10,000 hours in the sky

32 Squadron recently celebrated a significant flying milestone by qualified flying instructor reservist Wing Commander Adrian “Boggy” Burge, who has logged 10,000 military flying hours.

CAPTION: Wing Commander Adrian Burge, from 32 Squadron, at the completion of 10,000 military flying hours, in front of a B350 King Air at RAAF Base East Sale. Story by Flying Officer Ellis Mitchell. Photo by Flying Officer Nathan Howarth.

Originally from Bullsbrook, WA, Wing Commander Burge joined the Air Force in May 1981.

He arrived at Point Cook to commence pilot training on No. 116 Pilot’s course and on completion, was posted to the School of Air Navigation where he began his military flying career on the Hawker Siddley HS-748; affectionately known as the ‘Draggy’.

Wing Commander Burge has flown numerous aircraft including the Pilatus PC-9 at No. 2 Flying Training School and Central Flying School, the Caribou at 38 Squadron, and the King Air B200 and B350 at 32 Squadron.

Between flying postings, Wing Commander Burge worked at the Officers Training School, Aerospace Development, Air Force Headquarters, and the Air Force Museum at Point Cook; particularly special as this was where he was first introduced to military aviation.

Wing Commander Burge found it difficult selecting only a few highlights from his 40 years in aviation.

“Operating the Caribou during short take-off and landing operations including airdrops was definitely a main highlight,” Wing Commander Burge said.

“By far the most satisfying role was as a qualified flying instructor, particularly during my time at No. 2 Flying Training School, where I endeavoured to pass on my passion for aviation to students on pilot’s course.”

Commanding Officer 32 Squadron Wing Commander Andrew Daley commended Wing Commander Burge’s longevity with the Air Force and his commitment to the unit.

“Wing Commander Burge’s association with 32 Squadron extends over many years, and 10,000 flying hours is a remarkable achievement given most of his flights have been less than 3 hours duration,” Wing Commander Daley said.

“He’s flown every type of 32 Squadron aircraft since its re-formation in 1989 and he remains committed to the unit.”

Wing Commander Burge first joined 32 Squadron in 1992, and in 2020 was awarded a Federation Star and the fifth clasp to his Defence Long Service Medal in recognition of his 40 years of Air Force service.

“I congratulate Wing Commander Burge on a very distinguished flying career,” Wing Commander Daley said.

The flying award will be presented to Wing Commander Burge at 32 Squadron’s 80th anniversary on November 4.

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