Navy’s major group at 2FTS

ABOVE: L-R: Instructor LCDR Tim Leonard, MIDN Hunter, SBLT Oates, LEUT Kirk, MIDN Carter, COMAUSNAVAIRGRP, CDRE Geoff Ledger, SBLT Donaldson, MIDN Hamilton, SBLT Smith, SBLT Vandebeek, LEUT Carey, MIDN Seymour, MIDN Mills, LEUT Scorey. Photo by CPL Gary Dixon.

By LCDR Andrew Crocker
Not since the mid 1980’s has No. 2 Flight Training School had so many Navy student pilots. The 12 young men and women are from 194 to 197 Pilot’s Courses.

These students are currently undergoing the advanced phase of pilot training at RAAF PEARCE, north of Perth. During their seven months at 2FTS each of these students will fly 130 hours in the high performance PC9 trainer. They will learn techniques in general flying, formation, navigation and night flying.

The students recently gathered to celebrate the graduation of 194 Pilot’s Course which included two new Naval Aviators, SBLT Warren Oates and SBLT Chris Smith. Warren and Chris are posted to 723 Squadron to begin rotary wing conversion. The graduation of 194 included a parade with a formation fly past and was attended by COMAUSNAVAIRGRP, CDRE Geoff Ledger.

If you are interested in becoming a Navy pilot you can check out the Aviation FEG page in Navy Information Web for a step by step guide to selection or approach your Divisional Officer for assistance.

 

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