404 Squadron FLYING FALCON AAFC NEWSLETTER. Off to a flying start. 404 Squadron Support. Inside this issue

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1 FLYING FALCON AAFC NEWSLETTER March 2013 Off to a flying start Welcome to an exciting new year of AAFC 404 Squadron. 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 Kindness, 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 such a short period of time! ANC Swim Test The Australian Navy Cadets conducted a swimming test at Wyndham indoor pool for AAFC Cadets and Staff; those who attended, passed the test and were awarded certification for three years. The ANC certification allows the holder the opportunity to be involved with any on-water Activities on offer to the Squadron by the Royal Australian Navy or Australian Navy Cadets. Tenpin bowling night was conducted at Oz Tenpin Point Cook. (Results Page 5) Matt Hall Book launch (Page 2) Australian International Airshow 2013 (Page 2) Recruitment Day - Williams base. (Page 4) Hovercraft Demonstration Special thanks to the Hovercraft Club of Victoria Reece Isaac (President/Treasurer) & Ken Osmond (Vis President) Air Force Trophy Parade (Page 6) 404 Squadron Support We would like to take the opportunity to make mention of the following organisations 404 Squadron hold in very high regard; we appreciate their ongoing support and encouragement. Altona RSL President : Mr Alan Scott National Servicemen s Western Suburbs Secretary: Mr Graeme Missen RAAF Association Vic. Mr Laurie Bell Inside this issue Off to a flying start International Airshow... 2 Matt Hall... 2 AAFC Pilot Training... 2 ANZAC Day... 3 Social Media Policy... 3 ADF Recruitment Day... 4 Recruit Weekend... 4 Classroom... 4 Other Activities... 4 Tenpin Bowling... 5 AAFC Glider Training... 5 Parent Support Committee... 5 Air Force Trophy Parade... 6 Important Dates 21 April Pre -ANZAC Catafalque Service 25 April ANZAC Dawn Service April Recruit Weekend

2 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! CADET PILOT TRAINING The RAAF offers sponsorships that is more one on one type training that is also substantially cheaper than external commercial flying schools. Flying training is conducted during school holidays and weekends strictly in accordance with the CASA syllabus. Cadets will progress through the syllabus to First Solo, then General Flying Proficiency Test (GFPT) and onto Private Pilots Licence (PPL). All training is undertaken at Air Force approved service providers (Flying Schools). Graduates qualify to wear AAFC cadet wings and are capable of flying family and friends in their local training area as the Pilot in Command. AAFC Criteria: One year s basic training at a Squadron Min 15 ½ years of age at commencement of training and min 16 years of age to fly solo. Be recommended by their Squadron Commanding Officer Meet standard powered flying medical; requirements. Attain parental consent. Undertake a selection interview for suitability Contact a AAFC staff member for more information. 2 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 the workings of each aircraft. Cadets were kept entertained all day with an on-going flying program; thrilled with aerobatics displays, F/A-18F Super Hornet, F22 Raptor, F-16 Fighting Falcon, RAAF Hawk 127, RAAF Roulettes PC-9s, C-130J Hercules (RAAF Flare Drop), C-17 Globemaster, to name a few. Static displays of a never ending list of air craft; the thrill of being close to machines capable of supersonic speed; aircraft that have the ability of carrying large amounts of troups/heavy cargo into war or to assist the world in peace time... Matt Hall Book Launch An extremely entertaining and informative evening was spent with Matt Hall; he gave the Cadets a good rundown on an extremely fascinating flying career. A 3rd family generation pilot, taking his 1st solo flight at 15 years of age, Matt gained his pilots licence at 18 years. Matt has since logged over 4000 hours in many types of aircraft; Military, Ultra-lights, hand gliders, and aerobatics. A RAAF fighter pilot, Hall flew over 1500 hours in the F/A 18 Hornet (Dux in the Class). Matt became a Fighter Combat Instructor (Dux in the class) and in 2006 completed a tour as the chief instructor for this demanding course (Top Gun). Matt spent three years in the USA as part of the USAF exchange program, flying over 500 hours in the F-15E Strike Eagle, including combat in Iraq. Matt was awarded combat decorations by both the US and Australian governments. Matt resigned from the RAAF to pursue a career as a full-time race pilot. In 2008, Matt completed the Red Bull Air Race qualification Camp, becoming the first Australian to be awarded the coveted Red Bull Air Race Super Licence. Matt continues to be committed to the future of aviation. Book: The Sky Is Not The Limit the life of Australia s Top Gun

3 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 expanding rapidly as people and businesses recognise the benefits of participating in online communities to share interests, connect with people and increase awareness. Social Networking Sites (SNS) encompasses a broad range of online activities, including, but not limited to: The Australian War memorial ANZAC Day HISTORY ANZAC Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in It is the day we remember all Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. The spirit of ANZAC, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity. On ANZAC day, ceremonies are held in towns and cities across the nation to acknowledge the service of our veterans. AAFC INVOLVEMENT From the very start of their time in the AAFC, cadets will take part in significant public ceremonial events; to many of us, none seem as important as marching in an ANZAC day parade. Displaying of our respects in this manor, allows us the opportunity to honour our vetrans in the best way we know how! Please take note of the following dates: 21st April :00 to 17:00 hrs Altona RSL Service Pre-ANZAC Catafalque Service at Altona RSL in Support of RSL Members that cannot attend the mid-week ANZAC Service. 25th April :00 to 08:30 hrs Altona RSL Dawn Service Armed Catafalque Party for the Dawn Service at Altona RSL Location: Hobson Bay City Council, 115 Civic Parade, Altona It is imperative that Cadet presentation and uniforms are at their best on these special occasions; this signifies your upmost respect to the vetrans that we honour. Cadets should arrive half an hour prior to each Service, to enable the service to commence on time. LEST WE FORGET Discussion boards such as Whirlpool and GeekZone Blogging on media websites such as Twitter Social networking such as Facebook, MySpace etc.; and Video and photo sharing websites such as YouTube, Flickr, and Pinterest. The AAFC recognises the importance of social media as a powerful communications tool and that participation is a basic individual right; however, the AAFC has a responsibility to manage its reputation and that of Air Force and Defence, its parent organisations. The official online presence of the AAFC must be carefully managed by those authorised by the Director-General Cadets- Air Force. The AAFC recognises that AAFC members may participate in social media in their personal time and what they do in their personal time is their own affair, however if during their participation in social media activity, a AAFC member reference their association with the AAFC, or its parent organisations or make comments or include content about AAFC, or its parent organisations, an affiliated person or any of their affairs, they are required to adhere to the relevant AAFC Code of Conduct. This policy applies to all AAFC members. Please take the time to read the Social Media Policy of the AAFC; this can currently be read at: uploads/2013/01/vol2_pt05_ch03_social -Media-V1.0.pdf The most up to date version and definitions can be viewed online at Policy/ePOLMAN/CH03%20 %20Social% 20Media.aspx 3

4 Recruit Weekend Start date: 26 April 18:00 hrs Finish Date: 28 April 16:00 hrs RAAF WILLIAMS LAVERTON Recruit Weekend for new 404SQN Cadets and Electives for Senior Cadets from a number of Squadrons to Recruitment Day - Williams Base Point Cook Cadets witnessed valuable presentations, gaining knowledge on how to go about preparing themselves for a possible career in one of the following; Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Australian Army Royal Australian Navy further enhance and widen their experience and training within the AAFC. New Cadets will be kept busy with a hive of Recruit Training all weekend. On Sunday 28 April, the 01/13 Recruit Stage will complete a Graduation Parade to display the culmination of their Recruit Training and progression out of the Recruit Training Flight. Victorian Police A special thanks go to the following personnel for sharing a wealth of information with the Cadets Sergeant Nathan Layton (RAAF) Corporal Paul Lynch (ARMY) Defence Force Recruiting Melbourne Leading Senior Constable Tracey Duhig Youth Resource Officer at Werribee Police Station RAAF Museum RAAF Base Williams - Point Cook The Cadets were then marched down to the RAAF Museum. They were given an informative tour of the facility and given the task of finding answers to questions about various facets of the museum, presented in the form of a booklet. Senior Cadets will have nominated for various Electives Fire Safety Radio Communications Advanced and Qualified Cadets Hovercraft Class Room 2013 so far The New Recruits have commenced their training in Drill and Service Knowledge. Senior Cadets have been continuing their training in Aviation, Aircraft recognition, Fieldcraft, Survival and Drill. Coming up Cadets will participate in a number of ceremonial occasions, so Drill and Uniform training is paramount. Cadets will be given opportunities to undertake training such as electives, sailing and firearms training. 4 Activities - other opportunities Date Activity Status 4 9 April 5hr Powered Flying Course Pending Must have completed AVB (Course $870, plus $100 applies for 1st time students covers training manuals) 6 13 April 4WG Specialist Training Camp Pending Preference to cadets already attended 5+ day AAFC camp. 6 7 April Air Familiarisation Adventure Flights Pending Booking required Cost $ April Gliding Camp Bacchus Marsh Pending Scholarship holders preferred (Non-scholarship nominees - $1200) 9-14 April 5hr Powered Flying Course Pending Must have completed AVB (Course $870, plus $100 applies for 1st time students covers training manuals) April Air Familiarisation Adventure Flights Pending Booking required Cost $ April SLT Team Building weekend 405 Sq Pending Log in to CADET ONE for more details...

5 Ten-pin Bowling Ten-pin bowling was organized at the Oz TENPIN Centre - Point Cook and a fun evening was had by all. Ten-pin bowling promotes a sporting activity that teaches control, individual effort and on this occasion a sense of team spirit and competiveness. TEAM RESULTS - Averaged over two games 1st BRAVO nd ALPHA rd STAFF th RECRUIT th CHARLIE th DELTA Last RECRUIT Bravo Flight, what a champion team! Looks like the rest need a bit more practice! AAFC Glider Training AAFC Gliding activities are carried out using the facilities of Air Force approved service providers. Week long training courses are held during school holidays. Gliders are controlled and flown just like conventional powered aircraft. Gliding trains pilots to be very well coordinated on the aircraft controls and to have a high degree of in flight situational awareness and excellent out of cockpit lookout. Learn how to be a Glider Pilot in the Australian Air Force Cadets A cadet can commence gliding training after completing 12 months home Squadron basic training and having been recommended by their Squadron Commanding Officer. Cadets must also have parental consent to participate. A cadet can fly SOLO at the age of 15 years after completing the pre-solo training syllabus. A, B and C Gliding certificates can be achieved during training with patches and badges being awarded for each level of competence by the Gliding Federation of Australia and the Australian Air Force Cadets. Many ADF and commercial aviators commenced their flying careers by learning with the Australian Air Force Cadets. The Air Force Flying Scholarships for cadets were first sponsored by the Air Force in the 1960 s. The Chief of the Air Force reintroduced the Air Force Scholarship programme in 2009 for both powered flying and gliding disciplines. It provides considerable financial assistance to successful applicants with their initial flying training. Cadets applying for an Air Force scholarship must be recommended by their Squadron Commanding Officer, have parental consent, and be selected on their overall commitment to the AAFC through attendance at a home Squadron, and Wing based activities and undertake a selection interview to seek out personal suitability, enthusiasm and commitment to aviation. Download a brochure today Parents Support Committee We are pleased to announce the introduction of the Parents Support Committee. Thank you to Mrs Julie Kernaghan and Mrs Marian Coles who have kindly agreed to get the committee for 404SQN up and running this year. This committee is a valuable addition to the cadets as they will have the opportunity to help on activities and to possibly raise funds to purchase equipment not available through Australian Defence channels. The Parents Support Committee, like any committee, is only as good as the people who so graciously volunteer their time and expertise to assist in the success of the Squadon. If you would care to join in with a wonderful organization, please feel free to contact the squadron (any spare time would be appreciated) ; any effort will assist us in our endeavours to support our Cadets. Thank you 5

6 AAFC 404 Squadron Raaf Base, Williams, Point Cook Parading Thursday Preferred method of contact is (Leave message) (Thurs ) Must at least 13 years of age, and under 18 years. Must be an Australian Citizen or Australian Resident Pass the medical examination* Agree to the AAFC Code of behaviour* * Conditions apply January Cadet Promotion Courses Congratulations to the following promotions: CFSGT Rose to Cadet Under Officer CSGT Manser to Cadet Warrant Officer CCPL D Ornay to Cadet Sergeant CCPL Ford to Cadet Sergeant CCPL Potter to Cadet Sergeant LCDT Kernaghan J. to Cadet Corporal LCDT Kernaghan N. to Cadet Corporal LCDT Rule to Cadet Corporal LCDT Sell to Cadet Corporal AAFC Joining Instructions Note: If Parents aren't seeing the joining instructions to AAFC (because we know how well teenagers communicate) the Parents may need to have their address or family address as the contact so the Joining Instructions are sent to them. The most common cause of Parent confusion is they say they have never seen the instructions...! Contact us via admino.404sqn@aafc.org.au Communication It is just as important that Parents understand what is going on with the AAFC at any given time; AAFC Cadets are ed quite frequently with ongoing information and constant changes to schedules and activities. Note: Parents, if you are not receiving the information via your Son or Daughter, then send us an and we can sort this out. Leave AAFC 404 Squardon Building P7 RAAF Base Williams Point Cook Road Point Cook 3030 Phone: (03) (Thurs ) admino.404sqn@aafc.org.au If a AAFC Cadet is going to be absent from Thursday night Parade (Single night only), an must be sent to 404sqn.leave@gmail.com prior to the commencement of the said event, i.e or 6:30pm; anything sent after this will be noted as absent and retrospective changes will only happen on production of a doctor s certificate. If leave is going to be more than one parade, then a Leave Application Form must be submitted for approval. Note: Being marked absent, can effect eligibility for activities and promotions. Supporting 404 Squadron The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) is an organisation structured with multiple units across Australia. The backbone of the AAFC is the Squadron (SQN) which is a unit that provided training for cadets in local; communities. You are involved with one of these such units, 404 Squadron. 404 SQN is run by AAFC staff members who volunteer their time to provide the training and have the necessary skills and attributes to be a significant leader and to help develop the cadets into better citizens in our community. With cooperation and support from the local community, the AAFC provides young people an opportunity to participate in adventurous activities that encourages teamwork, leadership and selfrespect. Your skills maybe of some help... From fund raising to administration, there is always a mountain load of things to be done. If you feel like you would like to help and donate some of your, we would love to hear from you!