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The longest-serving Air Force fighter pilot and fast jet instructor, Squadron Leader Stephen Bihary, has retired from the cockpit after 48 years of flying.
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Licensed to fly a plane before he could legally drive a car, he has gone on to fly 8140 military hours and provided introductory fighter flying training to the past two chiefs of Air Force and countless other students. He has left a lasting legacy as an instructor, pilot and family man – he will continue to serve as a simulator instructor at No. 79 Squadron.
This is his story, as told to Flight Lieutenant Lily Lancaster.
I first knew I wanted to fly at four years of age. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to make a career of it. Growing up with a widowed mum, I never had the financial assets to do so. One day, I shined my boots, cut my hair and was fortunate the Air Training Corps gave me a scholarship and the opportunity to fly.
Mum would drive me to Moorabbin Airport and I would fly her around Victoria, and then she would drive me home. I had nearly 100 hours of light aircraft experience and a taste of what military life would be like, so I jumped at the opportunity to join the RAAF.
I loved my 13 years in the permanent RAAF and reluctantly left to provide stability of location and schooling to my son and daughter. I went on to spend 31 years flying long-haul with Qantas, operating the 747 for 18 years, the A330 for three years and then eight years on the A380. I found great joy in being able to continue flying for the Air Force Reserves during my time off.
The airline flying was fairly routine, not too much excitement – no passenger wants that on an airliner. The highly technical but sedate flying required when carrying passengers was complemented by the much more dynamic style of operating when training Introductory Fighter Course trainees. It’s almost like if you hopped into a Hummer from a Ford Fiesta.
I love aeroplanes but don’t expect my family to love it as much as me. I met my wife while on pilot’s course in Perth. She was participating in the Royal Commonwealth Society Debutante Ball and the RAAF had been asked to provide partners for the young ladies. She was not my assigned partner but after a four-year, long-distance relationship while I was posted overseas and she finished her nursing training, we were married. She is an amazing woman. Family is number one to me, with the Air Force a close second.
In the fighter world you are part of a team, both on the ground and when you are trusting your lives to each other in the air. I have been instructing at Pearce in the Reserves for 33 years – 10 years on the Macchi (Aermacchi MB-326H) and 23 years on the Hawk 127. Over that time, you build a strong relationship with friends and colleagues.
I really enjoy the privilege of being able to help develop junior pilots and get them off on the right foot with fighter flying. As a young fighter pilot, I took the opportunity to try and role model myself after pilots I respected who operated professionally both on the ground and in the air. I hope to provide the same to the trainees I work with.
If I can help people stay safe, do their job and go home to their families every night, I have done my job.
My last flying day was special. I flew in a formation of four jets as part of a training flight. Commanding Officer (CO) of 79 Squadron had a few surprises in store for me. It was pretty amazing to see my family and some friends, along with the Officer Commanding of 78 Wing and other members who had flown in from Williamtown watching on. That evening there was a surprise dinner attended by all the wonderful people I work with and several previous COs.
It was a little emotional but the last thing you want to do is something wrong on your last flight. That’s one thing about flying, it takes your mind away from your stress and just focuses on what’s happening in front of you.
Final thoughts
After 48 years of military flying, I am content to leave the cockpit for those younger than me. I have been very fortunate to have my health and been able to fly high-performance aircraft for so many years.
I hope to provide value as a simulator instructor for a few more years. Thanks to all for a great time in the air and on the ground.
