The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has completed pilot training on its first C-17 Globemaster III Australia.

During the pilot initial qualification (PIQ) training, which began on 1 February, Flight Lt. David Whyte and Pilot Officer Stephen Maunder received 350 hours of programmed training.

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Carried out at RAAF Base Amberley, it also included 120 simulated flight hours in the C-17 Globemaster III aircrew training system (ATS).

The Boeing C-17 ATS includes a loadmaster station, learning centre, various support systems and a weapons systems trainer (WST).

Training also included five flights in a C-17 airlifter under the instruction of RAAF-qualified flying instructors and acceptance by the RAAF’s No. 36 Squadron.

Pilot Officers Luke Ridgway and Brett Hopewell will receive PIQ training this month, while the third and fourth PIQ training sessions will begin in July and August.

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