In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Andrew Chapman, Director - Aerospace, and Christopher "Planko" Plain, Business Development & Strategy Manager, at BAE Systems Australia about sustaining the RAAF's F-35 and Hawk aircraft along with supplying Aviation Technical Training in Wagga Wagga.

We begin our discussion by reviewing BAE System’s current expansion of facilities to support the F-35,  how Andrew and Christopher’s careers prepared them for their roles, and the modernisation of the Hawks so they can be utilised to train pilots for the F-35. We get an insight into the evolution of the training program, the current methods and equipment being utilised to improve training, and assess the balance between live and synthetic training. Our discussion gives us an insight into how training is continuously improved, the preparation for future technologies such as UAV’s, and the changes seen by pilots in the cockpit.

We wrap up with an overview of the Aviation Technical Training Academy and how it is preparing defence personnel to undertake aircraft maintenance and support across the Australian Defence Force.

Links:

BAE Systems Australia

www.baesystems.com/en-aus

BAE Systems Australia's Aviation Services

www.baesystems.com/en-aus/what-we-do/air

This episode has been sponsored by BAE Systems.

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