Dave Harding

Before Dave Harding joined STARS to care for the critically ill and injured in his community, he enjoyed a long career serving his country in the Canadian Forces.

Dave has more than 30 years’ experience in aviation and over 6,500 flight hours, as a helicopter and airplane pilot, both as a civilian and with the Canadian Forces. His love of aviation began early in life while growing up mostly in Newfoundland and Labrador. He was just 16 years old when he earned his first pilot’s license for a glider. He earned his private pilot’s license the following year.

As a child Dave was enthralled by the work of the crews flying search and rescue helicopters, which led to him joining the military where he eventually flew those same helicopters on his first tour. After many years in various flying and supervisory positions, it was this initial inspiration that led to him joining STARS in order to continue to serve the public as part of a mission dedicated to saving lives.

Dave joined STARS in 2011 as one of the first pilots hired at our Manitoba base. He quickly excelled at several different roles, including a captain pilot, aviation base manager and base director. His contribution as aviation lead on STARS’ fleet renewal project has been invaluable. Dave has flown nearly 800 missions to date and will continue to fly STARS helicopters during his leadership tenure.