By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A NARRE Warren man will make history for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) when he becomes the first pilot to trial a new type of fighter jet.
RAAF Squadron Leader Andrew Jackson will be the first pilot to train using the F-35A Lighting II, a joint strike fighter being developed under the new Air Combat Capability Project as a replacement for the AF/A-18A Hornet.
The former Haileybury and Dandenong High School student will be one of the first members from the RAAF air crew to undertake the new training, overseen by Squadron Leader David Bell.
Andrew said he was humbled by the opportunity to train on the new fighter jet and looked forward to the challenge.
“Pressure is something we are used to handling,” he said.
“I agree there is pressure to perform in the role, but it’s something we are comfortable with.”
The 36-year-old, who is currently based in Williamtown near Newcastle in New South Wales, was selected as a result of his renowned flying skills and extensive experience.
He expected the new jet to be a game changer for the air force.
“I had the opportunity to fly high-fidelity simulators in the US and saw what the F-35A can do,” Andrew said.
“It is a generational leap beyond what we have at the moment.”
Andrew joined the RAAF after graduating from school at 17, but he returns to Narre Warren regularly to catch up with family and friends.
