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ADF Serials Message Board > Aircrew > Sgt Pilots

Posted by: Dean Jun 6 2006, 11:19 PM

In the early days of the RAAF it was decided that there should be a number of drawn upon from the enlisted ranks and known as airmen pilots. During their basic flying training they were Lac's and Cpl's and upon graduation were promoted to Sgt pilots. Quite often after reaching the rank of F/Sgt or W/O they were granted commissions as Plt Off's.

Excluding the period of 1948-1950 when the Pilot Category was introduced does anyone know when this practice ceased at all? I still have Sgt pilots as late as 1960.

Posted by: Brendan Cowan Jun 7 2006, 08:51 AM

Hi Dean,

Quite right - and in fact the Army re-introduced WO pilots when the rotary assets were transferred from RAAF to ARMY control.

There was also a brief period in the early fifties when an alternative non-commissioned pilot/aircrew rank structure was introduced (P1 to P3?) but it caused so much confusion that it was soon dropped. the RAF had a similar scheme which was equally short lived.

Not sure of all the relevant dates.

Cheers

BC

Posted by: Rod Farquhar Jun 7 2006, 11:20 AM

Dean, not sure of the exact date but early 60s I was at East Sale and Central Flying School had a couple of SNCO pilots on course there. I never saw one actualy on a flying unit after that so I guess they were the last.
Rod.

Posted by: Dean Jun 7 2006, 06:48 PM

QUOTE (Brendan Cowan @ Jun 7 2006, 08:51 AM)

Hi Brendan,
You'll find that subject being covered in the RAAF Rank Abbreviation thread.

Posted by: Brendan Cowan Jun 8 2006, 08:12 AM

Caught me bang to rights there guv!