9 July 2025
A full cohort of pilots has graduated from the challenging Introductory Fighter Course (IFC) at 76 Squadron for the first time since the introduction of the Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter aircraft in 2000.
Ten out of 10 pilots graduated from Number 1/25IFC at RAAF Base Williamtown on June 27.
The tactical phase of the IFC is a challenging, five-month course where trainees learn the fundamentals of Air-Air combat and Air-Surface weapon delivery.
Due to the challenging nature of these skills, it is extremely rare to complete a course with a 100 per cent success rate, let alone with a very large course of 10 participants.
Alongside the full cohort of pilot graduates were three weapons systems operators who also graduated IFC, and will go on to undertake operational conversion as rear-seat weapon systems officers and electronic warfare officers.
Commanding Officer 76 Squadron Wing Commander Michael Green outlined what an excellent achievement this was for the squadron and Air Force at large.
“Over the preceding five years, the output from 76 Squadron and the Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter pipeline has been low,” Wing Commander Green said.
“This was due to many factors, most notably due to the challenges associated with introducing the Pilatus PC-21 into the Pilot Training System and the COVID pandemic.”
'To emerge from this period and graduate 10 quality pilots from 10 candidates is remarkable.'
Exacerbating these challenges was the re-engine project for the Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter, which reduced aircraft availability over the previous 18 months.
Out of the 10 graduating, five will commence operational conversion to the F-35A Lightning II, two will begin operational conversion to the F/A-18F Super Hornet, and two will proceed to the United States for EA-18G Growler operational conversion.
The remaining graduate will stay at 76 Squadron awaiting operational conversion in 2026.
“To emerge from this period and graduate 10 quality pilots from 10 candidates is remarkable,” Wing Commander Green said.
“The icing on the cake for this achievement is that all 10 have performed to an extremely high standard. This is critical for Air Combat Group as there is not only a need for increased numbers flowing into the operational squadrons, but a need for aircrew that will excel in their role.”
'Training pilots is a continuum and every unit along the pipeline needs to understand their part and do it well.'
Wing Commander Green highlighted how proud he was in particular of the hard work and dedication of his team, who undertook the course short-staffed while concurrently training newly posted-in instructors.
“I am extremely proud of how every instructor took on the task and made it happen,” he said.
“The can-do attitude and positivity was incredibly heart-warming, not only achieving the graduation goal but also generating an enjoyable place to work.”
Wing Commander Green highlighted the work conducted by other Air Force squadrons in getting the pilots to 76 Squadron.
“Whilst the 10/10 graduation is the output from 76 Squadron, equally important is the work that other squadrons in the Pilot Training System have done in preparing the trainees with the knowledge, skills and attitude required to be successful,” he said.
“Training pilots is a continuum and every unit along the pipeline needs to understand their part and do it well.
“I am very keen to see how this cadre perform on the next part of the continuum – the frontline Operational Conversions. I expect them to excel.”
