Boeing, Royal Australian Air Force graduate 1st locally trained C-17 pilots

Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, 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 Lt. David Whyte and Pilot Officer 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 Flight Lt. Whyte and Pilot Officer 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 Center, 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 Flight Lt. Whyte and Pilot Officer Maunder for passing with flying colors."

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 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, Pilot Officers Luke Ridgway and Brett Hopewell, will graduate from the second PIQ training course this month. The third and fourth PIQ training courses will commence in July and August, respectively.

Source: Boeing