RNZAF pilots sharpen skills during Exercise Wise Owl above Marlborough

The sound of Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) aircraft flying overhead has been a familiar one over Marlborough in the recent week as pilots sharpen their flying and decision-making skills during Exercise Wise Owl.

The No. 14 Squadron T-6C Texan II aircraft, on which all Air Force pilots learn to fly, have been flying from RNZAF Base Woodbourne across the region, allowing pilots to practise in a range of environments and conditions, building experience and strengthening operational readiness.

Flying instructor Flight Lieutenant Corey Fothergill said operating away from their usual home, RNZAF Base Ohakea, helped expose student pilots to different airspace, procedures and terrain.

“Woodbourne offers different procedures. It’s great for them to deal with traffic they don’t usually have to and land features such as the mountains.”

Students on the most advanced pilot training course in Blenheim have been completing the formation flying phase, a demanding stage where students rapidly build confidence and precision flying skills.

“They go from never having flown in close formation, to by the end of those 14 flights, being comfortable doing high-angle bank turns and aerobatics following each other,” Flight Lieutenant Fothergill said.

Exercise Wise Owl also gives newer students the chance to see how their training will progress.

Pilot Officer Callum Mowat, who is currently completing the ground school phase of the Wings course at No. 14 Squadron, said the course is both demanding and rewarding. “It’s definitely a challenging course. The rate of learning certainly ramps up,” he said.

Although still early in his training, watching more advanced students complete formation flying provides a glimpse of what lies ahead for Pilot Officer Mowat and his fellow students.

“When we were starting out, and the senior course was going solo, we couldn’t imagine what it would be like to go solo. To see them now flying in formation and knowing we’ll be doing the same in six months, is quite incredible.”

Pilot Officer Mowat, who previously served in the Royal New Zealand Navy before transferring to the RNZAF, said teamwork is central to becoming a successful pilot.

“Everyone trusts everyone and has their back. A perfect example is formation flying, flying only a few metres away from each other. You’ve really got to have the person’s back that’s on your wing.”

For those considering a career as a pilot, Pilot Officer Mowat has simple advice: “It’s not an easy route. It’s competitive, and it takes a while, but it’s worth pursuing the selection process. You’ve just got to try your best - because you miss every shot that you don’t take.”