Features
Firsts out west


Edition 4909, 31 May, 2007
 
TOP EXPERIENCE: Tiger Moth pilot SQNLDR Paul Falconer-West (right) with 719SQN cadets at 7WG AAFC’s Air Experience Camp at RAAF Base Pearce.
 
Number 7 Wing, Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC), achieved a number of firsts in March when No. 719 Squadron (Armadale) held its annual Air Experience camp.

719SQN became the first AAFC squadron to operate a Tiger Moth at RAAF Base Pearce.

The aircraft’s crew comprised No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron’s Air Force Liaison Officer to 7WG, SQNLDR Paul Falconer-West, and PLTOFF (AAFC) Sean Murray. It was the first time SQNLDR Falconer-West had ferried a Tiger Moth to and from Pearce and the first time PLTOFF Murray had flown the Tiger Moth at the base.

It was also the first time the 10 cadets who participated in the camp flew in the veteran former Air Force trainer.

The RAAF acquired Tiger 37 – the former A17-37 – on July 5, 1940, and during its career it flew at bases at Richmond, Narromine, Cootamundra and Benalla. Disposed of after World War II, it finally entered a new career with the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia in 1979.

SQNLDR Falconer-West said the students thoroughly enjoyed the camp and the experience of flying the vintage plane.

“Their comments ranged from ‘a different, great experience’, and ‘one of the most fun things I’ve ever done’ to ‘awesome’,” he said.

“LCDT Courtney Wilson turned 16 on March 25 and she declined her parents’ invitation to celebrate it so she could attend the camp and fly in the Tiger Moth.

“She flew a Cessna 152 first and then the Tiger. She told me that the unique experience of flying on her birthday was something she would never forget.

“LCDT Wilson is aspiring to become a nursing officer and I think it is rare to find such commitment in today’s youth.

“This again highlights the value of the AAFC to help young people focus strongly on their future goals,” SQNLDR Falconer-West said.