Former New Zealand Army soldiers Pilot Officers Andrew Hall-Jones and Nick Farrell have just graduated from the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Officer Commissioning course at Base Woodbourne, at Blenheim.
P Offr Hall-Jones (26), of Te Anau, and P Offr Farrell (30), of Waimate, both served in the army as soldiers at 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.
P Offr Hall-Jones, who had been in the army for seven years, said his goal had always been to become a pilot.
"I also have a bit of history in the air force, with my great-uncle Fredrick Hall-Jones being a pilot during World War 2."
P Offr Farrell, who had been in the army for 12 years, said he had achieved all he had set out to in the army.
"I now have the experience and confidence to pursue a career as a pilot, having always loved aviation," he said.
In January, both will start on the next part of their journey to becoming pilots.
"We will start training on the T-6C Texan at Wings Course, which will be a huge challenge but I am excited for it," P Offr Hall-Jones said.
Both advised those wanting to join the RNZAF to give it a go and be prepared.
"Do a lot of research and know that it’s going to be hard but it is worth it. If it is a passion or something you have been thinking of for a while, then just do it," P Offr Hall-Jones said.
"Be humble but confident in your abilities, research what is required and be prepared – whether it be practising maths or working on your fitness. Most importantly, be yourself," P Offr Farrell said.
