Brothers soar to new heights
Childhood dreams became a reality at the recent ADF Intermediate Pilots Course graduation from 1 Flying Training School (1FTS), where the eldest Hughes sibling earned his wings just six months after his brother.
CAPTION: Brothers and Air Force pilots, Flying Officer Samuel Hughes, left, and Flying Officer Luke Hughes, celebrate earning their wings at the 1 Flying Training School Course 278 ADF Intermediate Pilots Course Graduation at RAAF Base East Sale. Story by Flight Lieutenant Lily Lancaster. Photo by Flying Officer Luke Marsden.
Growing up in Adelaide and attending Trinity College, not far from RAAF Base Edinburgh, Flying Officers Samuel and Luke Hughes would watch the aircraft pass by overhead. Today, they are both Air Force pilots.
Younger brother Samuel graduated from ADFA in 2019 with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, but working as an Air Force engineer he aspired to pilot the aircraft he supported.
“Originally I didn’t think I’d have what it took to do it. I gave it a shot, and I can’t quite believe I am now wearing wings,” Samuel said.
“Flying is just one of my favourite things in the world. The feeling of lifting off from the ground is unbelievable; seeing the ground rush beneath you … there is nothing like it.”
Samuel joined the ranks of those pilots he once admired in graduating from Course 278. Achieving this milestone is no easy feat; pilot graduates must demonstrate their ability to fly complex aircraft under challenging circumstances and make time-critical decisions.
Watching as his wings were pinned on were his grandparents, brother, and parents Callum and Jane, who were proud that their children fulfilled their childhood dreams.
Luke followed in his brother’s footsteps, graduating from ADFA with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in chemistry and aviation, in 2021, before completing pilot training in June 2024.
“I always dreamed of becoming a pilot, but like people dream of being a princess or a popstar I never believed it was something that I could really do,” Luke said.
“Once Sam started his ADF career, I knew it was for me too. Going through the process to become a pilot, I still can’t quite believe no one told me no.
“When I go home and speak to friends who are ambivalent about their jobs, I cannot relate. I have the coolest job in the world.”
Despite the three-year age gap and postings separating them for eight years, the brothers have remained each other’s closest friends. Their typical sibling rivalry is overpowered by the support they have for each other.
By coincidence, both flew their milestone first solo flight in the same Pilatus PC-21 aircraft.
Now fully qualified to fly the P-8A Poseidon aircraft, Luke looks forward to an exciting career in maritime surveillance back in his hometown of Adelaide with 11 Squadron.
Ready to begin operational conversion, Samuel is taking on his next challenge: training on the Hawk 127.
Posted apart to pursue their dream careers, the brothers will always find home with their family and in their shared love of flying.
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