On familiar territory

By FLTLT John McCourt

SQNLDR Werachai Jong Pipittaporn carries out a pre-flight inspection of a Sidewinder missile on his F-16 Falcon.

Photo by CPL Michelle Lucraft

ALTHOUGH Pitch Black 04 was the first time the Royal Thai Air Force took part in an exercise in Australia, it was familiar territory to RTAF Squadron Leader Werachai Jong Pipittaporn.

SQNLDR Pipittaporn, an F-16 instructor, began his familiarisation with Australia as an air cadet, visiting Perth, Sydney, Canberra and Darwin.

The 36-year-old entered the RTAF in 1989 and is attached to Wing 1 at Korat Air Force Base. He was one of 24 Thai pilots involved in PB04.

“Our involvement in Pitch Black has given us the chance to develop our skills alongside the French Air Force for the first time. The experience will be very beneficial,” he said.

SQNLDR Pipittaporn has a desire to return to Australia “because it is so different to my country. The diversity in the weather is amazing; it can be snowing in the south and be very hot in the north. And it’s big – very big.” He also liked the “relaxed and friendly” attitude of Australians.

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