Cadets prepare for a ‘pilot’ course

6 Wing’s inaugural Radio-Controlled Aircraft Course

In 2017, No 600 (Aviation Training) Squadron will be offering a unique opportunity for Air Force Cadets in South Australia to gain their ‘wings’.

The squadron will be running the 1/17 Radio-Controlled Flying Course, a flying camp for those interested in learning about and flying radio-controlled fixed-wing aircraft.

Pilot Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig said: “This will be a pilot course (pun intended) to assess the course structure and content, in order to make any necessary adjustments for future courses”.

The course will comprise theoretical instruction at RAAF Edinburgh, with practical flying experience each day at the Constellation Model Flying Club airfield at Buckland Park.

Cadets who achieve the necessary standards will be eligible to receive the Bronze Wings awarded by the Model Aeronautical Association of Australia (MAAA) for modellers flying models under 2 kg.

To prepare for the course, No 608 (Town of Gawler) Squadron hosted a preparation day, to introduce course participants to what would be covered on the course. This activity was run by Sergeant (AAFC) Shayne O’Hara: Shayne served as a cadet in the Air Training Corps in the 1970s and attained the rank of Flight Sergeant, and has now completed 15 years’ service as an Instructor of Cadets. He has a background in performance vehicles, and motor sport and classic cars, and through his active role in go-cart racing earned three medals in the Australian Masters. He maintains an active interest in aircraft modelling.

Sergeant O’Hara said: “We’ve put a lot of work into developing this course, and it’ll be great to see it get off the ground”.

Among the aircraft used during this preparation day were a Seagull ‘Boomerang’ 40-size high wing trainer, a Hangar 9 ‘Alpha’ 40-size high wing trainer, and a ‘Radian’ electric power glider. Cadets also trained on simulators, using the actual control transmitters they will be using to fly the aircraft during the flying camp.

No 600 (Aviation Training) Squadron also offers training in gliding and powered flying, the Aero-Engines and Aircraft Modelling electives, and training in various flight simulators – as well as Pilot Experience Flights where cadets can actually fly an aircraft.

No 600 Squadron is always looking for qualified and motivated instructors to join the team – with excellent people skills and a passion for youth training and aviation, and an appreciation of the military lifestyle. As with all of the AAFC’s Officers and Instructors your true reward, which outweighs the financial compensation, is seeing young lives enhanced through a positive Cadet experience.

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