By FLGOFF Julia Ravell
Volume 48, No. 9, June 01, 2006
 |
|
CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd presents the AVM Eaton Award to CPL Justin Hayden from 6SQN at the Air Force Award nights at RAAF Base Glenbrook. |
| Photo by LACW Amanda Campbell |
CPL Justin Hayden, Air Force’s Airman of the Year for 2006, has the “right stuff”.
He has helped to promote the Air Force within the wider community through active involvement in civic events, public parades, fundraising and local sports competitions.
His dedication and enthusiasm over a broad range of activities has enhanced the organisational priorities of 6SQN, RAAF Base Amberley.
But it is CPL Hayden’s innovative contributions to F-111 avionics and his exemplary Service record that won him this year’s AVM Eaton Award for Airman of the Year.
F-111 fuel tank maintenance has caused compensation claims from members injured while working within the hazardous confines of fume-filled aircraft.
CPL Hayden responded to this problem by developing a training aid that has significantly improved the safety margins of difficult in-tank operations.
“Previously we had a lot of problems with training in new maintenance jobs hampered by protective gear inside the enclosed tanks,” CPL Hayden said.
“Introducing a training routine that allows us to practise sealing outside the aircraft has halved the amount of time that we have to spend in the harmful fumes of the tank.”
CPL Hayden’s innovation and other modifications to fuel tank entry tasks have become standard procedure, greatly improving training efficiency and leading to more effective and timely fuel tank maintenance.
CPL Hayden joined the Air Force in 2001, completing his avionics training at RAAF Base Wagga and receiving a CO’s award before posting to 6SQN to work on F-111s.
In addition to the AVM Eaton Award, CPL Hayden was presented with a commendation from CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd as part of the Airman of the Year honour, the citation noting his “outstanding contribution to Air Force”.
CPL Hayden said, “It was fantastic to be rewarded for all my hard work and I was thrilled to meet the CAF. My parents flew all the way from Mt. Gambier and were very proud to be part of the night.”
