Vale 'Milt', Gp Capt Milton Cottee AFC MID US Air Medal
It is with sadness that I inform the PPRuNe Military Aircrew community of the passing of Group Captain Milton Cottee AFC MID US Air Medal (RAAF, Ret'd), on 01 May 2018. 'Milt' was a regular contributor on these boards, and his posts were always based in a deep knowledge of aviation.
Milt flew P-51 Mustangs in the Korean War before spending three years in the UK training to be a test pilot; he was then a leading test pilot on the Vulcan programme, eventually flying all three V-bombers during his time at Boscombe Down (I recall him telling me he was the first pilot to take a Valiant supersonic). Returning to Australia, he was Chief Test Pilot at RAAF Laverton, also flying C130s with 36 Sqn. He flew over 100 types across his career.
He is perhaps best known for being project manager for Australia's acquisition of the General Dynamics F-111 during their protracted entry-into-service with the RAAF. On that basis, he had a direct influence on Australia's strategic strike capability for the next three decades.
Following his retirement from the RAAF, he worked with General Dynamics when the F-16 was a finalist to replace the Mirage. As we know, GD was unsuccessful and the contest went to the F/A-18 Hornet. It is perhaps ironic that the F-111 was finally replaced by the Super Hornet.
His last few months were restful. He hung on until this year's ANZAC Day; he couldn't march anymore, leading the Air Force contingent for WW2 as he did for so many years, but was surrounded by family, and received his final posting orders five days later.
A measure of the respect in which he was held is shown by the 'nominal roll' of those who attended his send-off, including the Chief of Defence, the Korean Defence Attache to Australia and several members of the Air Staff.
Godspeed, Milt. Per Ardua Ad Astra.