Thanks for the congrats! It's a long haul but well worth it..
The graduates were 12 RAAF and 3 RAN. We had 3 go to Fast Jets, 2 to VIP's (I'm one of those), 1 to C130J, 2 to C130H, 1 to 707's, 2 to Caribous, 1 to P3's.
here's an article published in defence media:
CHIEF OF AIR FORCE HONOURS GRADUATES OF 200TH PILOTS COURSE
The Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston, AO AFC has congratulated graduates of the 200th Advanced Pilots course during celebrations at RAAF Base Pearce today.
In addition to receiving their Wings, the fifteen graduates were honoured by a fly-past featuring PC9 and Hawk aircraft following the formal graduation parade, reviewed by Air Marshal Houston.
In a speech congratulating the graduating Air Force and Navy Officers, Air Marshal Houston acknowledged the effort and outstanding achievements made in completing the course.
"Today’s graduation represents the culmination of many long months of very hard work by all of you. You have been challenged intellectually, but also physically and emotionally. By standing here today you have signalled your commitment to your profession and to the values of both Navy and Air Force," Air Marshal Houston said.
The momentous occasion marked the 200th Pilots course since 1948, when post World War One flying arrangements were commenced. Over 56 years the Air Force has graduated 3143 pilots in the 200 courses that have been conducted. This year we also commemorate 90 years since the graduation of the very first military pilots in late 1914.
"Those amazing men who graduated from the first flying training course at Point Cook were viewed as courageous and daring risk-takers. Whatever people might have thought of them, there is no denying that they were incredibly brave," Air Marshal Houston said.
The Chief of Air Force urged the graduates, as future leaders in the Air Force and Navy, to keep up the hard work as they transition into their future careers.
"You might feel like your starting all over again. There’ll be new faces, new demands, a new environment and different and new pressures.
"I urge you to grasp the opportunities presented by the next stage of your careers. Work hard, be prepared for every flight, and learn as much as you can. And remember the learning never ends, especially when it comes to achieving excellence and ensuring flight safety."
Air Marshal Houston also thanked all of those people who assisted the graduates in realising their dream, including members of the Air Force, public service and contractor personnel and training instructors, and in particular the families, partners and friends of the graduates.