An Australian aviator has represented the Royal Australian Air Force as a presenter at the Indonesian Air Force’s third Wildlife Hazard Management training workshop at Adisutjipto Air Force Base, in Yogyakarta.
Flight Lieutenant Jill Brix is a member of Air Force’s Indonesian Safety and Airworthiness Program (ISAP), which forms part of the Australian arm of the Safety Airworthiness Joint Working Group (SAJWG) with the Indonesian Air Force.
The SAJWG’s Wildlife Hazard Management program is a joint activity engaging Indonesian and Australian subject-matter experts.
Flight Lieutenant Brix currently works as a reservist for 295 Squadron. Her civilian career has centred around aerodrome operations, and this year she was entered into the Australian Aviation Wildlife Working Group Hall of Fame for her “remarkable and enduring contribution” to wildlife hazard management in Australia.
“This was my third year delivering the WHM training workshop,” Flight Lieutenant Brix said.
“It is a rewarding experience due to the high level of engagement from the workshop participants, Indonesian Air Force Safety and Air Worthiness leadership team, base squadron members and the civilian operators.
“The workshop is interactive, with the goal that the participants will lead and influence change in their respective areas. The course is a mix of theory and practical application, ensuring a good understanding of the topic, and the participants wanting to know more.
“It’s a lot of fun. While I deliver training, it’s very much a two-way conversation and I also learn from the participants, which in turn improves the training content for the following year.”
Participants from the Indonesian Air Force included members from bases across Indonesia, such as pilots, air traffic controllers and base aviation safety officers.
‘It facilitates genuine communication across our Air Forces at all levels, helping us maintain safety, and also helping us to continue building one of our closest and most valued relationships.’
Flight Lieutenant Brix said it was an honour to work with RAAF’s Indonesian partners on important safety matters.
“It’s an honour to be working in a dedicated team who have a legacy mindset. The training, information and equipment sharing has an enduring impact,” she said.
“I joined the team in late 2021 and in this short time I have seen the benefits of our SAJWG work through the improved safety culture and reporting. A culture that not only saves lives but improves morale, demonstrates leadership and there is genuine pride in the work undertaken.”
Air Commodore Jason Murray is Director ISAP and co-leader of the RAAF and Indonesian Air Force SAJWG.
“The recent Yogyakarta training workshop was a great opportunity for shared safety learning and development,” Air Commodore Murray said.
“We cover challenges that both our Air Forces deal with daily, and so the content is relevant for all attendees. Further to this, working through shared problems with our close friends from the Indonesian Air Force is always fun. We inevitably share lots of laughs and stories while achieving our important safety outcomes.”
The SAJWG serves to bring the RAAF and Indonesian Air Force together in the pursuit of safety, and overcoming significant aviation hazards associated with aviation operation.
“Our Safety and Airworthiness Joint Working Group is an outstanding forum for progressing aviation safety around the region,” Air Commodore Murray said.
“It facilitates genuine communication across our Air Forces at all levels, helping us maintain safety, and also helping us to continue building one of our closest and most valued relationships.”
