New wings set for sea
7 May 2007 By Rachael Irving
The lure of the sea and the chance to fly helicopters. That's what drove the decision of one of Navy's newest pilots when he chose the senior Service for his future.
Acting SBLT Matthew Hudson was one of four Navy and eight Air Force pilots to receive his Wings, following the graduation of No. 207 Pilot's course from RAAF Base Pearce on April 5.
He follows in the footsteps of his brother Mark, an AB clearance diver at HMAS Waterhen in wearing the Navy colours, not the Air Force colours his father Bruce, a former Administration Officer, wore.
"I always wanted to be a pilot but I chose Navy because I want to fly helicopters and be at sea," Matthew said.
"I looked at which of the Services would fit me best. Through my brother and other contacts I was lucky to visit a few of the ships, and thought Navy was the way to go for me."
He said that for him, the best part of the course was the opportunity to fly formations.
"It was awesome - great fun."
The 14 graduates spent a gruelling 34 weeks at Pearce flying the Pilatus PC9/A aircraft, clocking up some 150 flying hours in the process.
The course covered advanced general, instrument, night and formation flying, as well as navigation, readying the pilots for the transition to operational aircraft.
Chief of Staff Aviation FEG, CAPT David Gwyther, who travelled from NAS Nowra to attend the graduation, said that seeing Navy's newest pilots receive their wings was "terrific".
"There's a fantastic vibe coming out here - the families are happy and so are the pilots," CAPT Gwyther said.
"Receiving your pilot's wings is a big deal. I can remember 20 years ago, almost to the day, doing the same thing - it's just a terrific feeling."
In wishing Navy's newest well, CAPT Gwyther added, "Enjoy your success, strive for the next goal and fly safe."
Matthew and fellow pilots, LEUT Richard Groves, LEUT Nick Hattersley, who was awarded the navigation prize for the highest level of navigational skill, and SBLT Joshua Slaytor, now join 723 SQN at Nowra for Squirrel helicopter training.
