Heritage aircraft inspire potential RAAF aviators

Personnel from 100SQN brought Air Force heritage to life for more than 50 prospective aviators during a candidate experience day at RAAF Base Point Cook.

Supporting the ADF Careers event, squadron members opened the hangar doors and shared their experiences of service life beyond the job description.

The day included an interactive flying display, tours of 100SQN facilities and the RAAF Museum, as well as opportunities to speak directly with serving aviators.

XO 100SQN Sam Da Graca Costa said the experience was designed to help candidates picture their own place within Air Force.

“Every aircraft in our fleet tells a story of the people who flew, maintained and supported it,” SQNLDR Da Graca Costa said.

“By seeing our heritage capability in action, we hope candidates are able to connect Air Force’s history with the opportunities available to them today, to carry that legacy forward.”

Following the flying display, candidates and their guests visited the RAAF Museum and participated in a question-and-answer session with 100SQN aviators, museum staff and ADF Careers representatives.

Careers promotion team leader FLTLT Sam Spina said the experience offered candidates and their families a more authentic understanding of the opportunities and commitments associated with an Air Force career.

“By meeting our people, experiencing the military environment and asking honest questions, candidates can develop a genuine understanding of service life and make a more informed decision about their future,” FLTLT Spina said.

“If we can maintain their confidence and engagement throughout the recruitment process, while also giving them a realistic understanding of the career they are considering, candidates are better prepared for the journey ahead.”

With the support of squadrons, candidate experience days provide realistic job previews that can help to sustain motivation during recruitment.

For 100SQN, the day served as a reminder that Air Force heritage is not only about remembering those who served before, but using their stories, experiences and aircraft to inspire those who come next.