Time flys on PC9s

CONGRATS: LCDR Dave Walker.

Navy pilot LCDR Dave Walker has reached a unique career milestone by clocking up 2000 hours in PC9 aircraft.

The Central Flying School (CFS) instructor celebrated his achievement recently at the Forward Air Control Development Unit (FACDU) at RAAF Base Williamtown.
He had flown his 2000th hour in a FACDU aircraft while working with the unit as part of his CFS instructor role.

He conducts standardisation checks on PC9 flying instructors throughout the Air Force.
The milestone was achieved during a smoke marking sortie – which is something CFS PC9s can’t do – at Saltash Range, near Williamtown.

He is also a local boy, having grown up at Maitland, just west of Newcastle.
“I always look forward to visiting FACDU,” he said.
“They have some unique challenges that we at CFS try to help them overcome, rather than just being a testing agency.”

‘The flying is also a bit different and usually good fun.’
– LCDR Dave Walker

LCDR Walker’s relationship with FACDU also extends beyond the professional, as he was in the same ADFA class as the unit’s commanding officer and the same pilot’s course as the unit’s executive officer.
FACDU Commanding Officer SQNLDR John Davidson expressed appreciation for his naval counterpart.
“While the aircraft CFS and FACDU operate are similar, the roles and focus of the units are very different,” SQNLDR Davidson said.

“He has always recognised our needs and tailored his efforts to meeting both of our [unit’s] requirements. He is a role model for the relationship between a central regulator and the units they support.

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