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The RAAF is preparing to welcome 14 new pilots after the latest batch of students from 2 Flying Training School at RAAF Base Pearce received their wings.
The ‘graduation’ was marked by flypasts of Pilatus PC-21 and Hawk 127 training aircraft and a parade led by the Western Australian Police Pipe Band on 4 November.
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Air Commander Australia Air Vice Marshall Darren Goldie told the new recruits he would “swap places with you in a heartbeat” to relive his flying career again.
“I need you to study hard, keep fit, grow tough, show empathy, build a network, think innovatively, challenge the status quo and remain professionally curious. Operations are likely closer than you think,” said AVM Goldie.
“I remember standing on this parade ground in front of my parents with my mates. Soak it up – rarely again will you walk as tall as you do today.”
No. 2 Flying Training School is the primary training institute of the Air Force.
Traditionally, trainees flew the PC-9 single-engine, low-wing tandem-seat turboprop. However, in 2019 the RAAF completed its transition to the more modern PC-21.
The PC-21 is unique as being able to train prospective Top Guns from the start of their teaching to the end and is designed to prepare recruits for fifth-generation fighters such as the F-35.
The RAAF welcomed its first six – of a planned 49 – into RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria, in 2017, but now bases them out of RAAF Base Pearce, WA, too.
Its delivery was the centrepiece of the Force’s new AIR 5428 Pilot Training System project, designed to last for the next 30 years.
Australia still has 33 Hawk 127 Lead-In fighters, which will be upgraded ahead of their final withdrawal in 2031.
Four graduates received awards for their achievements during the course:
- Flight Lieutenant Harrison Gray was awarded the Fit-to-Fight Physical Training Award and the BP (Australia) Ltd Trophy for the highest aggregate of academic marks;
- Pilot Officer Matt Daniec was awarded the G Scutt/E Davey Memorial Trophy for most proficient at instrument flying, and Pilot Officer Michael Develin was awarded the Returned Services League Trophy for leadership;
- Pilot Officer Nathan Reed was awarded the Defence Force Welfare Association prize for displaying the highest level of navigational skills, the RAAF Association (WA Division) Trophy for ‘most improved’ and the SJ Goble Memorial Trophy as most proficient pilot;
- Pilot Officer Nathan Reed took out the Pilatus Aircraft Trophy as course dux.
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