Interested members are to submit an AAFC related safety photo (old or new) with a small caption explaining why you think this captures a safety message to ddap.atd@aafc.org.au.

Photographs are to be numbered and the competition closes on the 15 May 12.

The following conditions apply:

1. available to any AAFC Member (Staff or Cadets);
2. a maximum of 10 photographs per application;
3. the photo must provide a positive image of aviation safety with a AAFC focus, the applicant is to include a summary/caption – per photo – as to the reason why they believe this photo endorses the Aviation Safety message;
4. any photo can be used for advertising purposes and once entered into the competition the ownership and publication rights transfer to the AAFC;
5. all photographs must be numbered and submitted electronically to ddap.atd@aafc.org.au by 15 May 12;
6. the names of all persons depicted in the photograph must be supplied with the application and they must all provide written consent for their image to be used; and
7. the competition will be judged by the Aviation Training Directorate.

Craig Fechner

SQNLDR(AAFC)
Deputy Director International Activities (DDIA)
Deputy Director Aviation Projects (DDAP)

Mobile 0407 820942

The conference focused on Air Power and Coercive diplomacy and in particular looked at the role air power played during the recent events in Libya.

Presenters included Senior officers from Britain, the US, France and the UAE in addition to academic presenters with extensive experience in air power doctrine.

The Air Power Development Centre provides practical and effective analysis and advice on the strategic development of air and space power to the Chief of Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force and its partners.

A multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot and a qualified parachutist, he heads up No 7 Wing (Western Australia), which comprises about 750 Cadets and staff.

Wing Commander (AAFC) Somerville is an Aboriginal Martu man whose people live in Jigalong in Western Australia.

Western Australia’s Wing Commander (AAFC) Robert Somerville AM is the first-ever Aboriginal person to be appointed Officer Commanding of a Wing in the RAAF’s cadet program, the Australian Air Force Cadets.

The movie ‘Rabbit Proof Fence’, based on the novel by Doris Pilkington Garimara, is the story of his family, with grandmother Yibbie George also walking along the fence to get home, some 10 years before the girls who were portrayed in the movie, all of whom were her nieces.

In 1969, aged 14, Wing Commander (AAFC) Somerville joined the Air Force Cadets (then called the Air Training Corps) in the Perth suburb of Belmont.

“As a young Aboriginal teen from a single parent family living in State-owned housing, joining what was then the Air Training Corps was my first experience of being treated equally,” said Wing Commander (AAFC) Somerville.

“In Cadets, I learned the real meaning of equity was that no matter how rich you were, and regardless of the colour of your skin or the language you spoke, you were judged solely on your achievements and character.

“This is one of the great values of the Australian Air Force Cadets, where everyone is treated equally and you advance on the basis of merit.

“Being treated as an equal, largely unique for Aboriginal people in those days, inspired and empowered me to pursue a professional career as a primary school teacher, school principal and then school superintendent, mainly in the north west of WA,” said Wing Commander (AAFC) Somerville.

He has just concluded 10 years as the WA Government’s Director of Aboriginal Education; and is now Adjunct Associate Professor at Edith Cowan University and Principal Advisor to the National Principals Association’s Institute.

“I owe this organisation a great deal, and am delighted to now be able to further encourage young Australians from all backgrounds to join an organisation that will firmly encourage them to achieve their dreams – while also having a really good time.”

Since being appointed an officer of cadets in 1978, Wing Commander (AAFC) Somerville has served in all officer ranks, including squadron commanding officer; and with staff appointments including executive officer and in charge of adult leadership training.

Wing Commander (AAFC) Somerville was awarded Membership of the Order of Australia in 2003 for services to WA youth through the Australian Air Force Cadets and to indigenous young people as an educator.

The youth of the Mount Isa region will now have the opportunity to participate in an adventurous youth organisation, the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC).  The AAFC provides supervised training in powered flying and gliding, bush survival and field craft skills, basic engineering, organisational behaviour, drill and ceremonial and leadership. Cadets also learn life-skills such as self-discipline, self-respect, self-reliance and teamwork.

All of this training will now be coordinated, and in many cases conducted, from the new purpose-built facility.

“The Australian Air Force Cadets is committed to providing youth in major regional areas with the same opportunities as the cadets in capital cities,” Air Marshal Brown said.

“Opening this new facility would not have been possible without the strong support of the local council, local parents and friends.”

The first public meeting to establish 111 Squadron was held in October 2008.  The Squadron began activities in 2010 using two rooms in the old control tower at the Mount Isa Airport.

Air Marshal Brown began his flying career as a cadet, winning a gliding scholarship. In 2011 there were 93 flying scholarships awarded to cadets and cadet staff across Australia.

111 Squadron Mount Isa is the newest Squadron to join No. 1 Wing of the Australian Air Force Cadets.  The Wing has been providing training and youth development activities for young people across Regional Queensland from as far south as Mackay and as far north as Mareeba, for more than 60 years.

The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO, a former Air Force Cadet himself, presented the trophy and the AAFC National Banner to No 1 Wing during a special parade  held at RAAF Base Townsville on Sunday 26 Feb.

The Air Force Trophy is awarded annually to the most proficient AAFC Wing.  It recognises outstanding performance in administration, communication, training and community participation.

Officer Commanding No 1 Wing, Wing Commander (AAFC) Danny Pieri said he was delighted when told No 1 Wing North Queensland had won the trophy.  It was the fourth time the Wing had won the trophy.

“This award is shared by all, with each and every staff member and cadet playing a direct role in the success of the wing,” Wing Commander (AAFC) Pieri said. “It’s not often we receive recognition for the commitment our staff and cadets show routinely and I trust each of them will find some time to celebrate this outstanding achievement in their own way.

“Last year was a tough year by anyone’s standards, made more difficult by Cyclone Yasi and the floods,” Wing Commander (AAFC) Pieri said.  “1 Wing covers an area from Mackay to Mareeba and out to Mount Isa. There wasn’t a single squadron anywhere that was not affected by Cyclone Yasi, floods, or both.

“Considering this adversity, the staff and cadets not only maintained their community support and engagements but delivered one of the most exciting and activity-packed training programs for years.

“I draw great inspiration and pride in the work our staff and cadets do and feel both humbled and privileged to work alongside some of the most dedicated and highly professional people you could ever want to meet in life.”

Competition is fierce for the trophy. There are eight cadet wings in Australia, with more than 6337 cadets and 946 staff.  No 1 Wing punches above its weight, with 537 cadets and 76 staff.

All photos care of ‘Northern Services Courier’.

Available on the AAFC YouTube Channel – Click here.

Do you want to find out about challenging career opportunities in the Aerospace industry?

Do you want to extend your knowledge and experience about aviation?

A new program for AAFC staff and cadets to commence in February 2012 is under development.

This email seeks expressions of interest for the Aerospace Challenge program from suitably qualified AAFC staff and cadets from all Wings in Australia.

The program is also expected to be open to Australian Navy Cadets and Australian Army Cadets who meet the strict entry requirements outlined below.

AAFC Aerospace Challenge Program Concept:

The Aerospace Challenge Program, which is still under development, will be an additional AAFC activity to the current weekly activity program.

The current concept is as follows:

Selected cadets will undertake a directed reading and study program via email from February to April including completing written responses to study questions about subjects including aerodynamics, aircraft design, remotely piloted vehicles, aircraft engineering and remotely piloted aerial systems training programs.

During the end of term one school holidays, a camp will be run which will include visits to aerospace companies, visits to sites where there are activities such as simulation, wind tunnels, and presentations from scientists and engineers about related topics. Team projects will be undertaken during this week. As part of this week’s camp, staff will assess the best three cadets who will then travel to the United Kingdom in the last week of July to participate in the Royal Air Force “Aerospace Challenge”. Further information about the RAF Aerospace Challenge can be found at www.aerospacechallenge.org

The three AAFC cadets selected will be required by the Royal Air Force Challenge organisers to be between 16 and 18 years old at the time of the competition in the last week of July.

Cadets who do not meet the age requirements for the 2012 program but show sufficient aptitude for this program, as this program will be conducted over the next three years and participation in could be an advantage to future selection.

The AAFC Aerospace Challenge Program is sponsored by the Defence Material Organisation (DMO). Travel expenses for the camp at the end of Term One and travel and participation in the Aerospace Challenge in the United Kingdom will be met from the DMO sponsorship. DMO intends to provide initial sponsorship for the program for the next three years.

Entry Requirements

Indicative entry requirements are as follows:

AAFC Staff Entry

Essential – Ability to supervise cadets undertaking the Aerospace Challenge Program

Essential – Available to travel within Australia to support the visit program to Australian Industry during the end of term one 2012 school holidays

Desirable – Knowledge of aerospace theory and practice which would normally include a degree qualification

Cadet Entry

Must have completed at least six months in the AAFC and passed all AAFC subjects to date – including AVB and ARB.

Must have attendance record of more than 80 per cent at weekly parades.

Must have very strong school academic ability including high levels in mathematics and science.

Must commit to being available for the camp at the end of term one 2012.

Must commit to travelling to the United Kingdom in the last week of July for the Aerospace challenge if selected.

Must have, or be able to obtain, a current Australian Passport at the end of term one 2012.

Parent/Guardian agreement for the cadet participation as outlined above.

The number of cadets participating in this program will be limited. Cadets who provide an initial expression of interest will be screened to ensure the appropriate staff to cadet ratios, and to ensure the cadets selected have strong chances of performing well in the program.

Are you Interested – What to do now?

For staff who are interested please outline your current interests, qualifications and experience, particularly in the aerospace subject areas noted above, in a short dot point email to WGCDR Warren Bishop at Warren.Bishop@defence.gov.au by 21 Dec 2011 to enable those selected to assist with the cadet EOI review in January 2012. Please note that specific aerospace experience is not mandatory, as cadet supervisor ratios need to be maintained, however some aerospace experience will be an advantage.

For cadets who are interested in participating in the program, provide the following information in an email to CB-AF.Admin@defence.gov.au with a copy to your squadron CO and your wing SOGT .

* Cadets should not send Expressions of Interest to WGCDR Bishop, as he will not accept them.

Cadets should provide the following information:

• email address
• Service Number
• surname
• given names
• date of birth
• AAFC Squadron
• School currently being attended in 2011
• List of subjects studied in 2011 including the level being studied and
• results in percentages for each subject
• School being attended in 2012
• List of subjects being studied in 2012 including the level being studied.

Note that confirmation of parent/guardian agreement will be required after initial screening of cadets is completed. Comments by AAFC Squadron COs will be sought about the suitability of applicants after initial screening is completed.