2012 was a fantastic year for 215 Squadron. The Unit turned 60 years old in 2012, and this was acknowledged by a celebratory Dinner in November.
As usual, the Squadron took part in numerous activities. Here’s a snapshot:
Training
215 Squadron’s training program was largely driven by the Cadets. All Senior Cadets (CUO Liam Cooper, CUO Justin Price, CFSGT Kate Brown, CSGT Ralph Bancroft, CCPL Elijah Schuurs, CCPL Rebecca Cooper, CCPL Melissa Tabulo and CCPL Scott Bancroft) had input to how the Squadron operated and the training undertaken. The standard of the training was particularly high, and was delivered mainly by the Senior Cadets.
Cadets from the Squadron took part in a First Aid Course (held at the Squadron) and Engineering Courses, held at RAAF Base Amberley.
Induction Training
As for the Squadron’s training program, it was punctuated by rain (and lots of it). The Squadron ran an Induction training activity in March and many of the activities programmed for the Saturday had to be cancelled or postponed. That said, the Cadets under training and those performing the training adapted well to the changing conditions and requirements. In all, it was a successful exercise.
International Air Cadet Exchange
CUO Justin Price represented the AAFC at the International Air Cadets Exchange in Canada. CUO Price was in Canada for two weeks.
Field Exercises
In April, 215 Squadron undertook its first field exercise for 2012 at Boyland. Unfortunately, it was the weekend of the highest rainfall in South-East Queensland for a long time, and so the activity was terminated on the Saturday afternoon. That said, the Cadets learned a lot about operating in wet weather. CPL(AAFC) Damien Choy turned what would have been a pretty miserable day into an excellent training and learning activity. All Cadets and Staff were back at Holland Park by 1700 – quite wet!
In August 215 Squadron again went to Boyland for the second field activity, and this time the weather was perfect – clear blue skies! It was a work intensive weekend for the Cadets and Staff, and again CPL(AAFC) Damien Choy’s training plan ensured all who took part in the exercise gained valuable bush skills. It was a highly successful weekend.
In November, 215 Squadron undertook a high ropes activity at Thunderbird Park, Mount Tambourine.
ANZAC Day
215 Squadron took part in ANZAC Day ceremonies at Sunnybank RSL and in the main City march in support of the Aircrew Association. The Squadron took part in the Dawn and Main service at Sunnybank, including catafalque party duties. All Cadets that took part performed exceptionally well, much to gratitude of the RSL and Aircrew Association.
Flight Simulator
The Senior Cadets, led by CUO Liam Cooper and CSGT Ralph Bancroft constructed a flight simulator. The Cadets scoped the size of the project, costed it, and obtained the various components of the simulator. The system has been in use since mid-year, and all Cadets and Staff have “qualified” on at least one of the aircraft on the simulator. It is an impressive piece of kit, and has been used to demonstrate theory of flight subjects to Cadets of all stages.
UAV
CCPL Scott Bancroft led the project to construct an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The UAV assisted Cadets of all stages understand theory behind aircraft construction and systems. The UAV has flown on a few occasions and requires some “system tweaking” before it is used in earnest.
60th Anniversary
In 2012, 215 Squadron celebrated its 60th anniversary, and the highlight of the year was the 60th Anniversary Celebratory Dinner. The Dinner was held at the Niche Event Spaces at Stones Corner. Sixty-five guests attended, including current and past Commanding Officers, staff and cadets. Air Commodore Peter Growder was the guest speaker. A fantastic night was had by all.
Achievements
Despite being relatively small, 215 Squadron has always generated its share of pilots, and 2012 was no exception.
CUO Justin Price undertakes glider flying training with 229 Flight. His achievements during 2012 include:
- C Certificate and Silver C Certificate
- Cross Country Endorsement
- Conversion on to 6 aircraft types
- Glider Passenger Rating
- Glider Aerobatic Rating
- Daily Glider Inspection Certificate.
CSGT Ralph Bancroft undertakes power flying training with 211 Flight. His achievements during 2012 include:
- GFPT and PPL licences
- First solo in gliders
- Glider towing endorsement
CCPL Scott Bancroft undertakes power flying training with 211 Flight, and during 2012 he undertook First Solo flight, and successfully completed the Basic Aeronautical Knowledge Course.
Photos from the 60th Anniversary Celebratory Dinner:
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