New Air Force Pilots Graduate

Graduation’s reviewing officer was AVM Graham Lintott, Chief of the Air Force. L-R: FGOFF Anderson, FGOFF Thornley, FGOFF Lloyd, FGOFF Nicholas, PLTOFF Woolston. Image 1. OH-07-0523-08-tn.jpg.

It was a proud occasion for the five newly qualified Royal New Zealand Air Force pilots presented with their Wings at a graduation parade attended by the Chief of Air Force AVM Graham Lintott.

The Parade was held at 2pm on Thursday, 2 August, at RNZAF Base Ohakea.

The presentation of the Pilot’s Brevet signifies the successful completion of over a year of flight training.

The students, from Christchurch, Wellington, Waikato and Auckland will go on to fly Iroquois or Seasprite helicopters, C-130 Hercules or P-3K Orions.

FGOFF Stuart Anderson

FGOFF Anderson grew up near Johannesburg, South Africa and after completing his final school examinations, moved to Auckland where he studied towards a Bachelor of Engineering Degree. FGOFF Anderson graduated with first class honours in 2001 and worked as a mechanical design engineer for Fisher and Paykel for three years while pursuing his interest in aviation after hours. After gaining his Commercial Pilots Licence, FGOFF Anderson worked in Dunedin, Queenstown, Central Otago and Auckland as a flight instructor and commercial pilot prior to joining the RNZAF in 2005. On graduation from the 05/2 Initial Officer Training Course, FGOFF Anderson was posted to RNZAF Ohakea to commence pilot training. FGOFF Anderson successfully graduated from the 06/1 Wings Course.

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FGOFF Aaron Lloyd

FGOFF Lloyd grew up in Methven, where he attended Mt Hutt College. He joined the RNZAF in 2003, and was posted to the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra, where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Management degree, in addition to his initial officer training, single- and tri-Service military training. FGOFF Lloyd was awarded several commendations for his academic achievements at the Academy. On graduation, FGOFF Lloyd was posted to Pilot Training Squadron to commence pilot training. FGOFF Lloyd successfully graduated from the 06/1 Wings Course.

FGOFF Scott Nicholas

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FGOFF Nicholas originates from Morrinsville. He joined the Air Force in 1997 as an Avionics Mechanic. In 2000 FGOFF Nicholas completed a Certificate of Engineering at Auckland University of Technology and graduated the Avionics Technician’s advanced trade training course in 2002. During his career he has served on No. 40 Squadron servicing Hercules and Boeing aircraft and has deployed with the squadron to Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia and Antarctica. In 2005 FGOFF Nicholas re-mustered to pilot and was commissioned from the ranks on graduation from the 05/2 Initial Officer Training Course. FGOFF Nicholas successfully graduated from the 06/1 Wings Course.

FGOFF Craig Thornley

FGOFF Thornley grew up in Greymouth, before moving to Christchurch where he attended Shirley Boys’ High School. He joined the RNZAF in 2003, and was posted to the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra, where he undertook initial officer training, single- and tri-Service military training, and he also completed a Bachelor of Technology in Aeronautical Engineering degree. On graduating from the Academy, FGOFF Thornley returned to New Zealand to commence pilot training. FGOFF Thornley successfully graduated from the 06/1 Wings Course.

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PLTOFF Mary Woolston

PLTOFF Woolston was born in Melbourne, but grew up in Wellington. She attended Tawa College and was appointed a Head Student in 2004. PLTOFF Woolston attended the Walsh Memorial Flying School in Matamata in 2004 and again as a return student in 2005. She joined the RNZAF in 2005. On graduation from the 05/2 Initial Officer Training Course, she was posted to RNZAF Ohakea to commence pilots training. PLTOFF Woolston successfully graduated from the 06/1 Wings Course.