Born and raised in Cairns, Corporal William Spray had his eyes on the future when he enlisted in Army at age 18. 

However, the job satisfaction and pride he now has as an aircraft technician supervisor on the Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter (ARH) at the 1st Aviation Regiment in Darwin have far exceeded expectations.

Enlisting as a rifleman in 2005 before moving to the Royal Australian Armoured Corps in a Cavalry Regiment, Corporal Spray deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan before transitioning to aircraft technician in 2015. 

It is a move that would have made his grandfather, who served in British naval aviation in World War 2, very proud.

Having trade knowledge and training recognised outside the Australian Defence Force was what interested Corporal Spray. 

“The nationally accredited aircraft technician training sets you up well with qualifications and certificates that are recognised for the rest of your life,” Corporal Spray said. 

'Now I get the ARH Tiger ready for flight, dealing with everything that spins, drives and makes it fly.'

Initial trade training comprises 18 months at the RAAF School of Technical Training, Wagga Wagga, followed by six months completing the aircraft equipment maintenance course at the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Aircraft Maintenance School at Oakey, Queensland.

“Now I get the ARH Tiger ready for flight, dealing with everything that spins, drives and makes it fly,” Corporal Spray said.

Attack helicopters provide reconnaissance, firepower and the coordination of effects to support land force operations. 

Aircraft technicians ensure Army’s helicopter fleet is ready to deploy whenever and wherever needed.

Corporal Spray said the best part of the job was the personal satisfaction at the end of each day. 

“When you’ve worked hard troubleshooting an issue and it’s finally resolved, you get to see what you’ve achieved when the helicopter takes flight,” he said.

“Everyone you meet is keen and eager and wants to be there. Everyone is motivated and professional. It’s a great place to work.”

With the transition from ARH Tiger to AH-64E Apache commencing in late 2025, training has already started in the United States and United Kingdom.

The Apache brings capability improvements that will enhance the lethality and tempo of land and amphibious force manoeuvres.

To learn more about a career as an aircraft technician in the Australian Army, visit www.adfcareers.gov.au/jobs/army/aircraft-technician