Future Royal Australian Air Force pilots were given an up-close and personal look at some Hawk 127 training jets at the Launceston Airport on Friday.
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The jets are part of RAAF 79 Squadron, who are on their way to Hobart for the Battle of Britain commemorations this weekend.
Wing Commander of 79 Squadron Graham Williams is the commanding officer of the squad based out of Perth, Western Australia.
"Coming to Launceston today is an opportunity for us to show the cadets the possibilities if they take up a career in the Air Force," he said.
Wing Commander Williams said while the Battle of Britain was far away, Australia's participation was noteworthy.
The Hawk 127s are used primarily as an introductory jet for training.
"They're [the jets] for our would-be pilots - young men and women who have come out of the pilot's course before they progress on to flying the hornet or the joint strike fighter. They come and fly the hawk and we introduce them to the rudiments of becoming a fighter pilot," Wing Commander Williams said.
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Wing Commander Williams said it was important for aspiring Air Force pilots in isolated Tasmania to be given as much exposure to RAF equipment and planes.
"Tasmania's a little out of the way so it's rare that fast jets come here," he said.
"It's really important for young people that we capture their hearts, minds and most importantly they see what's out there and what they're capable of doing with a bit of hard work and determination, a career as a fighter pilot is open to everyone."
Cadet of two years Alexei Horner joined the RAAF after visiting its booth at Agfest.
"I actually wanted to be a diesel mechanic in one of the forces ... I spoke to more female members of the cadets and they were pushing for an aviation type of career so I thought why not be a pilot?" Ms Horner said.
Ms Horner had recently been to France to see a huge variety of military aircraft.
"The hawks [127] are pretty cute, we've seen the F-35s ... I've flown in the PC-9 on a training exercise but none of the fast jets really," she said.
Pupils from Launceston Preparatory School, Prospect High School and Scotch Oakburn College were also invited to check out the jets.
"I joined the Air Force because someone from the Air Force came to my school," Wing Commander Williams said.
"It's really important we engage with young people of all ages ... that we inspire them and we peak their interest and you never know you could be looking at the future chief of the air force simply by coming to Launceston."
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