That’s AAA first

Pilot Officer Catherine Hamilton Photo by LACW Simone Liebelt

By LACW Simone Liebelt

A FORMER crew attendant has become the first female to graduate from the Airmen/Airwomen Access to the Academy (AAA) scheme at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).

Completing the first step in her new career as an Air Traffic Controller (ATC), Pilot Officer Catherine Hamilton graduated from ADFA with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English and Indonesian from the University of New South Wales on December 10. She starts her ATC course in March.

The AAA scheme was introduced in 1996 to help fill engineering positions before opening up to other officer categories such as navigators, logistics and administration officers.

Successful applicants complete Officer Training School at RAAF Point Cook before being posted to the Advanced Students Division at ADFA to study their degree followed by specialist training at another location.

Joining the Air Force as a clerk 13 years ago, PLTOFF Hamilton said her aspiration to become an ATC seemed unachievable until she discovered the AAA scheme.

“I think the scheme is a brilliant opportunity for people who want to get up and do something more with their career,” she said.

“You not only surprise yourself at what your strengths are academically but you become so aware of your own leadership style and abilities. It’s been a very memorable three years and I would recommend it to anyone.”

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