The Rockdale Squadron of the Australian Air League has embarked on a membership drive to encourage the next generation of local youth to support the development of aviation in Australia.
New members will be continuing a proud tradition, joining the nation’s second-oldest squadron of the Air League which carries the motto: “Free From The Bonds Of the Earth.”
The Australian Air League is a national youth organisation with the goal of encouraging an interest in aviation as a career or as a hobby for the youth of Australia.
Underlying this is the aim to help members achieve their full potential and become better citizens.
The Air League is open to girls and boys from the age of ten years through to 18 who join a squadron as a cadet. On reaching the age of 18 many cadets chose to remain in the squadron as officers or instructors.
Many Air League cadets have gone on to have a career in aviation.
Rockdale Squadron of the Australian Air League acting Officer in Charge, Bob Bishop said the benefits of joining are many.
Activities include weekly squadron parade nights, aviation theory classes such as navigation and aircraft engines, first aid, life saving and state emergency services.
And the organisation continues to evolve. Recent classes have involved drone building.
Cadets can study for badges in many subjects including astronomy, meteorology, administration, aircraft modelling, aero engines, theory of flight , electronics, first aid, aircraft construction, photography and air activities, either powered or gliding.
“In the end they can get quite a rounded education,” Mr Bishop said.
“They can eventually complete an Australian Air League Diploma which many cadets can show prospective employers.”
Air League cadets are also out in the community, front and centre at many annual special occasions including ANZAC Day marches, commemoration services and Australian Day ceremonies.
The Australian Air League was formed in 1936 by George Robey, one of the original Anzacs who was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal for rescuing a wounded man adrift in an open boat and under fire on the day of the first landings at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.
Many years later, while still serving, he gave his son, Keith a model airplane which sparked his interest in aviation.
Realising there were no youth organisations that could teach his son and other youth about aeroplanes, Mr Robey decided to form the Australian Air League.
Mr Bishop said that Rockdale is believed to be the second squadron formed, the first being at Manly about 1935.
But the squadron doesn’t rest on tradition and is constantly keeping up with new technology.
The Rockdale cadets became the first squadron in NSW to build a drone.
“Quite a lot of cadets have gone on to be pilots,” Mr Bishop said.
“One of our cadets recently started training as a pilot for one of the major airlines, while another has started working in airline catering.”
“When they reach the age of 14, cadets can start pilot training. The can actually get their pilot’s licence before their driving licence,” he said.
The Rockdale Squadron of the Australian Air League meets every Friday night, except during school holidays, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Air League Hall, Waldron Street, Sandringham.
Anyone interested in attending can phone Mr Bishop on 9533 2603 or 0412 274 271.