Ron Guenther | 32 Years of Search and Rescue

When Guenther first heard about CASARA he was gaining experience as a general aviation pilot. He had read about CASARA in a COPA magazine, then attended a Transport Canada seminar, where a CASARA presentation was made. His interest resulted in him joining the CASARA Niagara Zone, based at CYSN, where he first trained as a spotter, then as a navigator before earning his SAR Pilot Wings. “In general aviation you basically fly from one point to another,” Guenther explained. “In SAR flying the goal is to fly in a concentrated area, at a low altitude, often between road intersections. The purpose is to give spotters the best opportunity to identify the search object. As pilot it takes a great deal of concentration, as things can go wrong very quickly. That’s why CASARA crews always work as a team”. Among many other presentations he shares, Guenther is known as a strong advocate for “Crew Resource Management". Gord Tessier, also a CASARA pilot acknowledged Guenther’s contributions. “Ron has flown thousands of hours searching for Canadians in distress with CASARA in his Cessna 182.

He is also a member of the CASARA Ontario Executive, where his professional experience as an accountant has been instrumental in bringing CASARA to where it is today. He has survived crashes, engine failures, and most of all he has survived training me as a SAR Pilot.”. Reflecting on his years of experience, Guenther recalled flying on a major search out of North Bay, which lasted over a week. “The challenge is, you know the name of the person you are searching for, and you share the anxiety of family members who are waiting to hear news. It can be stressful, because you know time is everything.”

A CASARA spotter for many years, Shane Barton said, “Over the years Ron has provided some very interesting and enlightening instruction, both in the classroom and in the air. He is always listening to comments and suggestions of crew members, and works to make sure crew members work as one cohesive unit. He always takes whatever steps needed to ensure the safety of his crew, and to ensure the mission is completed.” Long time CASARA member, Ron Rap affirmed Guenther’s contributions to aviation safety. “He has been instrumental in lending his knowledge, skills and mentoring to the betterment of not only CASARA Niagara, but also to the CASARA National program”. While Guenther is giving up his pilot’s license, he will continue volunteering with CASARA as a navigator, and with the CASARA Ontario Executive.

Landing at CYSN Guenther received acknowledgement of the occasion and words of appreciation from the Air Traffic Controller. He was then met by a few CASARA members, to celebrate his final flight as pilot. They were joined by CASARA Ontario President, Claude Overholt, and Capt. David Baird of JRCC Trenton to celebrate the important milestone.

After more than 30 years of flying as a volunteer pilot for Civil Air Search And Rescue Association (CASARA), Ron Guenther made his final flight as “Pilot in Command”, before retiring his pilot’s license last Saturday.

Thank you Ron for all your time and effort in CASARA. We celebrate your membership and your story.

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