Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1365814
10 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 28 APRIL 2021 OPINION THE Armed Forces of Malta is a unique military which encom- passes military men and wom- en performing different roles which ensure the scope of what the Force stands for, the securi- ty of the nation. As part of the AFM's prowess, Air Wing is comprised of pro- fessionals who strive to main- tain operational success and who are on constant readiness to answer the nation's calling. As Air Wing nears its half a century of operating in Malta's vast airspace, a tribute has to be made to all those who served and are still serving in this unit; service which on numerous oc- casions yearly, resulted in ex- traordinary feats. Over these years, Maltese ser- vicemen and women have taken to the skies in order to protect and save lives and they could do so due to sheer determination, discipline and professionalism. The AFM also realised this over the years and kept on improv- ing and investing in this unit to the extent that nowadays, the Air Wing has a sizeable fleet of modern fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, with standards at par with other militaries around the world. One must also realise that a technical or aviation back- grounds are not mandatory to join the Air Wing. The AFM has embarked on major long-term projects to have its person- nel trained to high standards throughout the force and the Air Unit is no exception. An interested candidate has the opportunity to become qualified in technical areas such as aircraft engines and airframes, aviation electronics (avionics), whilst performing ground handling duties. The AFM provides initial qualifica- tion training with institutions such as MCAST whilst various other ratings are done with the relative aircraft companies or other international providers. All this training is necessary as the supporting staff are con- stantly engaged with first- and second-line maintenance of all the AFM's fleet and are there- fore considered the beating heart of the unit. Air Wing is an operations ori- ented unit and the operational line consists of pilots and flight crew who can take responsibili- ty of the aircraft, from mainte- nance to conducting missions and returning safely to base. To fly today's complex aircraft, the AFM invested highly in the for- mation and support of its pilots. For those Maltese young citi- zens who would like to serve and have a passion for aviation, the AFM recognises that a special dedication is required. Interest- ed candidates are required to enlist within the force, express their interest and take part in selection processes which en- sure suitability for this particu- lar role. Once selected, the AFM provides qualification training which enables the young pilots to operate in the various oper- ational niches required such as border control, surveillance, military operations and search and rescue. Pilots fly and command the aircraft on operations, howev- er, this is done in synergy with a dedicated crew. Interested per- sonnel who would like to form part of the flight crew have the option to either become a hel- icopter rescue swimmer or an air operator. These flight crews are soldiers who pass through a specific selection process de- signed to select those who are willing and most adapt for these specialised roles. Once selected, these flight crew pass undergo further specialised training and ratings, enabling them to be able to serve the function of the fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter they operate from. The AFM offers these oppor- tunities to Maltese citizens who are willing to serve the nation, satisfying their enthusiasm for aviation while expanding their potential for a bright military career. Major Nicholas Grech Joining the AFM's Air Wing takes passion and dedication