Channel Islands Air Search has appointed Nick Griffin as its new Accountable Manager, following the retirement of John Fitzgerald.
The Accountable Manager is responsible for overall operational and safety oversight at Channel Islands Air Search (CIAS)—leading the operational management team (crew, training, chief pilot and safety managers), reporting to the charity’s trustees, and ensuring recruitment, retention and training standards remain high.
Nick (pictured) has been part of CIAS for five years, initially joining as a standard crew member. Although he arrived with a private pilot background, he spent most of his early service in the P2 seat as part of the search crew. In 2024 he was invited to become an Air Search pilot, undertaking additional training at his own cost to gain both a multi-engine rating and a commercial licence before completing line training with CIAS and has since flown many searches and crew training flights as PIC of the Islander aircraft.
Speaking about his appointment, Mr Griffin said: “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. I’m really looking forward to the variety of the role, having more dealings with our partner agencies and having greater oversight of our operations at a macro level. 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.”
Paying tribute to the outgoing Accountable Manager, the trustees said: “On behalf of everyone at CIAS, we thank John Fitzgerald for his dedicated leadership and steady hand. His commitment to safety, training and teamwork has left a strong legacy that Nick and the team will build on.”
John Fitzgerald, who held the role for the past eight years, will be taking a step back from volunteering for the charity after 31 years. He said: “The team at CIAS is delighted to welcome Nick to his new role as Accountable Manager. With his background in client liaison and proven management skills, 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.”
