RAAF Reserve. The Privilege of Service.

The pandemic of 2020 brought with it many challenges. However, personally, it brought one of the most positive experiences of my life.

Having met with the major drivers behind the project at the Avalon Air Show in 2019, I was invited to be a part of the rejuvenation of the Australian Air Force Cadet’s flying program. It was a project close to my heart as I had “soloed” with the then “Air Training Corps” in 1981 and gone on to serve as a voluntary flight instructor in the 1990s/2000s. Furthermore, the project saw the Air Force establishing three Elementary Flight Training Schools (EFTS) across Point Cook in Victoria, Amberley in Queensland and Richmond in NSW. While Point Cook is the spiritual home of the Royal Australian Air Force, the latter two units would be stationed at RAAF bases.

Operating under civilian registered aircraft under a civil Air Operating Certificate, the need existed for a Grade One Flight Instructor at each EFTS. Fortunately, I had maintained my instructor rating since its issue in 1988 and was very keen to participate. The posting also required me to join the RAAF Reserve and this I did without a hint of hesitation.

Recently, it marked five years since I took the oath and I cannot stress too strongly what a privilege it has been. My primary task has been to oversee the flight training aspect of the Richmond EFTS, utilising the Diamond DA40NG aircraft, all marked impressively with a suitable paint scheme, RAAF roundels and the Southern Cross emblazoned on the belly. Through EFTS we have the opportunity to offer introductory flights and flight training to the cadets. As a pilot/instructor, it is thoroughly enjoyable to introduce the next generation to the magic of flight and potentially light the spark for a career in aviation. The cadets selected to attend a flying training camp are among the best students one could wish for – well mannered, well-disciplined and well prepared. They thrive in the team environment of the camp where they share the experience in an ideal setting for learning.

Beyond EFTS, I have been very fortunate to work alongside the RAAF History and Heritage branch. In that time my book, “Without Precedent”, was honoured by being authorised to wear the RAAF badge on its cover. Equally special was the opportunity to write a title in the Air Force’s “Australian Air Campaign Series”. “A Very Different War” traced the history of RAAF operations in the Korean War. Given my father’s service as a fighter pilot in Korea, detailing this subject accurately was very important to me.

The experience of the last five years has spanned a range of activities driven by some of the most professional individuals you could hope to meet. The level of dedication, professionalism and teamwork on display would be the envy of many commercial operations in which I have worked. In the cadets, I see the leaders of tomorrow being mentored as both pilots and citizens. Without doubt, my decision to join the RAAF Reserve was one of the best life decisions that I have made and while five years have passed, I look forward to the years ahead with equal enthusiasm. Beyond the people and the task, there is something more. It is the privilege of service.