Cadets meet Roulettes

6 Wing Air Force Cadets at the 2017 Barossa Air Show

The 2017 Barossa Air Show was held on 2 April at Rowland Flat Airfield in South Australia. It was described by the organisers as, “Amazing aerial action, exciting entertainment and a fun, family day out with food and wine in the beautiful Barossa Valley”.

CAPTION: Roulette pilots autograph posters and hand out souvenirs at the 2017 Barossa Air Show, without noticing the photo-bomb by the Air Force Cadets’ “Ghillie Girl”. Photo by Pilot Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig.

A small team of Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) from No 6 Wing ran a recruiting and information display. Besides interacting with the public, the cadets had the chance to work with the Air Force Roulettes, speak to Defence Force Recruiting personnel, and meet the operators of the RAAF Balloon.

The Air Force Balloon is one of two based in Canberra, operated by the Central Flying School. The balloons travel to regional communities to introduce young people to aviation and inspire an interest in the Royal Australian Air Force. Unfortunately on this occasion, winds prevented the balloon from launching.

The Roulettes are the RAAF’s aerobatic display team, operating the Pilatus PC-9/A which is the Air Force’s current pilot training aircraft. The Roulettes fly as low as 250 feet (80m) at speeds of up to 250 knots (460km/h), and often pass each other as close as 3m apart, demonstrating the expertise in visual judgement and hand-eye coordination that pilots across Air Force achieve.

As well as looking for potential cadets, the AAFC recruiting and information display also provided information to several adults who were interested in joining as staff members or aviation instructors.

Pilot Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, 6 Wing Public Affairs & Communication Officer, said “There are part-time volunteer positions available throughout South Australia and in Mildura for adult supervisors (civilian or uniformed members), and there are also opportunities for current-serving Defence members to serve as ADF Support”.

In particular, No 600 (Aviation Training) Squadron is always looking for qualified and motivated instructors to join the team (experience as a military officer or NCO is preferred but not essential). There are opportunities for ground and flight instructors in all aspects of aviation, ranging from aero-engines, aircraft modelling, radio-controlled aircraft, UAVs and the Link Trainer and other flight simulators, through to powered flight and gliding.

 

Images by Pilot Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig

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