Air Force Cadets

At Adelaide Town Hall in October, Tharane Thamodarar received a special certificate from the Governor of South Australia – recognising her completion of the Gold Award of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

Tharane Thamodarar is now a civilian instructor in the Australian Air Force Cadets with No 604 Squadron (Hampstead Barracks, SA).

Tharane is a former Cadet and, notably, one of a select few who have flown their first solo flight in a glider.

She conducted most of her training in the DG1000S soaring sailplane operated by No 906 Aviation Training Squadron of the AAFC, as she rose through the ranks to become a Cadet Flight Sergeant.

Tharane spoke to the Public Affairs Officer for Aviation Operations Wing, Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig, about her flying career to date.

“As a Leading Cadet, I was selected to undertake flying training with the AAFC under a scholarship, and I flew from Stonefield, Gawler and Balaklava airfields,” Tharane said.

“On 14 March this year I flew my first solo flight at Gawler Airfield with the Adelaide Soaring Club after some additional training in transferring back to aerotow and respective procedures.

“My flying in the AAFC and with

Tharane Thamodarar receives her Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Gold Award certificate at Adelaide Town Hall from Governor of South Australia Hieu Van Le. Image courtesy of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – South Australia.

Adelaide Soaring Club helped me learn from different instructors and gain experience in different environments and aircraft.”

As a Cadet, Tharane held roles such as recruit flight commander and assistant training officer.

Throughout her AAFC career she earned the Individual Proficiency Badge and the Gold Rifle badge for firearms safety training.

She also completed the requirements for the Bronze Award and then the Gold Award of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an enriching program in which young people aged 14 to 25 participate in a number of activities and non-formal education over a set length of time to qualify for Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Each level is progressively more challenging.

The Award was founded in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

It now operates in more than 130 countries and territories across the globe, helping 14-24 year olds to become committed, responsible and fulfilled citizens of the world – to become world ready.

Tharane’s efforts to improve her knowledge and ability in aviation contributed to the skills section of her Gold Award.

The Gold Award takes particular commitment, perseverance and focus.

Congratulations Tharane on achieving this prestigious award through your service with the Australian Air Force Cadets.

Leading Cadet Tharane Thamodarar during a weekend training activity at Gawler Airfield. Photo by Flying Officer (AAFC) Paul Rosenzweig.

One of Goulburn's longest-running youth organisations will have its Freedom of the City reaffirmed.

The 325 (City of Goulburn) Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets is seeking to add 'City of Goulburn' to its revamped unit banner (paraded on official occasions such as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day) and its squadron patch (worn by cadets on their uniforms). "This reflects the Freedom of Entry that we've always assumed has continued on from whenever it was initially granted," Admin Officer Lt Brad Lochrin said. Royal Australian Air Force Air Traffic controllers from Townsville have started a program of engagement with young and inexperienced pilots operating in the region.

Personnel from 452 Squadron (ATC), which provides air traffic services to the airport, have introduced certificate ceremonies for civilian student pilots, with the first one conducted in September for students who had achieved their first solo flight.

Squadron Leader Adam Wilson, Operations Commander of 452 Squadron, said they hoped engaging with young pilots in particular would foster better relationships with ATC.

“Generally speaking, student and inexperienced pilots can often be apprehensive about air traffic control and may be a little reluctant to tell controllers when they are unsure about the instructions given or are having difficulties flying the aircraft. This

The Freedom of Entry is the highest mark of trust and confidence a city can give. The squadron, formed in the 1940s, apparently received the honour decades ago, but the paper trail had been lost after various moves and name changes in the last 80 years, Lt Lochrin explained.

While submitting their approval to the Chief of Air Force to redesign their banner and patch, Lt Lochrin said the Squadron were unable to find written records of the honour, or anyone with living memory of when the Freedom was granted.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council unanimously approved their request at the ordinary council meeting in October. An official welcome and civic reception will be arranged.

Mayor Bob Kirk said: "I am looking forward to setting an occasion in place to reinstitute this honour."

This will be the first time Mr Kirk has bestowed the honour. "This little tradition would have been lost had this squadron leader not occurrences,” Squadron Leader Wilson said.

“Developing a positive relationship between pilots, particularly students and air traffic control, has proven effective in encouraging pilots to notify if they are unsure or in need of assistance.

“It improves general aviation safety."

As part of Surveillance taken it upon himself to write and seek permission to use the title in the name," the Mayor said.

The Squadron seeks to instill discipline, leadership, and a desire towards the aerospace industry in young people. It was formed in 1942, as 46 Squadron, Air Training Corp (Royal Australian Air Force), and rebranded as 25 (City of Goulburn) Flight, Air Training Corp (AIRTC) in 1954.

Since mediaeval times, Lt Lochrin explained, military units have carried banners as an identification symbol. The Goulburn Squadron's design depicts the War Memorial; a rose for the city of roses; a band representing its association with and support from the Police Academy; and the Southern Cross. "It is a traditional recognition of our unit, and a source of pride," Lt Lochrin said. "This is who we are; this is our identity; this is what we stand for."

can lead to aviation safety Defence image.

Goulburn News

and Response Group’s No. 44 Wing, including charter companies, flight 452 Squadron provides air traffic control training organisations and skydive services to military and civilian aircraft, operators. The airport caters for 64,000 supporting air movements at Townsville movements per year, of which only 8000 International Airport and within the are military. designated regional airspace. The RAAF air traffic controllers said

Townsville Airport houses not only the event would be the first of many RAAF Garbutt, but also has a busy to continue their partnership with local civil Regular Public Transport (RPT) flying schools. service and general aviation operators www.australianflying.com.au