wilson

The skies over the Cayman Islands just received an added layer of vigilance from a homegrown source.

33-year-old Darren McLean’s commencement as the first Caymanian helicopter pilot for the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS), means that a familiar hand will be at the controls, which should bode well for recognizance and special operations over the Cayman Islands’ terrain and seas.

A special press meet and greet was held at the RCIPS Air Operations base on 27th May to give various media houses the opportunity to interview Mr. McLean, who shared his experience and the journey that has now resulted in such a major accomplishment.

“I’ve always wanted to fly,” noted Mr. McLean, who added that initially he was drawn toward commercial airliners.

“I thought about Cayman Airways, as that would have been the likely option being from Cayman, but once I took a flight in the tour helicopter, I fell in love with the freedom of it. It can hover, land in areas planes can’t and you’re always on a mission, rather than it being a commercial flight.

“It’s and adventure,” he remarked.

Mr. McLean initially started his piloting journey in 2012, and received a commercial license in 2013. However, it was not until 2017 that he was able to join the RCIPS as a Tactical Flight Officer.

“That was a great feeling as I was finally able to start my journey toward piloting in this capacity. I wanted something more than the traditional route and wanted to serve my country and make my time flying meaningful,” he said.

In 2017, Mr. Mclean was also sent on secondment to Trinidad for training for a period of 4 years to build his fling experience and to log more hours, before heading to England where he spent a further and final 2 years in training.

After hours of intense training and prep, Mr. McLean is now a Captain capable of flying the RCIPS helicopter, whereas before completion of the full 6 year training programme, he was an officer serving other police roles in the helicopter.

The RCIPS helicopter is a single pilot aircraft.

When asked what his next goals were, Mr. McLean - a man of faith - noted:

“With God at the helm, I would like to see more young Caymanians aspire to these kinds of roles and there will be others who wish to do this. I would be honoured if my story could give them guidance and inspiration.” 

Mr. McLean added that he could not have accomplished all that he has managed to do without his faith playing a role. He also thanked his wife, who he said was a blessing, in addition to his parents, siblings and extended family.