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.

That is indeed sad news about Milt Cottee.
He was the driver in Washington DC for Australia's acquisition of the F-111C, and the then OC 82 Wing (the late 'Spud' Spurgeon) always spoke highly of him.
Last time I saw him was when he queued up behind me in a market greengrocers (I was in RAAF uniform), and he said casually: "You know, I used to be in the air force".
I replied: "Yes, you are Milt Cottee, Mr F-111."
He liked that.
RIP

That is sad news.

Some years ago I was invited to present to the Flight Test Society of Australia at RNAS Nowra, and was hosted by Milt. A lovely, modest, gentleman, with - as you'd expect - a fund of absolutely fascinating stories and definitive information.

I am proud to have met him.

MILT
 

He gets lots of mention in T Blackmans book on testing the Vulcan, and recently on another thread re bombing, casually mentions taking out a Tank with his Mustang. Did he ever write up his 'experiences' .Someone should.