A shared passion for flight

For FLGOFF Rhys Easthope, the journey to becoming a military pilot began long before he stepped into a cockpit.

Inspired by his father, SQNLDR Jason Easthope, an F-35A Lightning II pilot at 77SQN, FLGOFF Easthope grew up surrounded by aviation and the Air Force, with his passion for flying developing along the way.

That inspiration recently came full circle when father and son shared a unique moment in the skies above RAAF Base Williamtown, flying together in their respective aircraft.

FLGOFF Easthope took to the air in a PC-21 from 4SQN while his dad flew an F-35A Lightning II, marking a proud milestone for both aviators.

SQNLDR Easthope said seeing his son pursue a career in military aviation has been especially rewarding.

“Watching Rhys develop into a pilot and seeing the dedication he has shown to achieve his goals sure is a proud moment,” he said.

FLGOFF Easthope said the opportunity to fly alongside his father was one he will never forget.

“Seeing the F-35A pull up beside me knowing it was dad was surreal. Growing up around Air Force and seeing the passion he had for flying always made me wonder. Sharing the sky with him over Williamtown was a very special experience,” he said.

The flight highlighted not only the strong bond between father and son but also the legacy of service that can span generations within the ADF.

This Father’s Day, the Easthopes’ story serves as a reminder that inspiration can start close to home and that sometimes the people who help us reach our goals are the same people who first encouraged us to dream.