Falcon crew completes pioneering course
The first Air Force crew attendants to complete their initial aircraft conversion on the newly acquired Dassault Falcon 7X graduated on February 5.
CAPTION: Crew attendants Leading Aircraftwoman Sophie Noonan, left, Leading Aircraftwoman Madeleine Braz, Leading Aircraftman Josh Lenard and Leading Aircraftman Jack Young on graduation day in front of the Dassault Falcon 7X. Photo by Sergeant Oliver Carter.
After three months of training at the Defence Establishment Fairbairn in Canberra, the four graduate crew attendants from No. 34 Squadron were awarded a Category D qualification to fly in the Falcon 7X.
In the past, trainees conducted their initial qualification on the KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft at No. 33 Squadron before being posted into their first role.
The newest members of No. 34 Squadron are: Leading Aircraftwoman Madeleine Braz from the Gold Coast; Leading Aircraftman Josh Lenard from Sydney; Leading Aircraftwoman Sophie Noonan from Orange, NSW; and Leading Aircraftman Jack Young from Brisbane.
Commanding Officer No. 34 Squadron Wing Commander Jason Pont said crew attendant initial employment training consisted of multiple courses including the aircrew initial course, aviation medicine, aircrew survive evade resist escape course.
“These courses are all designed to challenge the students and equip them with the knowledge and skills they require to excel in their role,” Wing Commander Pont said.
“Due to the physical size of the aircraft, crew attendants have to be extremely organised to operate in the confined galley and agile enough to provide an exemplary VIP service in the main cabin regardless of the weather conditions.
“From here, these four graduates will now further develop their skills and efficiencies on VIP tasks for government officials, as well as members of the Defence senior leadership team.
“Then the next progression step is to complete the B737 Boeing business jet aircraft conversion course and become a dual category-qualified.”
In attendance at the graduation ceremony were Officer Commanding No. 86 Wing Group Captain Anthony Bull, who presented the crew attendant brevets, Warrant Officer of the Air Force Fee Grasby who promoted the four members, and distinguished guest Air Vice-Marshal Glen Braz, along with the graduates’ families.
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Is this the type of craft that flew the outgoing treasurer to his new $360 000 p.a. job in Europe?
When can we expect to see his repayment plan, now he’s started in his new job – on top of his ministerial superannuation?
Bit of a change from the KC30; I’d like to see the syllabus for the three-month course. Ready to serve “in the manner to which I’d like to become accustomed.”