RAAF Pearce Archives - CONTACT magazine

Number 277 Phase 2 ADF Intermediate Pilots’ Course members assemble on the flight line with a Pilatus PC-21 aircraft at RAAF Base Pearce, WA, ahead of their graduation. Story by Stephanie Hallen. Photos by Chris Kershaw.

Flying times ahead for graduates

20/12/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1920 Views 0 Comments 2FTS, ADF Pilot's Course, PC-21, RAAF Pearce

As the temperatures soared in the west, so did the spirits of 15 student pilots from 277 Phase 2 ADF

The Reviewing Officer, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Sam Mostyn, receives a royal salute during the 2 Flying Training School Colour Consecration Parade. Story by Flying Officer Stina Frantzich Gardiner. Photos by Able Seaman Connor Morrison.

Flying into the history books with new Colours

20/11/202423/11/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1018 Views 0 Comments Colours, Governor-General of Australia, No. 2 FTS, PC-21, RAAF Pearce

November 14, 2024, will forever be an important part of the *Air Force’s history with 2 Flying Training School presented

Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15SG aircraft at RAAF Base Pearce. Story and photos by Flying Officer Michael Thomas.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Singapore jets wrap up in Western Australia

13/11/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1264 Views 0 Comments RAAF Pearce, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)

After four months and three rotations of two different models of aircraft, the Republic of Singapore (RSAF) Extended Fighter Detachment

Aircraftman Nicholas Thorpe, of 25 Squadron, and Squadron Leader James Wheeler, of 3 Squadron, speak with Eliwana mine staff during a visit to Eliwana airport in the Pilbara region of WA. Story and photos by Stephanie Hallen.

News Royal Australian Air Force

F-35s visit Pilbara

02/10/202405/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1494 Views 1 Comment F-35A Lightning II, No. 25 Squadron, No. 3 Squadron, RAAF Pearce

You wouldn’t typically expect to see F-35A Lightning II aircraft flying around in some of the most remote parts of

Squadron Leader Stephen Bihary exits a 79 Squadron Hawk 127. Story by Squadron Leader Stephen Bihary. Photos by Flying Officer Michael Thomas.

ADF People History Royal Australian Air Force

Longest-serving jet pilot leaves the cockpit

02/10/202405/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1907 Views 0 Comments Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter, No 79 Squadron, RAAF Pearce, RAAF Reserve

The longest-serving Air Force fighter pilot and fast-jet instructor Squadron Leader Stephen Bihary has retired from the cockpit after 48

Flight Lieutenant Max, left, and Flight Lieutenant Dallin Stirling, a trainee from 2 Flight Training School, before an incentive flight in an EA-18G Growler at RAAF base Pearce during Exercise Centenarie Redimus. Story by Flying Officer Michael Thomas. Photo by Aircraftman Campbell Latch.

ADF People History Royal Australian Air Force

Motivation for a fast-jet career

17/05/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1225 Views 0 Comments 2FTS, EA-18G Growler, No. 6 Squadron, RAAF Pearce

Winning a game of ‘scissors, paper, rock’ usually doesn’t mean much, but for student pilot Flight Lieutenant Dallin Stirling, his

Commanding Officer 130 Squadron Republic of Singapore Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel Goh Seow Hong in a Hawk 127. Story and photo by Flying Officer Michael Thomas.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Flight affirms friendship

22/03/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1535 Views 0 Comments Hawk-127, No 79 Squadron, RAAF Pearce, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)

What started as a casual conversation at the 2023 RAAF Base Pearce end of year function turned into a unique

272 Phase 2 ADF Intermediate Pilots’ Course members assembled on the flight line with a Pilatus PC-21 aircraft at RAAF Base Pearce in WA ahead of their graduation. Story by Stephanie Hallen. Photo by Chris Kershaw.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Pilots flying high after graduating

20/12/202320/12/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2603 Views 0 Comments No. 2 FTS, PC-21, RAAF Pearce

Nineteen student pilots from 272 Phase 2 ADF Intermediate Pilots’ Course graduated from 2 Flying Training School on December 8

25 Squadron personnel capability specialist Aircraftwoman San Yoo in front of 25 Squadron Headquarters, at RAAF Base Pearce, WA. Story by Flight Lieutenant Steffi Blavius. Photo by Flying Officer Michael Thomas.

ADF People

Tribute to heritage and service

27/10/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1082 Views 0 Comments No. 25 Squadron, RAAF Pearce

Aircraftwoman San (Sanghee) Yoo, a Korean descendant and now proud member of the RAAF, immigrated from Korea in 2006 and

Australian Air Force Cadets disembark a C-130J Hercules at RAAF Base Pearce after a familiarisation flight. Story and photos by Flying Officer Michael Thomas.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Unique experience for WA cadets

20/10/202328/10/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1795 Views 0 Comments Air Force Cadets, C-130J Hercules, No. 37 Squadron, RAAF Pearce

Flying low level in a C-130J Hercules is something few get the opportunity to experience, so a familiarisation flight over

271 ADF Pilots’ Course members assemble at dawn on the flightline with a Pilatus PC-21 aircraft at RAAF Base Pearce, WA. Story by Stephanie Hallen. Photos by Chris Kershaw.

ADF People News

Graduates soar to new heights

10/10/202315/10/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1699 Views 1 Comment ADF Pilot's Course, Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter, No. 2 FTS, PC-21, RAAF Pearce

Exciting new careers await 13 RAAF and Navy student pilots from 271 ADF Pilots’ Course, who graduated from 2 Flying

270 ADF Pilots' Course graduates (from left) Lieutenant Michael Harrigan, Lieutenant Gregory Cook and Lieutenant Harrison Coldwell pose for a photo at dawn on the flight line with a Pilatus PC-21 aircraft at RAAF Base Pearce in WA. Story by Stephanie Hallen. Photos by Chris Kershaw.

ADF People

Student pilots cleared for takeoff

21/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1530 Views 0 Comments No. 2 FTS, PC-21, RAAF Pearce

Dark skies failed to dampen the spirits of those attending the 270 ADF Pilots’ Course Graduation, where 11 students from

2 Flying Training School trainee Pilot Officer Gabrielle Adamson takes Air Force Indigenous Youth Program participant Indiana Baines through the paces of a Pilatus PC-21 simulated flight at RAAF Base Pearce, WA. Story by Stephanie Hallen. All photos by Flying Officer Michael Thomas.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Students step into the shoes of aviators

07/07/202308/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1681 Views 0 Comments 2FTS, Indigenous Youth Program, PC-21, RAAF Pearce

Perth students were recently given the unique opportunity to experience a typical day in the life of a Royal Australian

Vanessa Trundle has broken the mould to become the only Indigenous woman to become Base Manager for Royal Australian Air Force Bases Pearce, Learmonth, Curtin, the Harold E Holt Defence Precinct and Cocos Islands. Story by Peta Magorian. Photo by Private Reece Oakes.

ADF People

If you can dream it you can be it

07/07/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 941 Views 0 Comments Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Harold E. Holt Defence Precinct, NAIDOC Week, RAAF Learmonth, RAAF Pearce

A child of the stolen generation, Vanessa Trundle has always been determined to follow her grandmother’s advice – to free

Squadron Leader Mark Oksanen wearing the gold medal he won in soccer at the 2023 World Transplant Games. Story by Leading Aircraftwoman Jasna McFeeters.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing

Second chance leads to three firsts

23/06/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1344 Views 0 Comments No. 435 Squadron, RAAF Pearce, World Transplant Games

It was three gold medals and a new world record for Squadron Leader Mark Oksanen at the 24th World Transplant

ADF Pilots’ Course 269 members with a Pilatus PC-21 at RAAF Base Pearce in WA. Story by Stephanie Hallen. Photo by Chris Kershaw.

News Royal Australian Air Force

Sky’s the limit for pilot graduates

07/06/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1998 Views 0 Comments 2FTS, PC-21, RAAF Pearce

Fourteen students from 269 Pilots’ Course have become the newest pilots in the ADF. CAPTION: ADF Pilots’ Course 269 members

Flying Officer (retd) John 'Blue' Bailey, left, and Commanding Officer of 25 Squadron Wing Commander Paul Taylor pose in a world war jeep replica at RAAF Pearce. Story by Peta Magorian. Photo by Squadron Leader Roger Buddrige.

History News Royal Australian Air Force

Back to base for centenarian

23/12/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 1990 Views 1 Comment RAAF Pearce, WWII

Flying Officer (retd) John ‘Blue’ Bailey, a former 25 Squadron pilot, celebrated his 100th birthday with a special visit to

The 268 ADF Pilots Course members assemble at dawn on the flight line with a Pilatus PC-21 aircraft at RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia. Story by Peta Magorian. Photo by Chris Kershaw.

News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

Final graduates for the year ready to soar

21/12/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 2564 Views 0 Comments No. 2 FTS, PC-21, RAAF Pearce

Fifteen students from 268 ADF Pilots Course have received their wings and graduated from 2 Flying Training School at RAAF

Graduates from the 267 ADF Pilots Course with a Pilatus PC-21 on the flight line at RAAF Base Pearce. Story by Peta Magorian. Photo by Chris Kershaw.

News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy

Newest RAAF and RAN pilots get their wings

18/11/202226/11/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 2065 Views 0 Comments Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter, No. 2 FTS, PC-21, RAAF Pearce

Spectacular flypasts by Pilatus PC-21 and Hawk 127 aircraft dominated the skies as fourteen students from 267 ADF Pilot’s Course received

Lieutenant Jared Burton provides an overview of the Pilatus PC-21 aircraft to students, Skye Councillor and Jorja Hammond from Derby District High School. Story by Peta Magorian. Photo by Sergeant Gary Dixon.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy Sovereign industry

Inspiring the minds of Derby youth

23/10/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 1589 Views 0 Comments HMAS Stirling, NORFORCE, RAAF Curtin, RAAF Pearce

Eighteen students from Derby District High School were invited to visit RAAF Base Pearce, HMAS Stirling, BAE Systems Australia and two

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