Full batch of RAAF pilots pass Introductory Fighter Course for the first time
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has announced that a full batch of pilots graduated from the challenging Introductory Fighter Course (IFC) at the RAAF Base Williamtown’s 76 Squadron, on June 27, 2025.
This is the first time that a single cohort has had a 100% pass rate – 10 out of 10 pilots – since the introduction of the Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter aircraft in the year 2000.
The Hawk 127 Lead-in Fighter prepares qualified Air Force pilots for conversion to F-35A Lightning II, F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler.
Pilots must first complete the 14-week introductory course to learn fundamentals of general flying such as instrument flying, night flying, navigation and formation flying,
Upon completion, they then proceed to the tactical phase of the IFC, a challenging, five-month course where trainees learn the fundamentals of Air to Air combat and Air to Surface weapon delivery.
Due to its challenging nature, it is extremely rare to complete a course with a 100% success rate, let alone with a large intake of 10 participants, the RAAF noted.
According to the RAAF, alongside the full cohort of pilot graduates were three weapons systems operators who also graduated IFC. They will now go on to undertake operational conversion as rear-seat weapon systems officers and electronic warfare officers.
“Over the preceding five years, the output from 76 Squadron and the Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter pipeline has been low,” Commanding Officer 76 Squadron Wing Commander Michael Green said.
“This was due to many factors, most notably due to the challenges associated with introducing the Pilatus PC-21 into the Pilot Training System and the COVID pandemic,” he added.
Green also said that to emerge from this challenging period and graduate “10 quality pilots from 10 candidates is remarkable”.
Out of the 10 graduates, five will commence operational conversion to the F-35A Lightning II, two will begin operational conversion to the F/A-18F Super Hornet, and two will proceed to the United States for EA-18G Growler operational conversion.
The remaining graduate will stay at 76 Squadron awaiting operational conversion in 2026.
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The post Full batch of RAAF pilots pass Introductory Fighter Course for the first time appeared first on AeroTime.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has announced that a full batch of pilots graduated from the challenging…
The post Full batch of RAAF pilots pass Introductory Fighter Course for the first time appeared first on AeroTime.
