Pilots graduate in the West

By PTE John Wellfare

OFFCDT Mitch Beck receives his pilots wings from AVM Geoffrey Shepherd.

Photo by PTE John Wellfare.

EIGHT new pilots recently graduated from the 201st flying training course at RAAF Base Pearce in a tough program that 13 of the original 21 trainees failed to complete.

The reviewing officer for the course graduation parade, Air Commander Air Vice-Marshal Geoffrey Shepherd, told the pilots they “have much to live up to”.

“You join the ranks of heroes [and] ... their history is now yours. In many ways this is just the beginning. You are now qualified to undergo further training.

“You cannot relax; you must continue your hard work to achieve the highest levels of professional excellence, leadership and teamwork in the operational environment.”

The new graduates formed up alongside trainees part-way through the challenging course and graduates of recent courses on the No. 2 Flight Training School parade ground, to receive their wings from AVM Shepherd in front of family and a number of former World War II pilots from the West Australian Fighter Association.

Officer Cadet Sean Rutledge was awarded dux of the course. He also received the awards for most proficient pilot, highest collective academic marks and highest level of navigation skill.

Officer Cadet Robert Procter received awards for showing the highest level of aerobatic skill and being the most proficient pilot at instrument flying.

Officer Cadet Mitch Beck received the award for displaying the highest qualities in leadership. All three of the award-winning graduates have been posted to No. 79 Squadron.

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