Pilot flies in for a pleasant surprise

2002 Pilot of the Year Flight Lieutenant Matt McCormack. Photo by LAC Clint Higgins

Flight Lieutenant Matt McCormack knew that his mission was a significant one as he took his final flight with No. 3 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown before heading to Canada on an exchange posting.

What he didn’t realise is that there would also be a reception committee waiting on the ground at the base to present him with the 2002 Fighter Pilot of the Year Award.

Otherwise known as the Sir Richard Williams Trophy, the award is presented annually to the Air Force’s most proficient fighter pilot during their first tour at a Hornet squadron.

There to present the award was the Commander of Air Combat Group, Air Commodore John Quaife, along with FLTLT McCormack’s mates from 3SQN, No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit and representatives from No. 81 Wing and Air Combat Group.

“Being nominated for an award like this is pretty impressive, but to be selected as the winner from among your peers is even more so,” Air Commodore Quaife said.

“The competition to enter fighter pilot training is very intense, as is the training itself. The individuals who make up the fighter pilot community are all extremely capable, so this is something to really be proud of.”

FLTLT McCormack left on October 14 for his new posting to No. 410 Squadron with the Canadian Air Force in Cold Lake, Alberta where he will be instructing on the CF-18 fighter.

The winner of the 2001 Fighter Pilot of the Year award, Flight Lieutenant Kirby Glass, has also gone on to spread his wings on an overseas exchange posting.

FLTLT Glass is stationed in Lemoore, California with the United States Navy.

• By FLTLT Christine Bradley

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