Daniel Tyler's Biography

I was raised on a Nebraska farm. I learned to fly while still in high school and, after a year at the University of Nebraska, I joined the Army to fly helicopters.

I flew with the US 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam in 1970-71 -- initially as a Warrant Officer and then later I accepted a direct commission.

My last assignment before getting out of the Army was as a Special Courts-Martial prosecutor at Ft Benning, GA.

In June, 1971, I married an Australian girl that I had met while on R&R in Sydney. In late 1972 we moved to Australia and I started Law School at Sydney University.

I graduated in 1977 and became the first US citizen to be admitted to the Bar in New South Wales. However, shortly after, I returned to flying helicopters full-time.

I practised law off and on part-time until 1995. I still contribute two chapters to the various editions of Bartsch's textbook, "Aviation Law in Australia".

My wife and I had two sons and a daughter born in 1975, '77, and '79, respectively. Our oldest son has lived in England since 2000 -- the others live in or near Sydney.

Vicki and I were divorced in early 2009.

I worked for the better part of 30 years flying search, rescue and medivac helicopters around Australia -- most of the time in Sydney.

From 2008 to early 2011, I worked as a helicopter pilot/special constable in the NSW Police.

In early 2011, after 38 years in Sydney, I moved north to Queensland and took the position "Head of Training and Checking (Rotary-Wing)" for an emergency medical service operation.

Over the years I have contributed several articles to flying magazines -- most with a safety theme. I have also written articles about my experiences in Vietnam that are posted on the 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion website.