Navy Rules the Air Force

[fence_post]

Heard that ex-A4 and Navy Pilot had been appointed CHIEF OF THE AIR FORCE. Understand, he was one of the many Fleet Air Arm pilots of the fixed wing arm of the FAA who transferred to the RAAF on the abolition of the aircraft-carrier HMAS MELBOURNE and fixed wing arm of the FAA in the early 1980's. So, finally it can be said; "The Navy rules the Air Force

[oldpinger]

Yup, Binskin, excellent bloke, gather he was on exchange on Mirages at the time of paying off the A4s. Was invited to stay and change uniforms. Hasn't looked back since.

Should be a great improvement..........:D
coooooooooooeeeeeeeeee!

[Wizofoz]

Not to mention CUO Binskin at 3 flight, Camden!

The first F-18 I saw fly had Binnie at the controls- AWSOME!!

[FoxtrotAlpha18]

The first F-18 I saw fly had Binnie at the controls- AWSOME!!

According to the book, Hornets Down Under, Binny was one of the initial cadre of Hornet pilots who went to the US to train on and bring back the first two jets in 84/85, and was the second RAAF Hornet display pilot after Dave Pietsch.

[Keg]

Given that he was AIRTC before he went to the RAN then I guess his heritage really should be considered to be a RAAF one! :p :ok:

A quick plug for the AIRTC/AAFC. The Australian Defence Force cadets (ADFC) supply about 45% of ADFA entrants. Despite being about a 1/3 of the ADFC, the AAFC supplies half of those ADFA entrants. The AAFC generally supplies as many officer entrants to the Army as does the Army cadets.

Certainly a good building ground for future officers of the ADF.

[Like This - Do That]

Keg you're pretty much on the money. Not sure 100% of the numbers, but I think it's like this (give or take - willing to be corrected).

All cadets are about 2% of their cohort; cadets are 15% of all ADF enlistements; are 45% of occifer entry. Not sure of the breakdown by cadet service, ie navy cadets, army cadets, air force cadets.

I was AIRTC and then Army. Many many many of my old AIRTC mates went on to the 3 services, including a disproportionate number who made it through aircrew training and into a SQN.

[Mick.B]

The first time I saw a Hornet in Australia was at the Morrabin Airshow must have been 85 or 86 and still remember Mark Binskin at the controls. Great Military Man. Will be head of the Defence Force one day.

[wessex19]

http://www.faaaa.asn.au/pictures/events/images/binskin_and_A4G_crew.jpg

A young Midshipman Binskin while attached to VC 724 Squadron learning to fly the A-4G skyhawk.
left to right;
MIDN Paul Kalade, Dave Baddams, ASLT Eamon Lines, MIDN Mark Binskin and LEUT Rob Bradshaw RN (exchange).
PIC courtesy FAA association.