March 2013 FLYING FALCON AAFC NEWSLETTER 404 Squadron Off to a flying start Welcome to an exciting new year of AAFC 404 Squadron. We are delighted that we have 42 new Cadets as well as two transfers, LCDT Cameron Bowman from 222SQN (Southport, QLD) and LDCT Teygan Wilson from 324SQN (City of Ranwick, NSW); these take our numbers to well over 100! Helping us with the year ahead, we welcome three new staff members; SGT Cade Kind- ness, LAC (AAFC) Tim Middlecoat (transfer from 416SQN) and CIV Glenn Ritchie. No doubt, 2013 has begun in earnest, with a flourish of activities having been enjoyed in Inside this issue such a short period of time! Off to a flying start ...................... 1 ANC Swim Test The Australian Navy Cadets conducted a swimming test at Wynd- ham indoor pool for AAFC Cadets and Staff; those who attended, passed the test 2013 International Airshow ........ 2 and were awarded certification for three years. The ANC certification allows the Matt Hall ..................................... 2 holder the opportunity to be involved with any on-water Activities on offer to the AAFC Pilot Training ...................... 2 Squadron by the Royal Australian Navy or Australian Navy Cadets. ANZAC Day .................................. 3 Tenpin bowling night was conducted at Oz Tenpin Point Cook. (Results Page 5) Social Media Policy ..................... 3 Matt Hall Book launch (Page 2) ADF Recruitment Day .................. 4 Australian International Airshow 2013 (Page 2) Recruit Weekend ........................ 4 Classroom ................................... 4 Recruitment Day - Williams base. (Page 4) Other Activities ........................... 4 Hovercraft Demonstration Tenpin Bowling ........................... 5 Special thanks to the Hovercraft Club of Victoria AAFC Glider Training ................... 5 Reece Isaac (President/Treasurer) & Ken Osmond (Vis President) Parent Support Committee ......... 5 Air Force Trophy Parade (Page 6) Air Force Trophy Parade ............. 6 404 Squadron Support We would like to take the opportunity to make mention of the following organisations Important Dates 404 Squadron hold in very high regard; we appreciate their ongoing support and encour- agement. 21 April Pre -ANZAC Catafalque Service Altona RSL President : Mr Alan Scott 25 April ANZAC Dawn Service National Servicemen’s Western Suburbs Secretary: Mr Graeme Missen 26-28 April Recruit Weekend RAAF Association Vic. Mr Laurie Bell “Dominating the Skies, Overwhelming the Threat. This is the era of the F-22 Raptor—the world’s premier 5th Generation fighter” True: May 2012 saw the U.S. Air Force take delivery of its last Raptor, a total of 4195; unbelievable! www.lockheedmartin.com.au/us/products/f22.html What a huge day had by all; a big thank you to PLTOFF (AAFC) Stephen Hortle for taking on the huge task of organizing the day. All staff and Cadets met at Lara train station at 0930 and transferred to the Airshow by shuttle bus; once inside cadets were placed in groups (Flights) and proceeded to enjoy an informative, entertaining day. Every flight was given the task of assisting the Glider Museum staff; Cadets interacted with the public, whilst maintaining a visual presence at the display and at the same time, were given the opportunity to learn about CADET PILOT TRAINING the workings of each aircraft. Cadets were kept entertained all day with an on-going flying program; thrilled with aerobatics displays, F/A-18F The RAAF offers sponsorships that is more “one on one” type training that Super Hornet, F22 Raptor, F-16 Fighting Falcon, RAAF Hawk 127, RAAF Roulettes PC-9s , C-130J Hercules (RAAF is also substantially cheaper than Flare Drop), C-17 Globemaster, to name a few. external commercial flying schools. Static displays of a never ending list of air craft; the thrill of being close to machines capable of supersonic Flying training is conducted during school holidays and weekends strictly speed; aircraft that have the ability of carrying large amounts of troups/heavy cargo into war or to assist the in accordance with the CASA syllabus. world in peace time... Cadets will progress through the syllabus to First Solo, then General Flying Proficiency Test (GFPT) and onto Private Pilots Licence (PPL). All Matt Hall Book Launch training is undertaken at Air Force approved service providers (Flying Schools). Graduates qualify to wear An extremely entertaining and informative evening was spent with Matt Hall; AAFC cadet wings and are capable of he gave the Cadets a good rundown on an extremely fascinating flying career. flying family and friends in their local training area as the Pilot in Com- A 3rd family generation pilot, taking his 1st solo flight at 15 years of age, Matt mand. gained his pilots licence at 18 years. Matt has since logged over 4000 hours AAFC Criteria: in many types of aircraft; Military, Ultra-lights, hand gliders, and aerobatics. One year’s basic training at a Squadron A RAAF fighter pilot, Hall flew over 1500 hours in the F/A 18 Hornet (Dux in Min 15 ½ years of age at the Class). Matt became a Fighter Combat Instructor (Dux in the class) and in commencement of training and min 16 years of age to fly solo. 2006 completed a tour as the chief instructor for this demanding course (Top Gun). Be recommended by their Squadron Commanding Officer Matt spent three years in the USA as part of the USAF exchange program, Meet standard powered flying flying over 500 hours in the F-15E Strike Eagle, including combat in Iraq. Matt medical; requirements. was awarded combat decorations by both the US and Australian governments. Attain parental consent. Matt resigned from the RAAF to pursue a career as a full-time race pilot. In 2008, Matt completed the Red Bull Undertake a selection interview Air Race qualification Camp, becoming the first Australian to be awarded the coveted Red Bull Air Race Super for suitability Licence. Contact a AAFC staff member for more information. Matt continues to be committed to the future of aviation. 2 Book: ‘The Sky Is Not The Limit—the life of Australia’s Top Gun Here is their spirit, in the heart of the land they loved; and here we guard the record which they themselves made. Charles Bean, 1948 SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) appreciates that interest and participation in social media is ex- panding rapidly as people and busi- nesses recognise the benefits of participating in online communities to share interests, connect with people and increase awareness. Social Networking Sites (SNS) encom- passes a broad range of online activi- ties, including, but not limited to: Discussion boards such as The Australian War memorial Whirlpool and GeekZone ANZAC Day Blogging on media websites such as Twitter HISTORY Social networking such as Facebook, MySpace etc.; and ANZAC Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day we re- Video and photo sharing web- member all Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. sites such as YouTube, Flickr, The spirit of ANZAC, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to and Pinterest. have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity. On ANZAC day, ceremonies are The AAFC recognises the importance of social media as a powerful com- held in towns and cities across the nation to acknowledge the service of our veterans. munications tool and that participa- tion is a basic individual right; howev- AAFC INVOLVEMENT er, the AAFC has a responsibility to manage its reputation and that of Air Force and Defence, its parent organi- From the very start of their time in the AAFC, cadets will take part in significant public ceremonial sations. The official online presence events; to many of us, none seem as important as marching in an ANZAC day parade. Displaying of the AAFC must be carefully man- aged by those authorised by the of our respects in this manor, allows us the opportunity to honour our vetrans in the best way we Director-General Cadets- Air Force. know how! The AAFC recognises that AAFC mem- bers may participate in social media Please take note of the following dates: in their personal time and what they do in their personal time is their own 21st April 2013 14:00 to 17:00 hrs Altona RSL Service affair, however if during their partici- Pre-ANZAC Catafalque Service at Altona RSL in Support of RSL Members that cannot attend the pation in social media activity, a AAFC mid-week ANZAC Service. member reference their association with the AAFC, or its parent organisa- 25th April 2013 05:00 to 08:30 hrs Altona RSL Dawn Service tions or make comments or include content about AAFC, or its parent Armed Catafalque Party for the Dawn Service at Altona RSL organisations, an affiliated person or any of their affairs, they are required Location: Hobson Bay City Council, 115 Civic Parade, Altona to adhere to the relevant AAFC Code It is imperative that Cadet presentation and uniforms are at their best on these special occa- of Conduct. sions; this signifies your upmost respect to the vetrans that we honour. Cadets should arrive This policy applies to all AAFC mem- bers. half an hour prior to each Service, to enable the service to commence on time. Please take the time to read the ‘Social Media’ Policy of the AAFC; this LEST WE FORGET can currently be read at: http://www.aafc.org.au/wp-content/ uploads/2013/01/VOL2_PT05_CH03_Social -Media-V1.0.pdf The most up to date version and definitions can be viewed online at https://members.cadetnet.gov.au/aafc/ Policy/ePOLMAN/CH03%20‐%20Social% 20Media.aspx 3 Recruitment Day - Williams Base Point Cook Recruit Weekend Cadets witnessed valuable presenta- Start date: 26 April 18:00 hrs tions, gaining knowledge on how to go Finish Date: 28 April 16:00 hrs about preparing themselves for a possi- ble career in one of the following; RAAF WILLIAMS — LAVERTON Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Recruit Weekend for new 404SQN Australian Army Cadets and Electives for Senior Ca- dets from a number of Squadrons to Royal Australian Navy further enhance and widen their Victorian Police experience and training within the A special thanks go to the following personnel RAAF Museum AAFC.