An Australian Perspective on the Evolution of Pilot Training

This edition of the Australian Aviation podcast features an interview with FLTLT John Tauschke from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

In this podcast, FLTLT Tauschke talks about his 27-year career in the RAAF.

The discussion covers being a pilot of VIP jets in 35 SQN, as well as flying the DHC-4 Caribou, the PC-9 and the transition to the PC-21.

FLTLT Tauschke’s most recent role is as a PC-21 instructor at 2FTS and therefore he can reflect on the last magic carpet ride for the PC-9 and what the transition to the new era of training and training aids with the PC-21 means for the RAAF.

Under AIR 5428, the PC-21 will replace both the ageing Pilatus PC-9/A advanced trainer, which has been in service since 1988, and the CT-4B Airtrainer, which has been used for flight screening and basic training.

The first six PC-21s were formally welcomed into service at RAAF Base East Sale in August 2017, while the new Roulettes scheme was first noted on two PC-21s delivered to the RAAF in July 2018.

The photo shows a July 2018 image of an RAAF Pilatus PC-21 HB-HW at Darwin.