AMBERLEY, Queensland, June 3, 2010 – Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) today announced the graduation of the first RAAF C-17 Globemaster III pilots trained in Australia.
Since commencing Pilot Initial Qualification (PIQ) training on Feb. 1, Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT) David Whyte and Pilot Officer (PLTOFF) Stephen Maunder have received more than 350 hours of programmed training from Boeing Defence Australia instructors at RAAF Base Amberley, including 120 simulated flight hours in the C-17 Globemaster III Aircrew Training System (ATS).
“Delivering Australia’s first in-country C-17 pilot training program is a significant achievement for both Boeing and the RAAF,” said Nigel Page, C-17 ATS site team lead for Boeing Defence Australia. “The graduation of FLTLT Whyte and PLTOFF Maunder as qualified C-17 pilots demonstrates the success and value of the RAAF’s new in-country pilot-training capability, assisted greatly by Boeing’s training expertise and the Amberley-based C-17 ATS.”
The Boeing-developed C-17 ATS consists of a Loadmaster Station, Learning Centre, various support systems and a Weapons Systems Trainer (WST), which is a realistic, full-motion simulator used for pilot training.
“Training C-17 pilots at Amberley has saved the RAAF both money and time by removing substantial travel costs and the need for student pilots to spend longer periods of time training overseas,” said Squadron Leader Brent Taylor, 36 Squadron Training Flight Commander. “We are pleased with the end result of the locally-based training system, and congratulate FLTLT Whyte and PLTOFF Maunder for passing with flying colours.”
The students’ training culminated in five flights at the controls of a real C-17 airlifter under the instruction of RAAF Qualified Flying Instructors, and acceptance by the RAAF’s No. 36 Squadron.
“There is no doubt in my mind the Boeing-delivered PIQ training has equipped me with the tools and knowledge required for my career as a RAAF C-17 pilot,” said PLTOFF Maunder. “I’m proud to have achieved my goal to become a C-17 pilot and look forward to supporting the C-17 strategic airlift capability for national and international operations.”
The next two student pilots, PLTOFF Luke Ridgway and PLTOFF Brett Hopewell, will graduate from the second PIQ training course in June, with the third and fourth PIQ training courses to commence in July and August respectively.
Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company and a business unit of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, is a leading Australian aerospace enterprise. With a world-class team of more than 1,500 employees at 14 locations throughout Australia and two international sites, Boeing Defence Australia supports some of the largest and most complex defence projects in Australia.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defence, space and security businesses specialising in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.
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