Wings for first woman military pilot

Press, 17 December 1988, Page 1

Wings for first woman military pilot

Pilot Officer Angela Dickinson threw a snappy salute but could not conceal a broad grin after a crisp new set of Air Force pilot’s wings were pinned to her tunic. The graduation ceremony yesterday at R.N.Z.A.F. Base Wigram was a formal occasion, and it was also a historic moment as Pilot Officer Dickinson became t b e first woman military pilot in the

Royal New Zealand Air Force. For that reason there was added news media attention for the graduates of 987 pilots’ course, 987 navigators’ course, and 1284 university officer cadets’ course. Pilot Officer Dickinson admitted she was not sure which was the more nervous moment — beginning her flying training or being part of the graduation parade.

She had successfully negotiated one of the most stringent training courses in the armed forces. More than half the people, including two women who began training with her, dropped out. The pressures of knowing she was the first woman in a hitherto exclusively male domain were not intimidating, she said, emphasising her desire to be seen as one of a

team. “I was an electrician before I joined the Air Force. I worked at Marsden Point for a couple of years and haven’t heard anything here I didn’t hear there.” A long-term interest in flying attracted her to the Air Force, particularly after the Government’s 1986 directive that women should be accepted for aircrew training.

In January, Pilot Officer Dickinson will begin training at the Central Flying School at Wigram, learning to fly the Sioux helicopter. On completion of that course she will join 3 squadron at Hobsonville. “A helicopter posting was my first choice. They have an interesting role in the Air Force with search and rescue and fire-fighting work.”