Air Force pilots at the top of their game

The Royal Australian Air Force came to the Australian Open today with its aerobatic flying team, the Roulettes, soaring over Melbourne Park.

Air Force teamed up with world no. 67 Sam Groth to demonstrate how training and hard work can make a dream job attainable.

The Roulettes fly some of the fastest and most manoeuvrable aircraft in the Australian skies, and the world’s fastest server recently had the opportunity to experience their capability first hand by climbing aboard for a flight to test the science of achievement.

The Roulettes fly at speeds of up to 590 kilometres per hour, with pilots relying only on their hand-eye coordination. During the flight Sam’s experience was monitored, and a loop the loop manoeuvre sent his heart rate soaring.

Sam then invited two Air Force pilots to be at the receiving end of his world famous tennis serve, inflicting similarly elevated heart rates on the pilots.

Sam credits his ability to serve faster than anyone else to a combination of the physical attributes that he was born with, technique, a loose arm, leg drive and a lot of practice.

“Before each serve I come up with a clear plan for the serve and the first shot of the point I hope to hit off the return. I try to visualise hitting the serve and then try to completely clear my mind and relax once I step up to the line,” Sam said.

Roulette pilot, Flight Lieutenant Thomas Sawade, said the key to performing any challenging manoeuvre is preparation and training.

“Our manoeuvres are well thought out, well taught, and well practiced,” he said.

“Before any aerobatic sequence, I am constantly checking my heights and speeds to ensure that I can complete the manoeuvre safely and keep the aircraft within limits.”

Tom believes a passion for aviation is important because becoming an Air Force pilot is a challenging task.

“You need to love what you’re doing, and having the right people around you will help you through the tough times,” he said.

“Being an Air Force pilot is an extremely rewarding job, and achievable with the right amount of hard work and determination.”

The Air Force is currently recruiting men and women at the top of their game. To learn more about the variety of Aviation roles available visit defencejobs.gov.au/airforce/aviation or call 13 19 01.

To see Sam’s Air Force experience visit ‘From the Ground Up’ at http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/airforce/greatness/#/

Media contact:
Defence Force Recruiting Public Affairs – 0438 084 398