2020 August - Australian Air Cadets Alumni
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2020 August Welcome back to your Alumni Newsletter. As the Cadets of all three services have been on an Operational Pause since 16 March, we don’t have a great deal to share as to the recent Cadet activities. The material Paul Rosenzweig has been able to provide is from activities conducted before the pause. I was hoping that a few of our alumni might have been able to make up for the shortage with some of their own memories. I’m sure you would love to share some of your exploits, Fortunately, we have some material from our alumni in this edition that may interest you. Articles in this Newsletter include an update on the activities of the AAFC Foundation from Air Vice- Marshal K. Osley AM, CSC Chair, AAFC Foundation. Koz gives us a great summary of some of the work the Foundation is doing to enrich the cadet experience. We have heard in previous editions the Pathways programme where we are looking to have Cadets experience some real-life aerospace companies. Unfortunately, Covid-19 hit us at a time when we were about to offer these experiences. The next exciting project Koz will describe is to show our Cadets just how vast the Aerospace Industry is and what opportunities there are available to them. Many cadets would be aware of the opportunities afforded to them in the ADF, Qantas, Boeing and the like but how many know about Northrop Grumman Australia and what opportunities there are. Those who were lucky enough to tune into the last webinar hosted by the Commander and the DG would have seen three outstanding young graduates employed by Boeing. They spoke about their studies and how they became involved in the Aerospace programme. In a previous newsletter we saw Captain Deb Lawrie as she was honoured with the Member of the Order of Australia. Now Deb is set to be inaugurated into the industry’s Hall of Fame. For information AAFC aviation has already been inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame and a further member of the Foundation, Australian Aviation Hall of Fame chairman Steve Padgett said, “The part that women have played in the history of aviation in Australia is also something we should all be very proud of, and it is recognised in this year’s awards. We also have some great motivational clips. If you haven’t seen the presentation by a Retired United States Marine General on why you make your bed of a morning, I suggest you might like to watch it. We have a piece on retired General Jimmy Stewart, yes that Jimmy Stewart, some wind in your hair stuff with first class formation flying with the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels and for a little slower stuff, some clips on mountain flying in Papua New Guinea. Those alumni who have done time flying in PNG may appreciate the latest technology helping the single pilot, single engine operations. This example is in the Kodiak aircraft.
Remember, if you like what you read in your magazine, you are most welcome to share and invite
your friends who are ex Cadet or Staff members to join. If you don’t like what you are reading
please tell us, AlumniDirector@aircadetsalumni.org.au We love to receive your letters. We hope
that our magazine can remind you of your time in our great organization. We are always on the
lookout for articles and photographs that you may like to share.
Please update your email address when you change providers Perhaps it may change when you go
to NBN. We understand that you may be accessing the newsletter from the web site, but sometimes
we just might like to contact you direct. In particular, those who have a Cadetnet or Defence email
address may have trouble with our emails. There are still plenty of Defence email accounts in our
database. You might like to check with your friends to see if they have been getting our emails. Our
regular Newsletter is sent by email at 1000 on 1 November, 1 February, 1 May and 1 August.
Registration is FREE and is open to all ex Cadets, ex Staff, current Staff, both uniform and civilian.
We also invite our friends from likeminded organizations.
There is some great reading again and all the material is just one click away from the Contents
page. We have a few stories that may remind you of your past glories and stories from some of our
alumni..
If you think you have missed out on some of the earlier Alumni Newsletters, the good news is you
haven’t! They are available on the Air Cadets Alumni website, www.aircadetsalumni.org.au and go
to the Bulletin Board.
We need material that can be circulated to those who are no longer in touch with their old Squadron
or in receipt of material from the AAFC. I am aware that the Newsletter is rather large and many
readers would like me to cut back on the length. I certainly don’t anticipate that you will read the
entire magazine, I know I don’t read the entire copy of The Australian, but I scan the paper and read
what interests me.
We have an Interactive Contents Page. To access any article that you would be interested in, hit
Control and Left Click on the Mouse and you will go direct to your selected article. You don’t need
to scroll through material that doesn’t interest you.
Until November,
Fly Safe
John Griffiths, MBE
Alumni Director
Can You help fill the Missing Pages?
We have run two writing competition aimed at gathering material for the Centenary of Air Cadets.
Some entries have supplied material that will most likely be suitable for the AAFC historian when it
comes time to write our history. There is an opportunity for you to leave your mark. If you would
like to add your story, go to Upcoming Events, Centenary Project 2041 and you will find your
invitation.
August 2020 : 2
Contents
Can You help fill the Missing Pages? .............................................................................................. 2
Regular Features ........................................................................................ 4
Ordering Information – 75 years Aloft ............................................................................................ 4
AAFC Pathways Program Update ................................................................................................... 4
Now back to our roots .................................................................................. 4
Memories of the 55th Anniversary from Peter Colliver .................................................................. 4
No 1 City Flight Adelaide South Australia ...................................................................................... 5
Why we make our bed every morning ............................................................................................. 6
Our History Page ........................................................................................ 6
Jimmy Stewart.................................................................................................................................. 6
From John Love ............................................................................................................................... 6
Remembering Senja Robey .............................................................................................................. 7
Upcoming Events........................................................................................ 7
Centenary Project 2041 ............................................................................................................ 7
2 1/2 Minutes of Aviation Majesty .................................................................................................. 8
History of the First 50 Years of Aviation ........................................................................................ 8
Things go better with ....................................................................................................................... 8
Thunderbirds and Blue Angels ........................................................................................................ 9
De toute beauté. "Wow" ................................................................................................................... 9
Flying the Kodiak in Papua New Guinea......................................................................................... 9
What our Foundation is up to........................................................................................................... 9
WOMEN’S RIGHTS PIONEER DEBORAH LAWRIE ENTERS HALL OF FAME ................ 10
What our Cadets are up to .......................................................................... 11
Diamond DA40NG // Elementary Flying Training School ........................................................... 18
Cadet Branch Staff member Wing Commander Samantha Freebairn .......................................... 30
EFTS Flight Amberley ................................................................................................................... 31
IN THE MEDIA AAPT MAY 2020 .............................................................................................. 32
WINNER OF AVIATION DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED ................................ 34
A CADET’S LIFE IN 5 MINUTES .............................................................................................. 35
Our Canadian brothers ................................................................................................................... 35
Museums Mutual Support ..................................................................................................... 35
Letters .................................................................................................... 37
What our RAF Cadets are up to ..................................................................................................... 39
Our Canadian Cadets have an Alumni ........................................................................................... 39
Feedback ................................................................................................ 39
August 2020 : 3
Keep in Touch // 2020 + Beyond ................................................................................................... 39
Back On Parade .............................................................................................................................. 42
Until November, Fly Safe .............................................................................................................. 43
Regular Features
Ordering Information – 75 years Aloft
75 Years Aloft: Royal Australian Air Force
Air Training Corps: Australian Air Force Cadets, 1941-2016
available via
If you need any further information to order your copy, please let me
know, AlumniDirector@aircadetsalumni.org.au
AAFC Pathways Program Update
Now back to our roots
Memories of the 55th Anniversary from Peter Colliver
https://www.facebook.com/groups/4961218276/permalink/10157483606683277/
August 2020 : 4
No 1 City Flight Adelaide South Australia
August 2020 : 5
Why we make our bed every morning
https://www.facebook.com/693736330687974/posts/3111149065613343/
Our History Page
Jimmy Stewart
Most people who even remember James Stewart at all probably remember him as a movie star of long
years ago. But he was a genuine WWII bomber pilot,
Old stuff but I hadn’t seen it in HD before.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1-urTRxeEM&feature=emb_rel_end
From John Love
Dad would talk of the great respect both sides had for one another during WW1, duels in the sky.
They regarded themselves as somewhat special to the other members of the Army Corps.
Both sides colloquially referred to each other as the "Knights of the Sky" with an unwritten "Code of
Honour".
Dad was witness of the Red Baron having shot-down an Allied aircraft, would circle the wreckage on
the ground and if the pilot had survived the encounter “wave to him a good-bye".
Lest we Forget.
John
Click here to view Great War Story
August 2020 : 6
Remembering Senja Robey
https://www.atsb.gov.au/media/news-items/2020/remembering-senja-
robey/?fbclid=IwAR28isu85rDhAVp2vOxpT-sSEILLZdGOGRewmHmoUeDYtMnGSJ2L-zP6ghU
Upcoming Events
Centenary Project 2041
100th Anniversary History of the ATC/AIRTC/AAFC
The Air Force cadet movement has had a tremendous impact upon the lives of thousands of
Australians from WWII to the present day. From its origins in 1941, over 40,000 staff members and
cadets have been involved in making it one of the best youth development organisations in Australia.
Since 1982, it has positively affected the lives of women as well as men. Air Force cadets continue
to be the RAAF’s pre-eminent recruitment and pre-Service training organisation. However,
paradoxically, very little was written about it before the 75th anniversary in 2016. Some Flights and
Squadrons had published their own histories and some State-level histories had appeared. In 1991 a
slim volume focussed on the national history of Air Force cadets was published to celebrate the 50th
anniversary of the Air Training Corps.
In 2013 I was appointed to research and write the 75th anniversary history of Air Force cadets in
Australia. My work resulted in a book – 75 Years Aloft. The book is still available for purchase via
Lulu.com.
Despite there being some writing and resources available at that time relating the history of Air Force
cadets in Australia, it was necessary to cast a wide net in order to gather sufficient information to
write a book length treatment of the subject. Very few historical documents had been retained by the
organization, which was focussed on training Australia’s future leaders. In the words of one long-
time staff member: “I think the AAFC is too worried about where it is going at times to remember
where it came from”. Consequently, my book was the first work to examine Australian Air Force
cadets nationally, comprehensively, and critically over the entire span of their 75-year history.
75 Years Aloft was based on extensive research, making considerable use of a diverse array of archival
material, government documents, newspaper articles and oral history through interviews with past
and present members. All of this material was housed on-line in an electronic archive. I was appointed
National Historian of the AAFC in part to further the oral history project and to build and manage the
archival database I started back in 2013. I am still adding pictures and documents to that database.
The Oral History Survey was created by me to aid research for my book, 75 Years Aloft. If you look
in the bibliography section at the back of the book you can see the 180 or so respondents cited in
the volume. However, it was always more than a simple research tool. In fact, I intended it to be an
ongoing oral history project for all ex-Air Force cadets.
August 2020 : 7
The purpose of this article is to highlight the ongoing need for the Oral History Survey. It will form
a central part of the archival database needed to complete an update to our history in 2041 when the
AAFC reached its centenary.
I would be grateful if everyone reading this article would consider taking part in the oral history
survey.
AAFC 100 Year AAFC 100 Year
History Book Oral Pe History Book Oral Su
None advised by the Wings. Please let us all know if there are activities where the alumni would be
welcome.
2 1/2 Minutes of Aviation Majesty
For WW II aviation buffs, this is really something to see. If you weren’t able to make it to England
In July of 2014 at The Imperial War Museum in Cambridgeshire, England to see this air show in-
person, watching this
http://player.vimeo.com/video/ 93587997
History of the First 50 Years of Aviation
Some great comments from our forefathers. If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have flying.
https://youtu.be/_P2SpCnBlp4
Things go better with
August 2020 : 8
Thunderbirds and Blue Angels
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JESy0CnYPw
De toute beauté. "Wow"
Click here
Flying the Kodiak in Papua New Guinea
If you would like to see some great PNG flying with all the aids. Our members who have flown in
lesser aircraft in the Highlands will be envious.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mzm1nvaWQU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXLMg1ASOvA
This page is not Intentionally Blank.
It’s just waiting for your story.
What our Foundation is up to
To all Alumni,
I hope that this newsletter finds you healthy and safe in these challenging times. The AAFC
Foundation has met several times by telephone and vidcon in order to keep progressing the
‘Pathways to an Aerospace Career Program’ and has had many organisations and industry partners
commit to assisting the AAFC with activities and engagement opportunities as soon as the COVID
restrictions lift. Ahead of that, the some of the partner industries are providing staff to take part in
webexs organised by Commander AAFC. The most recent was from Boeing Defence Australia staff
who spoke about the opportunities in this sector of the aerospace industry, and gave great insights
into their personal experiences and how they navigated their way through to successful careers.
Many more similar webexs are planned, and the expectation is that this ‘COVID initiative’ is likely
to become an important part of the normal AAFC training program.
In the shorter term, the AAFC Foundation is also looking at developing an aerospace jobs
information website, and will be liaising with the AAFC and industry to see how best to make this
happen. The intent is to provide detailed information about the various companies, organisations
and aerospace-related employment opportunities in a format where the companies will refresh the
information and news regularly, and the AAFC cadets can get a unique and detailed insight into
what aerospace career opportunities there are out there!
It is disappointing that the Avalon Airshow will be delayed next year until later in 2021, but I
note the good news that the key AAFC 80th anniversary activities are likely to fit in well with this
change in schedule. It will be a big year for the AAFC in 2021!
August 2020 : 9
Best wishes and stay safe
Cheers, Koz
Air Vice-Marshal K. Osley AM, CSC
Chair, AAFC Foundation
19 June 2020
WOMEN’S RIGHTS PIONEER DEBORAH LAWRIE ENTERS HALL OF FAME
From Australian Aviation
The first female pilot of a major Australian airline, Deborah Lawrie, is set to be inaugurated
into the industry’s Hall of Fame.
Lawrie became a pioneer for women’s rights after taking Ansett all the way to the High
Court in 1980 to protest against its decision to deny her the right to fly because of her
gender.
Last year, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to
aviation as a commercial pilot, and to women in the profession.
Captain Lawrie has been involved with aviation for over 50 years, commencing her flying
training at age of 16 and becoming the first female airline pilot for a major airline in
Australia. She is regarded as a trailblazer and standard bearer by all those women who have
followed her lead.
Deb Lawrie is an active member of the AAFC Foundation. Congratulations Deb.
August 2020 : 10What our Cadets are up to
Leading Cadet Tom Shaw (No 608 Squadron, AAFC) prepares for a Cadet Air Experience
flight from Gawler Airfield in an N-model Cessna Skyhawk C172 operated by Adelaide
Biplanes. Image by FLGOFF(AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, 906 Aviation Training Squadron.
AIR FORCE CADETS IN THE AIR
Part 1: Leading Cadet Tom Shaw’s C172 Experience
Late last year, Air Force Cadets from Adelaide’s northern squadrons had the opportunity to enjoy a
powered Cadet Air Experience (CAE) flight from Gawler airfield.
One of the participants was Leading Cadet Tom Shaw from No 608 (Town of Gawler) Squadron,
who flew in an N-model Cessna Skyhawk C172, a conventional tricycle configuration trainer used
to train recreational pilots.
On their website, Adelaide Biplanes calls this aircraft: “a tribute to the durability of the aeroplane
that Clyde Cessna designed & built all those years ago”.
Although he had completed just one year in the AAFC at that time, Leading Cadet Shaw has a solid
military background driving his ambitions.
Leading Cadet Shaw told the Public Affairs Officer for Aviation Operations Wing, Flying Officer
(AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig: “I really appreciate the military record of service in my family and
I want to continue that tradition”.
August 2020 : 11With Tom at Gawler airfield was his father Clayton, who served in the Air Force for eleven years as
a Communications Information Systems Controller, with postings in Glenbrook and Tindal.
Clayton also worked with Defence Recruiting at both Brisbane and Parramatta, and attained the
rank of Corporal.
Tom’s grandfather Murray Fitzgerald Shaw also had Air Force service: he enlisted on 26 September
1966, and served for a total of 23 years. This included a twelve month stint in South Vietnam
attached to 2 Squadron operating from Phan Rang Airbase, from 4 December 1967 to 4 December
1968.
Phan Rang Airbase is notable for having been built by the Imperial Japanese Army (1942), used by
the French Air Force during the First Indochina War (until 1954), rebuilt by the United States in
1965 for use by the Republic of Vietnam Air Force and the US Air Force during the Vietnam War
(II Corps Tactical Zone), and operated by the Vietnam People’s Air Force since April 1975.
Murray Shaw was involved in the clean-up effort in Darwin following Cyclone Tracy, and also held
the rank of Corporal on his discharge. His period of service overlapped with his son’s by two years.
On the completion of his service he held the Vietnam Medal, Defence Force Service Medal with 1st
Clasp, National Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He also received the
Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
In addition to this background, Tom’s father had a great-uncle who served in France during World
War 1: 37917 Joseph Brian Fitzgerald Shaw from Muswellbrook, NSW.
Brian Shaw enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force as a Gunner on 12 March 1917 aged 18, after
having served in the senior cadets for four years.
He served overseas with the 39th Battery, 10th Field Artillery Brigade with the rank of Corporal.
With a background like this, it is little surprise that Tom Shaw himself wears a uniform, working
towards a career in Defence.
As an air-minded youth organisation, the AAFC has the mission of developing young Australians in
a military and aviation environment. Aviation Operations Wing (AOW) has the aim of delivering
flying pathways through gliding and powered flying experiences and training. AOW offers Cadet
Air Experience flights in powered aircraft (under the supervision of a qualified flying instructor) at
no cost.
Of his cadet air experience, Leading Cadet Shaw said: “I feel very lucky to have had the experience
of flying in a plane like that”.
August 2020 : 12Northern squadron air experience participants at Gawler Airfield (left to right): LCDT
James Chant, CDT Zac Baker, CDT Lorry Bonnett, LCDT Tom Shaw, LCDT Kira Scott-
Halliday and CSGT Chevvy Dolan. Image by FLGOFF(AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, 906
Aviation Training Squadron
No 906 Aviation Training Squadron is a subordinate unit of Aviation Operations Wing
(AOW). The squadron has now been redesignated as ‘Balaklava Glider Training Flight’ of
the AAFC’s new Gliding Training School. Balaklava Flight is one of three ‘centres of
excellence’ around the country which allows AAFC cadets to go gliding. These gliding
activities based out of Balaklava airfield are a significant part of the national aviation effort.
Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul A Rosenzweig
Public Affairs & Communication Officer
Aviation Operations Wing || Australian Air Force Cadets
PACO-AOW 062/20
29 May 2020
August 2020 : 13Editorial note: The Australian Air Force Cadets has been conducting an ‘operational pause’
in all activities since 16 March. Earlier this year, after a review of the national situation, all three
Cadet Service groups agreed to the suspension of all ADF Cadet face-to-face activities, including
any international activities, until further notice. The activities detailed in these stories took place
before the instigation of the operational pause. All members of the AAFC look forward to the
resumption of normal activities as soon as it is safe to do so.
Cadet Sergeant Chevvy Dolan (608 Squadron, AAFC) prepares for a Cadet Air Experience
flight from Gawler Airfield in an S-model Cessna Skyhawk C172 operated by Adelaide
Biplanes. Image by FLGOFF(AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, 906 Aviation Training Squadron.
AIR FORCE CADETS IN THE AIR
Part 2: Cadet Sergeant Chevvy Dolan’s C172 Experience
Another participant in last year’s Cadet Air Experience (CAE) activity at Gawler airfield was Cadet
Sergeant Chevvy Dolan from No 608 (Town of Gawler) Squadron.
At that time, Sergeant Dolan had been a member of the AAFC for two years, and at the end of last
year he completed Year 9. During 2019, and continuing this year, Sergeant Dolan has been the
Cadet Squadron Warrant Officer of 608 Squadron.
The Cadets flew in two VH-registered, conventional tricycle configurations, trainers – including an
S-model Cessna Skyhawk C172.
This is a 2006 IFR model, equipped with Garmin 1000 and modern avionics, designed to introduce
recreational pilots to the world of general aviation in time-honoured fashion.
August 2020 : 14According to the Adelaide Biplanes website: “The S model aircraft boasts cruise speeds in excess of
110 knots, it has 180 hp and with 200 litres fuel capacity giving an endurance of up to five hours”.
Cadet Sergeant Dolan told the Public Affairs Officer for Aviation Operations Wing, Flying Officer
(AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, that he thoroughly enjoys the ceremonial aspects of life in the AAFC,
but he really just wants to fly.
His intention is to serve in the Air Force like his grandfather Sergeant Kenneth Dolan, an armament
fitter who served for 22 years. Sergeant Dolan was also a qualified IED (Improvised Explosive
Device) Instructor and EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Technician.
Kenneth Dolan joined the RAAF in 1966, and served at RAAF Williamtown with No 481 Squadron
and No 76 Squadron.
No 608 (Town of Gawler) Squadron participants in a Cadet Air Experience flight from
Gawler Airfield, pictured with an S-model Cessna Skyhawk C172 (left to right): LCDT
James Chant, CSGT Chevvy Dolan, LCDT Tom Shaw and CDT Zac Baker. Image by
FLGOFF(AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, 906 Aviation Training Squadron.
During this period, Sergeant Dolan served overseas at RAAF Butterworth with No 77 Squadron,
which was responsible for regional air defence during the Indonesian Confrontation with Malaysia.
He then had postings with No 11 Squadron and No 492 Squadron (RAAF Edinburgh), and was
promoted to Corporal in 1976.
From 1979 to 1984, Kenneth Dolan was an Instructor at the RAAF School of Technical Training at
RAAF Wagga, and was promoted to Sergeant in 1981. His final postings were with No 481
Squadron (1984-86) and No 2 Operation Conversion Unit, until retiring in 1988.
August 2020 : 15Sergeant Kenneth Dolan salutes during an Anzac Day ceremony.
Cadet Sergeant Dolan reflected on this flying opportunity: “During this experience, my mindset
definitely changed on the aspect of flying. I have never thought flying would be such an amazing
experience and opportunity, however this activity definitely changed my thoughts.
I highly recommend to all cadets or anyone that has the opportunity to be in an Air Experience
Flight, to definitely take it as it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity”.
CSGT Dolan noted that his grandfather had also been given an opportunity to fly. While Sergeant
Dolan was with 2OCU, he flew in the first McDonnell Douglas F/A-18B Hornet fighter delivered to
Australia – the first fourteen aircraft were all allocated to 2OCU to permit Hornet instructor
training.
CSGT Dolan said he will be looking to pursue further opportunities to fly: “Being in the air, flying,
is more than a hobby and sport; flying is pure desire and passion which definitely fills a lifetime
experience”.
Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul A Rosenzweig
Public Affairs & Communication Officer
Aviation Operations Wing || Australian Air Force Cadets
August 2020 : 16After returning to RAAF Edinburgh, this group of gliding trainees said ‘Tanks’ to their flying
instructors for their Pilot Experience (PEX) flights (left to right): CDT Nandini Agnihotri, CDT
Iknoor Khurana, CDT Hayden Peel, CDT Fynn White, CDT George Rarichan, CDT Mark
Gul, LCDT Ben Bryant and LCDT Mithusha Lansakara Mudiyanselage. Image by Flying
Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, 906 Aviation Training Squadron.
AIR FORCE CADETS IN THE AIR
Part 3: The DG1000S Pilot Experience
Some of Adelaide’s Air Force Cadets started the year by participating in an instructional Pilot
Experience (PEX) flight from Balaklava airfield (YBVA).
The Cadets flew in the DG1000S two-seater sailplane glider operated by No 906 Aviation Training
Squadron, a unit of Aviation Operations Wing, AAFC.
The squadron has now been redesignated as ‘Balaklava Glider Training Flight’ of the AAFC’s new
Gliding Training School.
Balaklava Flight is one of three ‘centres of excellence’ around the country which allows AAFC
cadets to go gliding. These gliding activities based out of Balaklava airfield are a significant part of
the national aviation effort.
August 2020 : 17All cadets are invited to have at least one PEX flight each year, taking the controls in a AAFC-
owned glider (under the supervision of a qualified flying instructor) to lay the foundations for
aviation career pathways.
These PEX flights are offered on a regular basis throughout the year, at no cost to the cadets.
Former Cadet Warrant Officer and solo glider pilot Ian van Schalkwyk turned 18 last year, but he is
returning to the Air Force Cadets as an instructor. He gave this advice to the new generation of
cadets: “Cadets is very much what you make it, so if you want to fly, then nominate for flying
activities. You are getting a unique opportunity to do amazing things so early in life that it can
become difficult to remember that you’re there for fun!”.
Similarly, former Cadet Under Officer and solo glider pilot Ben Dunk offered this advice: “The
Australian Air Force Cadets has such a wealth of experience and knowledge that Cadets have the
ability to tailor it into an experience that suits them best. I have chosen to focus mainly on aviation
and leadership, but I could name countless other opportunities”.
“The AAFC can cater for nearly whatever you are looking for, but most importantly, the AAFC will
transform you into a mature young adult who is ready to enter the adult world with a range of
incredible experiences and abilities”.
Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul A Rosenzweig
Public Affairs & Communication Officer
Aviation Operations Wing || Australian Air Force Cadets
A portion of the Warrnambool coastline seen from a Diamond DA40 NG. Image by Captain
(AUX) Matt Doyle.
Diamond DA40NG // Elementary Flying Training School
Check out this YouTube playlist which contains instructional and reference videos for the AAFC Diamond
DA40NG as operated by the Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) - Australian Air Force Cadets.
August 2020 : 18The aircraft are being rolled out across the country to assist with Powered Flying Training in the AAFC. This
playlist contains instructional and reference videos for the AAFC Diamond DA40NG as operated by the
Elementary Flying Training
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO96EFCxjfMmnmcqsiulTq_y_BQu3BtmS&fbclid=IwA
R2zlsz8PJy5nZAg_yQ7-abPhBirVJha53bKgcgYVZ6V2etDZrWCnB6pGiw
WARRNAMBOOL PILOT EXPERIENCE FLIGHTS
During a staff continuation training flight in a Diamond DA40 NG, Captain (AUX) Matt Doyle
took a photograph of the Warrnambool coastline which perhaps sums up the many hats he wears –
if the waves and aircraft wing are considered as a sentence, it reads “I Love Flying”.
As a Defence Auxiliary in the AAFC, Matt is a Section Commander and aviation instructor with
Point Cook Flight of the Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS). He is also Executive Officer
of No 418 Squadron, AAFC.
Having transferred from Army and now a Squadron-Leader in the Air Force Reserve, Matt is
also an ADF Recruiting Officer posted to Defence Force Recruiting in Melbourne, and an Air
Ambulance pilot operating from Warrnambool. Matt and his fellow aircrew are employed by
Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia in support of Air Ambulance Victoria.
Leading Cadet Dominic McCosh (No 413 Squadron) with one of the AAFC’s Diamond DA40
NG aircraft at Warrnambool airfield. Image by PLTOFF(AAFC) Jane McDonald.
Earlier this year, before the operational pause came into effect, Australian Air Force Cadets from
No 413 Squadron based out of Tel el Eisa Barracks, Warrnambool participated in Pilot Experience
(PEX) flights from Warrnambool airfield (YWBL).
All 4 Wing Cadets are given an introductory flight during their Combined Recruit Training activity.
August 2020 : 19Generally, Air Force Cadets are invited to have at least one instructional Pilot Experience (PEX)
flight each year under the supervision of a qualified flying instructor and at no cost to the cadet, to
lay the foundations for aviation career pathways.
These Cadets flew in the new Diamond DA40 NG training aircraft, operated by the Elementary
Flying Training School at RAAF Point Cook, over the picturesque Warrnambool coastline.
The EFTS is a subordinate unit of Aviation Operations Wing, AAFC, which has the aim of
delivering flying pathways through gliding and powered flying experiences and training.
CDT Thomas Delaney with his EFTS flying instructor WGCDR Dave Chaplin (RAAF) after
his PEX flight in a Diamond DA40 NG. Image by PLTOFF(AAFC) Jane McDonald.
August 2020 : 20LCDT Aisha Lowe with her EFTS flying instructor PLTOFF(AAFC) Chris Hulley after her
PEX flight in a Diamond DA40 NG. Image by PLTOFF(AAFC) Jane McDonald.
The Diamond DA40 NG, leased for exclusive use by the AAFC, features modern avionics and a
turbocharged jet-fuel piston engine, with contemporary navigation and flight control systems.
The Commander AAFC, Group Captain (AAFC) Mark Dorward said, “The Diamond DA40 aircraft
was chosen to provide a safe, comfortable and efficient means of positively inspiring young cadets’
interests in the aerospace and technology industries”.
Leading Cadet Dominic McCosh had this to say of his PEX flight: “My flight was absolutely
amazing; I enjoyed every single second of it. The best part was getting full control over the plane,
mainly having to point up, point down and turn, that was absolutely amazing”.
Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul A Rosenzweig
Public Affairs & Communication Officer
Aviation Operations Wing || Australian Air Force Cadets
August 2020 : 21CCPL Sasha Smith with his EFTS flying instructor PLTOFF(AAFC) Chris Hulley after his
PEX flight in a Diamond DA40 NG. Image by PLTOFF(AAFC) Jane McDonald.
Cadet Aaron Cahill (No 413 Squadron, AAFC) with his flying instructor PLTOFF(AAFC)
Chris Hulley after his PEX flight in a Diamond DA40 NG. Image by PLTOFF(AAFC) Jane
McDonald.
August 2020 : 22Air Force Cadets from Warrnambool’s No 413 Squadron with the AgustaWestland AW139
helicopter operated by the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service team at Warrnambool
airport. Image by PLTOFF(AAFC) Jane McDonald.
PEX, EFTS, HEMS, MICA:
Air Force Cadets learn acronyms
During a flying activity earlier this year for Air Force Cadets from No 413 Squadron
(Warrnambool), Captain (AUX) Matt Doyle arranged a visit to the Helicopter Emergency Medical
Service facility at Warrnambool airfield to help the Cadets learn about pathways to potential
aviation careers.
As well as being a Section Commander and aviation instructor with Point Cook Flight of the
Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS), Matt is a Recruiting Officer with Defence Force
Recruiting in Melbourne, and an Air Ambulance pilot employed by Babcock Mission Critical
Services Australasia in support of Air Ambulance Victoria.
Since that time Matt has transferred from the Army, and is now a Squadron-Leader in the Air Force
Reserve. Perhaps not surprisingly, Matt himself was once a Cadet – in 13 Flight (as it was then) of
the South Australian Air Training Corps (now No 613 Squadron, RAAF Edinburgh).
August 2020 : 23Air Force Cadets experienced the AgustaWestland AW139’s winch simulator, operated by
Aircrewman Guy Griffiths from Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia, engaged in
support of Air Ambulance Victoria (left to right): CDT Aaron Cahill, CDT Katherine Ryan,
CDT Angus Gardiner, LCDT Samuel Sutcliffe. Images by PLTOFF(AAFC) Jane McDonald.
Matt gave the Warrnambool Cadets a personalised tour of the Helicopter Emergency Medical
Service (HEMS) facility and its Air Ambulance.
Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft are operated for Ambulance Victoria by Air Ambulance
Victoria (AAV), based at Essendon Airport and at strategic locations throughout regional Victoria.
The Warrnambool-based HEMS4 has been providing an air ambulance service to south-west
Victoria since July 2009. The original AAV fleet comprised a Eurocopter AS365N3 Dauphin
helicopter and four Bell 412EP helicopters.
In 2015-16, these were replaced by AgustaWestland AW139 twin-engine helicopters. These are
bigger, faster and quieter, and can transport two stretcher patients at a time. Training and
operational processes have also been streamlined.
The AgustaWestland helicopters provide a response capability to everything from major trauma
incidents and life-threatening medical emergencies, to search and rescue operations. They also
transfer critically ill patients to major Melbourne hospitals.
The cadets learnt the mantra, ‘Every second counts in a life-threatening emergency’.
The Commanding Officer of No 413 Squadron based out of Tel el Eisa Barracks, Pilot Officer
(AAFC) Jane McDonald said, “The HEMS crew gave 413 SQN a fantastic briefing, and then the
cadets got in the cockpit, had a go on the winch simulator, and even got to wash the helicopter.
There were many, many questions and the HEMS team were fantastic and very gracious with their
time”.
Matt said, “We discussed career pathways for ADF aviation roles, as well as civil aviation roles
(including pilot, aircrew and engineer)”.
In addition, Andrew Osborne from Ambulance Victoria, a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance
(MICA) Flight Paramedic with HEMS4, spoke with the group about careers in para-medicine,
including the study required to reach the pinnacle of the paramedic career as a flight paramedic.
Apart from PEX, EFTS and DFR, these cadets have now added the acronyms YWBL, HEMS and
MICA to their vocabulary.
August 2020 : 24Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul A Rosenzweig
Public Affairs & Communication Officer
Aviation Operations Wing || Australian Air Force Cadets
Air Ambulance pilot Matt Doyle briefs Air Force Cadets from Warrnambool’s 413 Squadron
on the HEMS4 AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter. Images by PLTOFF(AAFC) Jane
McDonald.
August 2020 : 25Warrnambool’s 413 Squadron Cadets with the HEMS4 AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter:
MICA Flight Paramedic Andrew Osborne is on the group’s far right.
Cadet Meg Howells experiences the AgustaWestland AW139’s winch simulator. Images by
PLTOFF(AAFC) Jane McDonald.
August 2020 : 26Visiting the HEMS4 AgustaWestland AW139 was literally a “hands-on” experience: Leading
Cadets Nathan Sagnol (left) and Samuel Sutcliffe took the opportunity to give the helicopter
a clean at the end of their visit.
The 1930s Hawker Demon Propeller is now fully refurbished and on display at the
Macclesfield Sub-Branch RSL. Image by Pilot Officer (AAFC) Paul Lemar.
A DEMON PROPELLER
August 2020 : 27Now on display at Macclesfield RSL
Courtesy of the Australian Air Force Cadets, and a true community effort, an old decaying Hawker
Demon propeller from the 1930s is now fully refreshed with a new home – at the Macclesfield Sub-
Branch RSL in South Australia.
The Hawker Demon was a fighter variant of the Hawker Hart two-seater light bomber biplane, with
a supercharged Kestrel engine and a second Vickers machine-gun.
The first batch of six aircraft, known as ‘Hart Fighters’, were flown by No 23 Squadron RAF during
1931. This led to a larger order being placed, and the fighter was redesignated as ‘Hawker Demon’.
The Demon’s first official flight was conducted on 10 February 1933.
Of the 305 Demons built by Hawker Aircraft Limited at their Kingston factory in London, a total of
64 were acquired by the RAAF between May 1935 and May 1938, modified to suit Australian
conditions. These Demons were given the designation ‘A1’.
Just one complete Demon still exists – on permanent display at the RAAF Museum at Point Cook –
number ‘A1-8’, which had been flown by No 3 (AC) Army Co-operation Squadron from RAAF
Base Richmond.
An old Demon propeller had long been in the possession of 608 (Town of Gawler) Squadron
AAFC, but after a depot clean-up it was donated to No 622 (Rural City of Murray Bridge)
Squadron who were in a better position to refurbish it.
Due to the nature of the work involved however, it was in turn donated to a local RSL where it
could be safely prepared and mounted.
Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Lemar, Commanding Officer of No 602 Squadron and Temporary
Commanding Officer of No 622 Squadron, said: “The Australian Air Force Cadets have had a
special bond with the Returned & Services League, Macclesfield Sub-Branch for nearly 10 years,
with members from both 622 and 602 Squadrons attending every Twilight Anzac Service since
2011”.
The CO contacted the local Men’s Club (which included a few RSL members), and they offered to
restore the propeller for nothing.
The project took over 12 months. The restoration was done by a team of volunteers, including the
son of a gentleman who had actually worked in the Hawker Aircraft Limited factory in the UK
which had originally made the airframes.
They obtained specification details and schematics from the UK to help with the restoration – which
included soaking it in a bath of a special solution for 6 months, plus manufacturing special metal fly
pins and a replacement metal cutting edge for the propeller.
The story was due to reach its climax at the 19 April Twilight Anzac Service this year, when 622
Squadron could formally hand the propeller over. As with all Defence Cadets however, the AAFC
began an ‘operational pause’ in all activities from 16 March onwards.
August 2020 : 28The refurbishment of the Hawker Demon Propeller rated a write-up in the local newspaper
Just before the COVID-19 restrictions came into place, the propeller was mounted on the wall
inside the RSL Macclesfield Sub Branch. It was mounted by a licensed and qualified Stone Mason,
again for free.
The mounting bracket was specially constructed to hold the weight, and is anchored securely in the
1855 stone of the old building.
In due course a commemorative plaque will be put up acknowledging the AAFC and all involved in
the preservation of this important item of Australian aviation history.
As well as Macclesfield, local AAFC personnel have also attended Anzac Day services at nearby
Mannum, Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend, Mount Pleasant, Nairne, Kanmantoo, Littlehampton,
Hahndorf, Murray Bridge, Strathalbyn and Adelaide.
FLGOFF (AAFC) Lemar said, “This latest collaboration involving the Hawker Demon propeller
restoration reinforces the camaraderie with the local RSL Sub Branches, and brings into the
equation another community organisation – the Macclesfield Men’s Shed. With the contribution of
the volunteers from the Men’s Shed, the RSL and some local Macclesfield tradies, this project has
truly come to reflect Community”.
Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul A Rosenzweig
Public Affairs & Communication Officer
Aviation Operations Wing || Australian Air Force Cadets
August 2020 : 29Cadet Branch Staff member Wing Commander Samantha Freebairn
Our Air Force, Our People || Wing Commander Samantha Freebairn is a C-17A Globemaster pilot;
she's flown missions including combat and humanitarian relief. She also wrote the people policy
that made us a more conducive employer for dads and mums - like her - to return to operational
duty after having kids. Sam now works at Headquarters Australian Air Force Cadets.
In 2014, Sam won the Queensland Telstra Business Women’s Award in Business Innovation for her
Graduate Pilot Scheme, which incentivises military aviation to women who had never previously
considered it. This successfully doubled women pilot numbers in the Air Force in two years, after
numbers had remained stagnant for 30 years.
Find out more about Sam at https://news.defence.gov.au/peo…/career-journey-around-world
#AusAirForce #OurAirForceOurPeople #AirForce100 #ThenNowAlways
https://www.facebook.com/AusAirForce/videos/323393328682366/
August 2020 : 30EFTS Flight Amberley
A Heritage Listed building has been repurposed for our Cadet Powered Flying activities at
Amberley. Once the parachute packing building at Amberley it has now been relocated and
renovated ready for the Post Covid-19 flying activities.
August 2020 : 31IN THE MEDIA AAPT MAY 2020
Our colleagues at "Air Power Today" have published a great read on accreditation and the secrets to
a successful transition from a military to a civilian career; featuring Wing Commander(AAFC) Paul
Hughes CMgr FIML, former Officer Commanding No. 3Wing (NSW & ACT) and Lead Project
Officer for the Australian Air Force Cadets 80th/2021 Project.
Check out the magazine and read the full article here (page 20):
https://australianairpowertoday.com.au/…/…/mobile/index.html
August 2020 : 32August 2020 : 33
WINNER OF AVIATION DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED
written by Adam Thorn July 27, 2020
An Indian management student who migrated to Australia six years ago has become the
inaugural recipient of a UNSW scholarship designed to open up aviation to under-
represented groups.
Sydney Airport will pay for Manmeet Kaur to study at the university’s School of Aviation
in a scheme that the business hopes will run every year for 100 years.
The airport’s chief executive, Geoff Culbert, said the SYD100 initiative “provides under-
represented groups in our industry with access to the education they need, including people
with diverse cultural backgrounds, women and Indigenous students”.
Kaur is a first-year aviation management student at UNSW, and migrated to Australia from
India six years ago.
She attended high school in Western Australia and is an ex-Cadet Under Officer in the
Australian Air Force Cadets.
“The thrill of flying is what draws me to aviation,” Kaur said. “I’ve been involved in civil
and military aviation both through my family and my time in the cadets. This scholarship
means a lot to me and brings me immense positivity, especially during times of a global
pandemic.”
Kaur, the recipient of the inaugural SYD100 scholarship, and Geoff Culbert, CEO of Sydney Airport.
Last year, Australian Aviation reported that the International Air Transport Association
(IATA) launched a similar campaign to expand the number of women employed in aviation
August 2020 : 34by 25 per cent over the next five years, with a particular focus on under-represented areas
such as pilots and senior executives.
Called 25by2025, the campaign is a voluntary commitment by participating IATA member
airlines, with the likes of China Eastern, Lufthansa Group and Qatar Airways already signed
up.
While there was currently no comprehensive airline industry-wide gender diversity
reporting, IATA said the best estimates showed women made up about 5 per cent of the
global pilot population and 3 per cent of aviation chief executives.
A CADET’S LIFE IN 5 MINUTES
We have a great initiative from Chris Meuzelaar from Albany WA. Chris has asked some of his ex
Cadets a few questions on their life and times as a Cadet and giving us a Cadet’s Life in 5 minutes.
You may like to try it and send in your comments.
Hi Sir,
Got this idea for an article to publish, let me know if you like the idea and I will get some ex 7wg
cadets to fill it out as a first of for the next issue, you would then be able to get others to reply to the
newsletter by filling out the questionnaire, hopefully it would engage the audience out there and get
some useful feedback for the AAFC/RAAF. It could be ongoing as a series from one newsletter to
the next as room provides.
Regards,
Chris
Name & Rank:
a) So what made you want to be a cadet?
b) What is your first memory of cadets?
c) What is your best memory of cadets?
d) Which Instructor/Senior Cadet had the biggest impact on your life, why?
e) What did cadets teach you most?
f) What would you tell a new recruit joining today?
Still waiting for your story to share.
Our Canadian brothers
We can’t visit them this year with IACE
https://aircadetleague.com/join-us/air-cadet-alumni/
Museums Mutual Support
We have been featuring various Aviation Museums in Australia. We have contacted several
Aviation Museums for mutual support. We have offered to showcase some of their activities
provided they are willing to display our flyers and any other recruiting material in order for us both
August 2020 : 35to grow. In this edition we have the May Newsletter from the South Australian Aviation Museum.
Now reopened on 6 June.
http://www.saam.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/PM-May20.pdf
August 2020 : 36Letters
A request from Warwick Ross for members of 24 Flight Cleveland Street High School:
Dear Sir,
Do you have any records of personnel of 24 Flight at Cleveland Street High School between 1959
to 1961?
Thank You
Warwick D. Ross
wdross@aett.com.au
Ken Johnson
Hello,
In the May 2020 Magazine, it was great to read the letter from Neil Northeast and learn that he
retired from the AAFC as a Group Captain and inaugural commander.
I thought you might like to see him as one of the instructor staff of the 1968 cadet sergeants’ course
at RAAF Edinburgh (attached photo).
I was a member of No.14 Flight Mitchell Park Boys Tech HS when I did that course.
It is excellent that SGT Northeast had such a great career and the ATC through to the AAFC was
extremely fortunate to have him.
Congratulations on a great magazine.
All the best
Ken Johnson
August 2020 : 37Hi Brady, fantastic job you are doing with the magazine and very much appreciated. Brings back a
lot of the best time memories of my teenage years. Sorry I haven't got much else to contribute. My
eldest grandson is currently a Sergeant in his WA Squadron and absolutely loving it. So much he is
planning on applying for entry to the ADF College when he finishes school.
Please keep the magazine as is. If people don’t like parts of it, they don’t have to read it.
Cheers and keep up the good work.
Dennis Menzies
Ex CUO 2Flt
WASQN
1957-60
Ex RAAF 1961-67 Base Squadron
Emerg AirForce 1967 - 73 5 ACS ( Construction of Tindal and Learmonth. 2 weeks a year.)
Flying a Four Drawer Desk.
G'day Gents,
I trust that you are both well. Nice of you to have reintroduced the quiz.
That's a great collection of Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft. Starting in the foreground there's a
Vickers Supermarine Seafire Mk.I (three bladed prop), Vought F4U Corsair, a Grumman Martlet
(as the F4F-4 Wildcat was known in Royal Navy service) just to the left of centre, Fairey
Barracudas on the right, Hawker Sea Hurricane and a Fairey Firefly FR.1 to round out the
collection. It would have to be mid-war, 1942- early 1944, given the aircraft types and fuselage
roundels. Based on the wide range of aircraft and where most of the sailors are working I'd say that
it is some sort of maintenance training facility, almost certainly supporting the European/North
Atlantic theatre given the fuselage roundels.
Very interesting picture.
Best regards,
Mick Gilbert
Hi Brady
(I) in reading the May issue I was somewhat surprised of the difficulties encountered by
Deborah Lawrie to break into commercial aviation. In doing a conversion onto Chipmunks
at RVAC in 1961 I was instructed by one B. Young also the Queensland Premier had a
female pilot ? (Editor, Beth Garrett was the RVAC female instructor later RFDS, great
instructor)
(II) What part of the Quiz questions did THE FOUR object to ?
(III) Just in case this was a test I believe that in the articles on the Vampire the pilot was the
same W/Co - was he a Cumming or a Dimming ? (Editor, it was Gel Cumming, later Air
Commodore Cumming, some great tales there too)
August 2020 : 38Regards Tony Syphur
John Shepherd
Aah, starched detachable collars and beatle crushers - remember them well...
What our RAF Cadets are up to
https://www.facebook.com/38145396705/posts/10156742446186706/
Our Canadian Cadets have an Alumni
https://aircadetleague.com/join-us/air-cadet-alumni/
Feedback
Please feel free to send through any feedback or suggestions you may have to us at
AlumniDirector@aircadetsalumni.org.au
Keep in Touch // 2020 + Beyond
Many of you are reading this Newsletter after logging on to our Alumni Web Site. You can come
and join us, at no cost. Thanks to our friends at the AAFC for running our advertisement.
August 2020 : 39Are you leaving the Australian Air Force Cadets? You can keep in touch with mates through our
network website & social pages. It's also a great opportunity to contribute your experience and ideas
to help the Air Force Cadets of tomorrow.
Current and past staff are also welcome! Stay connected via the Australian Air Cadets Alumni
Network.
www.aircadetsalumni.org.au
#airforcecadets
August 2020 : 40August 2020 : 41
Back On Parade
An important post from Group Captain (AAFC) Mark Dorward
Commander – Australian Air Force Cadets
CDF has now provided approval to restart ADFC parades. The restart will be subject to COVID
return to work strategies about to be released by the National Headquarters.
Further details regarding risk management and approval will also shortly be released via
Information Circular. At this stage only home parades and day activities will be approved.
August 2020 : 42Requirements will still be dependent on and subject to any state-based restrictions which take
precedence.
Preparations for the first staff parade should be made to occur no earlier than in the week
commencing 27 Jul 20 with cadet parades commencing one week later from Monday 3 Aug 20.
Further information will be provided in the coming week to ensure adequate planning, preparation
and training is provided to all involved.
I am sure many of you will be excited to return to cadets and I thank everyone for their patience.
Ensuring our steps are considered and graduated so that we are as safe as reasonably practicable
will be of the highest importance.
Kind regards
Group Captain(AAFC) Mark Dorward
Commander – Australian Air Force Cadets
Until November, Fly Safe
We have been given a challenge of appealing to a younger cohort, recently age retired cadets and
younger staff members. If you have any suggestions, we would love to hear them.
Don’t forget to update your email address when NBN comes to you. Drop us a
line when you have some time.
August 2020 : 43August 2020 : 44
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