Bullsbrook, WA, turned on some of its finest weather for the 274 Phase 2 ADF Intermediate Pilots’ Course graduation parade, in what was the second graduation of this year.
Twenty-two student pilots proudly stood on parade, with family and friends observing, after they graduated from 2 Flying Training School on June 14.
Flight Lieutenant Anthony Rooke demonstrated the capability of the Pilatus PC-21 aircraft and skills learnt throughout the course during an aerobatics display.
Guests were also treated to flypasts featuring the Hawk-127 and Pilatus PC-21 aircraft as they tore through the skies above RAAF Base Pearce.
A Welcome to Country was conducted by Whadjuk Noongar Elder Barry Winmar, whose digeridoo spirit-song reverberated through the parade ground. Mr Winmar then performed a smoking ceremony with the graduates to cleanse them from bad spirits and provide them with protection for their future.
Reviewing Officer, Royal Australian Navy Commander Fleet Air Arm Commodore Matthew Royals, congratulated the graduates on their achievement and thanked family, friends and invited guests for their attendance.
“Graduates, your presence here is a culmination of tremendous effort and unwavering commitment. Equally, the support of your family and friends has been indispensable and often taken for granted, yet vital to your success today,” Commodore Royals said.
“I congratulate each of you and I look forward to seeing the impact of your service in the Defence of our great nation.
“Fly Air Force, fly Navy, but most importantly, fly safe.”
Seven graduates received awards for their achievements during the course.
Pilot Officer Henriette Anton was awarded the Royal Australian Air Force Association (WA Division) trophy for most improved; and Pilot Officer Gabor (Damien) Holmik received the Martin Baker Australia Navigation Trophy as the graduate displaying the highest level of navigation skills.
Lieutenant Sophee Turner received the Returned Services League Trophy for demonstrating the highest qualities in leadership; while Sub-Lieutenant Charlotte Lee received the ‘Fit-to-Fight’ High Performance Physical Training Award.
The Air BP Australia Trophy for the graduate with the highest aggregate of academic marks was awarded to Pilot Officer Konstandinos Moutoulis, along with the G. Scutt/E. Davey Memorial Trophy for most proficient at instrument flying; while Pilot Officer Carlin Feely received the D.J. Friedrichs Aerobatics Trophy for the highest level of aerobatic skill.
Pilot Officer Hayden McMahon was awarded the S.J. Goble Memorial Trophy as most proficient pilot, before being announced as course dux and awarded the Pilatus Aircraft Trophy.
