Pilots graduate with home-schooling and adaptability

Adapted training and remote learning have ensured pilots and loadmasters from No. 35 Squadron could continue their training during COVID-19 travel restrictions.

CAPTION: C-27J Spartan aircrew from No. 35 Squadron conduct an instrument approach into Tamworth, NSW, as part of a series of training missions during a Pilot Initial Qualification course. Story by Flight Lieutenant Matthew Still.

Usually, instructors and students travel to Pisa, Italy, to access the simulator facility but instead did local and from-home training.

This ensured they were still able to achieve course outcomes and successfully graduate aircrew from the Loadmaster Initial Qualification and Pilot Initial Qualification courses on the C-27J Spartan.

Commanding Officer No. 35 Squadron Wing Commander Scott Egan said it was important for students to remain flexible to maintain their knowledge and skills with limited aircraft exposure.

“Continuing these courses and graduating loadmasters and pilots has been an important contribution to No. 35 Squadron capability during these uncertain times,” Wing Commander Egan said.

“Developing qualified crews provides more flexibility when planning for the squadron and the ability to support more missions and operations as required.”

Instructors and students conducted much of the learning and planning for their flights from home, including instructional and study sessions by video call, group message conversations, directed study and instructors maintaining availability to be contacted out of work hours.

Loadmaster student Leading Aircraftman Jackson Saunders said it was about being responsive to change.

“You have to maintain focus to get the most out of every practical opportunity with the aircraft and do the best you can within the circumstances,” Leading Aircraftman Saunders said.

The Pilot Initial Qualification students graduated with some restrictions on their category, with sequences still to be flown once access to the simulator is regained.

Pilot Officer Mitchell Pieper-Miels said although not being able to use the simulator for the tactical phase or gain exposure to international flying operations, the course was duly adapted.

“We had the opportunity of more flying hours in the actual aircraft and when unrestricted travel to NSW was allowed, we flew to Richmond to conduct live-airdrop missions, which was a highlight,” he said.

Students graduated with a small ceremony held at the squadron’s training facility.

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