Seven new RNZAF pilots get their ‘Wings’
Seven newly qualified RNZAF pilots got their ‘Wings’ or brevets from New Zealand’s Chief of Defence Force at a parade at Air Force Base Ohakea today.
Lieutenant General Tim Keating said presentation of the pilot’s brevet signified the successful completion of tough flight training.
“The award of the pilot’s brevet or ‘Wings’ represents a milestone in every military pilot’s career, and is the culmination of a very demanding but rewarding period of training,” Lieutenant General Keating said.
“This new generation of New Zealand Defence Force pilots shows the continued capability of the organisation.”
The RNZAF pilot’s course is difficult and challenging. The graduates started with Initial Officer Training at Base Woodbourne. After this they completed aviation medical training and survival training. The next step was at Pilot Training Squadron learning to fly the CT-4E Airtrainer, culminating in 130 hours flying time. The final step was at No. 42 Squadron learning the complex systems of the King Air aircraft and flying as single pilot captains accruing a further 90 hours.
The new pilots will go on to fly A109, NH90 or Seasprite helicopters, or C-130 Hercules, Boeing 757s or P-3K2 Orions fixed-wing aircraft.
The 2015 graduating pilots are:
- Flying Officer Patrick James – Havelock North
- Flying Officer Andrew Sunde – Ohai
- Flying Officer Christopher Fon-Lowe – Auckland
- Flying Officer Max Longdill – Kumeu
- Flight Lieutenant Alexandra Borlase – Nelson
- Flying Officer Alastair Brown – Auckland
- Flying Officer Tristan Nysse – Wellington
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