Before joining the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) as an aeromedical pilot, Matthew Kloeden flew with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), an experience that taught him the true meaning of service and teamwork.
Before joining the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) as an aeromedical pilot, Matthew Kloeden flew with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), an experience that taught him the true meaning of service and teamwork.
For Matthew, the dream to fly was present from a very young age.
Joining the RAAF made that dream a reality, providing him with an opportunity to advance his skills and gain valuable experience, both professionally and personally.
“The RAAF offered travel, mateship, and the ability to work in a unique and varied environment,” he said.
Many of our pilots have followed a similar path, transitioning from the RAAF to the RFDS.
The RFDS offers a similar appeal with no day ever being the same, but also allows for more family time.
“I had a lot of big trips away from my kids when they were young, prior to joining the RFDS,” Matthew said.
“My roster now is very stable, and the kids know I'll be back at home every night, even on night shifts, so it’s a perfect role for young families.”
That stability has allowed him to combine his passion for flying with his commitment to supporting the community.
“We rely heavily on air transport in Australia, as we’re so remote and spread across the country,” he said.
“Being able to use my skills to support communities that depend on it is incredibly rewarding.”
Matthew’s time in the RAAF taught him valuable lessons about independence, initiative and teamwork.
“Teamwork is essential and so is recognising that you are just one small part of a big puzzle,” he said.
“Everyone has a role to play, and that’s true of how we work within the RFDS, and how we collaborate with Retrieval Services Queensland and Queensland Ambulance Service.”
The autonomy and variety of flying for the RFDS continues to inspire and drive Matthew’s passion for the role.
“There’s no schedule, which means you don’t know what the day will look like when your shift begins,” he said.
“Also, the autonomy you have as a pilot is fantastic, as is working in a small team with only you and a nurse onboard.”
As the nation pauses on Remembrance Day, Matthew embodies the connection between service to country and service to community.
“Whether it’s in Defence or in medicine, it’s all about helping others,” he said.
On Remembrance Day, Matthew will take a moment to remember and reflect before starting his night shift with the RFDS.
The RFDS respectfully acknowledges the significance of Remembrance Day. We honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of all who have served and continue to serve our nation.
