Air Force Cadets

Alex flying into sky solo at 15 years

Toowoomba teenager Alexander Aiga-Webb celebrated a milestone moment and took his first solo flight to celebrate his 15th birthday on Sunday 1st March.

The Toowoomba Anglican School student follows behind Emily Taylor who was the first to undertake a solo flight at such a young age at the Darling Downs Aero Club in 2016.

Alexander's interest in flying escalated after joining the Australian Air Force Cadets 210 Squadron last year.

As part of the that he attended a six day excursion camp at the Amberley Air Force Base, and flew in a military air force training aircraft and was beside himself.

According to his father Garry, he returned from the camp and decided he wanted to learn to fly. "Nothing stops him, he has done indoor sky diving and is a motocross enthusiast at Morgan Park, and now flying," Mr Aiga-Webb said.

Alexander did his orientation flight on October 16 last year, becoming a member of the Darling Downs Aero club the following day, and passed his solo flying exam on March 1. "I love flying because of the multi-dimensional aspect, motocross and motorcycle road racing because of the exhilaration, speed and excitement," Alexander said.

He said before he undertook his first solo flight in March, he was extremely excited. "While I was flying, there was no other feeling to compare it to," Alexander said. "It was amazing, the feeling of being in full control of the plane by yourself. "I was especially happy that I had done my solo on my 15th birthday and being the youngest legal age to be able to do so."

Alexander said he was currently considering following a career path into law, but hoped to incorporate his love of flying. "With flying, I would be able to provide service to clients in remote areas," he said.

Toowoomba Anglican School's deputy head Gordon Oldham said the Australian Air Force Cadets 210 Squadron was advertised to the students through the school, but it was not compulsory or part of the curriculum.

Mr Oldham said with the school's flexible curriculum, it was able to give students like Alexander release time from scheduled lessons or activities when they see that it will assist in the development of a particular pursuit. "Alexander is a determined young man," he said. "He is experiencing success in a range of fields and flying is his latest impressive achievement. "Alexander is also an excellent motorcycle rider and has some lofty dreams when it comes to challenges which await him in the future. "He is also achieving great things with the naval cadets, as well as being involved in a range of school activities such as debating."

Alexander said the Australian Air Force Cadets 210 Squadron had also been extremely supportive of him with his flying lessons. "The best part about it is the different activities it allows me to experience such as flying, outdoor knowledge and make a variety of new friends," he said. "As well, my school has been extremely supportive of me throughout the time I have been here, helping me incorporate my flying lessons along with Australian Air Force Cadets, motocross and motorcycle road racing among my schoolwork."

Alexander has been awarded the Warrant Officer award by the 210 Squadron for being 'the new kid on the block that has lifted the level of professionalism in cadets to a new height'.

Helen Walker | Queensland Country Life

Air Force Cadets - Superloop 500

RAAF pilots, Flight Lieutenants Kyle (left) and John visit Australian Air Force Cadets. (left to right) Cadet Erika Huntley, Cadet Corporal Riley Hobbs, Cadet Corporal Cooper Edginton and Leading Cadet Cory Forbes at Defence Corner during the Superloop Adelaide 500.

The Australian Defence Force has proudly showcased its capabilities through technology and teamwork at the Superloop Adelaide 500 from 20-23 February 2020.

A RAAF F/A-18 Classic Hornet from Number 75 Squadron based at RAAF Base Tindal performed an adrenaline pumping aerial display on both race days and a low-level flypast over Pit Straight before the main race on the Sunday.

At ‘Defence Corner’, Supercar fans browsed through

Damascus student Jamie Dove is taking his first flights toward becoming a RAAF fighter jet pilot

Defence displays featuring Team Army’s street machines, 1st Brigade’s armoured vehicles and RAAF Base Edinburgh’s equipment and capabilities.

Defence Force Recruiting career staff were also on hand with information and resources to get career journeys started.

ADF participation in the Adelaide 500 provided the opportunity to showcase local Defence capabilities and importantly highlight the dedication and commitment of our ADF men and women who serve at home and abroad on operations.

Damascus College student Jamie Dove has big, fast dreams of becoming a RAAF fighter jet pilot.

Over the school holidays he'll take his first flights toward his dream when he works toward his first solo flight during an Australian Air Force Cadet camp at Point Cook.

Jamie is one of 16 aspiring pilots chosen from more than 100 applicants for the AAF training course, having attended a week of exams, panel interviews, team building exercises, instructional advice and uniform inspections in December. "As part of the course we did a week of theory in Point Cook where we received a pilot kit and learnt basic aeronautical knowledge, and also had the opportunity to do an introduction flight, where I got to taxi out the Diamond DA40 NG four seater aircraft." "I loved being able to get some hands on experience in the aircraft rather than just observing," he said.

Jamie will spend the two weeks of the coming school holidays learning to fly, with the ultimate aim of flying solo at the end of the course. "I am a little bit nervous about the prospect of flying solo, but also extremely excited by the opportunity it presents."

Jamie joined the Australian Air Force Cadets two years ago after a friend dragged him along. He began as a cadet and over the past two years has progressed through the ranks to become Leading Cadet, Cadet Corporal, and has recently become a Cadet Sergeant which enables him to teach classes on field craft, aviation and drill (marching). Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has thrown his support behind the local recruitment for Moree's Australian Air Force Cadets.

"I didn't realise how far I would progress and I've found myself loving the aviation side. There's been a couple of opportunities open up for me during my years in cadets which I've taken."

Although interested in aviation before joining the AAFC, Jamie had not really considered a career in the military - now he has his sights set firmly on becoming a fighter jet pilot. "It's so fun just being up in the air. Not many people my age actually get to go up in the sky and fly a plane. It's cool, it's such a different experience from driving or riding a bike or walking - it's something you don't do every day and it's such a cool experience."

To get a head start on his fast jet future, Jamie has a goal to get his recreational pilot licence before he turns 18 and is keen to start lessons after what he hopes will be his first solo flight soon after.

Michelle Smith | www.thecourier.com.au

Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton backs local Moree cadet recruitment

Moree's 339 Squadron is currently on the hunt for teenagers to join their force. "If you're aged between 12 and 16 years old in the Moree community and you're looking for a new challenge, I'd encourage you to consider this opportunity," Mr Coulton said. "Youth development in our rural and regional communities is so important. "Joining the Australian Air Force Cadets provides a great chance for young locals to meet other likeminded people, develop their leadership and communication skills and even learn to fly."

Mr Coulton said 339 Squadron is open for interested teenagers every Thursday night in February and March.

Applicants must be an Australian resident and in good health, and must also have permission from their parent or guardian.

Further details can be obtained from Donna McWhirter, on 0488 778 492 or via email co.339sqn@airforcecadets.gov.au