Adapt and Evolve-35SQN

Adapt and Evolve 35 Squadron is embracing challenges to ensure loadmasters are skilled up

Air Force C-27J Spartan aircrew from 35 Squadron participate in the Loadmaster Initial Qualification course during a series of training missions over NSW. Defence images.

Adapted training programs and remote learning have ensured pilots and loadmasters from 35SQN continued their training during COVID-19 travel restrictions.

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 35SQN 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 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 as much of the learning and planning for their flights from home, including study sessions by video call, group messages, directed study and instructors maintaining availability to be contacted out of work hours.

Loadmaster student LAC 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,” LAC 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 training course was duly adapted.

FLTLT Justin Stevens and PLTOFF Mitchell Pieper-Miels, C-27J Spartan aircrew from No. 35 Squadron, conduct an instrument approach as part of a training mission during a series of training missions during a Pilot Initial Qualification course.

“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, “Pilot Officer Pieper-Miels said.

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