Joint Helicopter School graduates first course

Twenty-eight graduates of No.1 Pilot, Aviation Warfare Officer and Aircrewman Courses were presented their wings by Commander Fleet Air Arm Commodore Chris Smallhorn at Nowra on August 31, after 37 students comprising the first intake began their training in mid-January.

“You are now off on the next phase of your careers where you will be tested even further,” CDRE Smallhorn told the graduates.

“Always push for excellence in whatever you do.”

Boeing Defence Australia was the prime contractor for delivering and operating HATS (acquired under AIR 9000 Phase 7), which sees Defence and Boeing civilian instructors work side-by-side delivering pilot, AWO and aircrew training for both the Navy and Army.

“In the space of just over three and a half years, the Capability and Acquisition Sustainment Group, along with Boeing, Thales and Defence have delivered training outcomes to ensure we have professional, resilient helicopter aircrews with sound decision-making and teamwork skills,” said Commanding Officer 723SQN, Commander Bruce Willington.

“This is helping to underwrite Navy’s ability to effectively fight and win on land and in the marine environment.”

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JHS will train up to 116 students each year for the next 25 years, including pilots, aviation warfare officers, aircrewmen and sensor operators, in addition to qualified aircrew returning for instructor training.

“We’re incredibly proud to have provided these women and men with a modern training system that ensures they’re not only qualified, but are confident they have the skills and experience to transition into operational training,” Boeing Defence Australia general manager of Integrated Services and Support Murray Brabrook said.

Dux of the Pilot Rotary Course was Lieutenant Rob McBeath. Aviation Warfare Officer Dux was Sub Lieutenant Ashley Hill and the Aircrewman Dux was Leading Seaman Simon Zammit.

“Our Navy and Army aviators operate some of the most advanced equipment in the world, which is now matched by state of the art training facilities that combine full motion simulation, virtual reality and airborne instruction in a purpose-built schoolhouse,” CMDRE Smallhorn said in January when the first course commenced training.

“Maritime, littoral and land warfare is a demanding vocation, and mission success often relies on the aviator. The Helicopter Aircrew Training System will ensure they are ready.”