Excellence recognised at Pilot Graduation
Nine new pilots trained in T-6C Texan II aircraft have graduated at Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Ohakea in Manawatu.
The graduates from Hastings, Palmerston North, Auckland, Dunedin, Sydney, Alberta, Christchurch, Masterton and Havelock North received their brevets from the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Rear Admiral Jim Gilmour in front of proud family, friends and fellow RNZAF personnel.
In his speech Rear Admiral Gilmour said the course was tough for a good reason
“Military aviation is inherently dangerous, demanding the highest degree of skill and professionalism. Nothing less than the best will do, for a good reason,” he said.
“There has been constant, unrelenting study and pressure to perform, and you have shown resilience, tenacity and determination to get through and finally stand here today.
“You are here to perform military operations on behalf of New Zealand.”
Flying Officer Lachie Huddleston won the three top achievement awards: the RNZAF Sword of Honour, the De Lange Cup, and the Wigram Trophy.
The new pilots will now be posted either to the RNZAF rotary-wing fleet, to learn the skills of flying helicopters on the Augusta A109 Light Utility Helicopter at №3 Squadron, or the fixed-wing fleet learning to fly multi-engine aircraft on the Hawker Pacific King Air 350 at №42 Squadron.
The helicopter pilots will then go on to fly the NH90 or Seasprite helicopters at №3 or №6 Squadrons respectively, while the multi-engine pilots will go on fly either the Hercules or Boeing 757 at №40 Squadron, or the Orion at №5 Squadron.
