Expanding the family circle

Volume 48, No. 16, Sepetember 7, 2006

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY: OFFCDT Scott Merrick, with his trophies, is flanked by his mother CPL Cath Moss, brothers LS Ross Merrick and SMN Neil Merrick, and his stepfather FSGT Colin Moss. Scott has wanted to fly since he was a child, when his mother was posted to Amberley. Photo by LAC Allan Cooper

FIFTY weeks of ground and flying training paid dividends for the latest member of a military family.

His mother, CPL Cath Moss, and step-father FSGT Colin Moss from RAAF Base Pearce, and his brothers LS Ross Merrick and SMN Neil Merrick watched proudly as OFFCDT Scott Merrick graduated from the Advanced Pilots’ Course at 2FTS on August 4.

Fourteen members of 205 Pilots’ course graduated.

OFFCDT Merrick was a triple winner. As well as graduating under the scrutiny of his family, he won the trophy for most improvement and the award for instrument flying.
OFCDT Merrick said he had put in a lot of hard work on the course.

“It’s pretty rewarding … very satisfying. I put in a lot of hard work.

“It was great because I had the support of my wife and daughter and [the rest of the] family. They were all really happy and proud of my achievement.

“I’ve wanted to fly since I was a kid. Mum joined the Air Force and was posted to [RAAF Base] Amberley. I saw military flying and knew I had to do it — I want to end up flying Hornets,” he said.

As is customary, prior to the graduation, 2FTS paid tribute to the student pilots. Each student was hosted by a QFI in a Thunderbird formation flypast.

OFFCDT Aaron Jones said it had been, “an incredibly intensive two and a half years work.

“It’s great to finally graduate and I’m really excited to be posted to an operational unit.”

Other award winners on the 205 course were: FLTLT Shannon Kennedy, Dux of the Course, Most Proficient Pilot, Highest Academic Marks and the Navigation award; Aerobatics OFFCDT Jacob Ralph; and Leadership prize OFFCDT William Harwood.

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