Pilots receive their wings in military milestone

Two young military pilots, the first to be taught to fly a plane locally, received their wings during a modest ceremony at the army's air wing last week.

Lance Bombardier Darren Roe and Gunner Philip Cardona's chests swelled with pride as they received the crudely-embroidered patches in the presence of their family.

The commanding officer of the Air Wing, Lieutenant Colonel Claudio Spiteri said it was "a brief but very significant... ceremony that undoubtedly fills us with immense pride and joy".

He said it was always considered a special occasion when a pilot was awarded his wings for his efforts, hard work, commitment and dedication shown to successfully complete an intensive course.

Coincidentally, this was the shortest course in the army's history of pilot training. It lasted three months instead of the customary eight, which, however, only trained pilots to fly a helicopter.

The process began last year, when an internal call for applications was issued. It was well received but just four candidates were chosen to start ground training and two went on to learn to fly, primarily under Major George Abela and Major Mark Anthony Said, both highly-experienced pilots. They were finally examined by a pilot from the Royal Navy.

Lance Bombardier Roe and Gunner Cardona will soon be taught how to fly larger aircraft and will eventually participate in the air wing's routine operations, including search and rescue.

The air wing conducted three rescue operations so far this year, including airlifting six sailors. Twenty-one patients were flown from Gozo Hospital to Mater Dei Hospital. Planes were also deployed on more than 20 long-range searches.

kbugeja@timesofmalta.com