Mark Duncan is a globe-trotting marathon runner, open-ocean kayaker and helicopter pilot who epitomises the enviable characteristics of self-discipline, dedication, and an unshakeable strength of character.
No two paths into aviation are alike. While some dream of taking to the skies from an early age, Mark confesses that he was a late bloomer on his journey.
It began as a teenager when he served as a lifeguard and volunteer helicopter rescue swimmer. Mark says he thrived in this environment and continued in various capacities throughout the next few years. With additional experience in firefighting, he notes that, “This landed me a job at the Offshore Survival Centre where I spent two years full-time, with a special interest in Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET).”
Following this, he finally got his break in the offshore oil and gas industry where he spent the better part of a decade travelling the world. Though this may sound glamorous, the hard work and months away from home can begin to take their toll. Mark says he began to look seriously at a “semi-retirement” option which would allow him to still earn money while getting the chance to spend more time at home.
“The offshore industry gave me the incredible opportunity for travel and I’ve been lucky to visit over 100 countries.”
“It was a boom time in the oil and gas industry and consultant work was aplenty,” he notes. “I started my flying training at Base 4 and did my Commercial License with Deal Alliance.” Mark then crossed paths with Gary Wilson, the managing director of NAC Helicopters in Cape Town. For the last 7 years he has been freelancing as a pilot there, working as a HUET Instructor at the Offshore Survival Centre, and as a HSE Consultant to the oil and gas industry.
It goes without saying that Mark is not short of life experience, and he estimates that he’s travelled to over 100 countries thus far. Perhaps partly down to the fact that he happens to have completed a marathon on all the world’s 7 continents (yes, including Antarctica). In doing so, he became the youngest South African to have run the Marathon Grand Slam. To add insult to injury for those of us less courageous individuals, he has also kayaked on all 5 of the world’s oceans.
“On most of the big contracts you can live a rock star life in South Africa on about 30% of your salary.”
This of course requires incredible self-discipline, dedication, and strength of character. These qualities are essential to achieving what Mark has achieved but are also necessary characteristics of a successful pilot. He notes that he has seen many young pilots living beyond their means and not take into account that nothing lasts forever. “On most of the big contracts you can live a rock star life in South Africa on about 30% of your salary. I tried to invest about 70% of it wisely and after 15 years, I was in a position to retire before the age of 40,” says Mark.
Noting that nothing lasts forever is incredibly pertinent given the current state of aviation globally. However, the advice certainly translates beyond our own industry. Resilience and discipline are traits which every individual will have to tap into at various points in their lives. Some have them in abundance and others need to nurture and develop them.
With his admirable background in search and rescue, aviation and endurance sports, Mark serves as a reminder that such traits allow for incredible success. There has never been a better time than now to tap into those reserves that exist in all of us.