The transition from military service to QinetiQ Air Affairs is particularly seamless for veterans like David and Garry, due to the defence-focused environment and shared values within the organisation. At QinetiQ, they continue to operate alongside other former military professionals, maintaining the high standards, discipline, and teamwork they were accustomed to in their military careers.
David and Garry start their day with detailed mission briefings. As senior pilots at QinetiQ Air Affairs, they play a key role in leading these briefings, ensuring the entire team is aligned for that day’s mission. Whether the task is to simulate enemy aircraft for RAAF fighter pilots or tow targets for live-fire exercises for the RAN or Australian Army, these briefings are critical to the success of the mission. The focus is always on achieving tactical training outcomes efficiently while ensuring the utmost safety for everyone involved.
Flying Learjets to simulate military fast jets or towing targets behind the aircraft requires constant manual control, making it some of the most challenging flying available to civilian pilots. In simulations, they play the role of adversary aircraft, flying intricate manoeuvres that allow RAAF pilots to practice tactical intercepts. This kind of flying is intense, requiring quick reflexes, precise execution, and a deep understanding of military tactics.
It’s also extremely hands-on, with little reliance on autopilot, meaning the pilots must be fully engaged throughout.
When supporting Army or Navy, they may be towing targets, which involves deploying a target from a pod mounted under the wing and flying it out up to 5.5 kilometres behind the aircraft. This allows naval ships or army missile systems to engage a moving target during live-fire drills. The pilots’ military background helps them execute these operations with precision and safety.
Despite the high-intensity nature of the flying, QinetiQ Air Affairs offers the advantages of civilian life, which makes the role even more appealing. The flexibility, autonomy, and better work-life balance are definite plusses according to Garry. Unlike in the military, where deployment schedules and rigid hierarchies dictate much of daily life, at QinetiQ Air Affairs the pilots have more control over their schedules and decision-making.
This balance between professional challenge and personal freedom is a major reason why former military personnel thrive in these roles.
Living in Nowra, where the team is based, further enhances the appeal of working at QinetiQ Air Affairs. Surrounded by beaches, mountains, and rivers, the area offers a perfect lifestyle for those who enjoy the outdoors. Proximity to cities like Sydney and Wollongong means they have access to urban amenities when needed, but without the stress of city living.
Deployments, though less frequent and shorter than in military service, still add variety to the job. They get to continue flying in challenging, defence-oriented environments, applying the skills they honed in the military while enjoying the flexibility and lifestyle that comes with being a civilian. For former military pilots looking for a career that blends the intensity of defence aviation with the perks of a civilian role, QinetiQ Air Affairs offers an ideal path.
