operational training unit raaf operational training unit operational training units royal_australian_air_force formed new_south_wales october train bomber pilots service world war unit initially equipped later received types transferred october disbanded july raised april jet fighter conversion unit operating ceased operations july following year history world war world war royal_australian_air_force raaf established operational training units convert recently graduated pilots advanced trainers combat aircraft add fighting ability flying skills learned operational training unit formed forest hill new_south_wales october initially equipped inaugural commanding officer squadron leader training course ran november december end month unit strength personnel sixteen aircraft increased personnel aircraft including remainder unit aircraft complement augmented oxford august time relocated new south wales october begun running courses arrived following month april unit complement aircraft including ran conversion courses experienced pilots training courses newer operational training unit disbanded new south wales april small detachment remained hand base advance party following day rest transferred july unit commenced photo reconnaissance courses august october strength personnel fighter ace briefly served chief flying instructor late november marred fatal accidents space days thirty crews training january compared dozen november time complement aircraft increased seventy including reached highest level personnel unit chief flying instructor killed crash august fellow instructors time flight lieutenant leading engine mechanic witnessed accident end hostilities pacific saw dissolution raaf february reorganised crew conversion unit fighter operating north american february complement aircraft personnel activity began winding unit disbanded july establishment formed april provide pilots operational training prior conversion fighter unit celebrated dinner attended original commanding officer aircraft operational conversion unit divided operational flights conducted training concert squadron aircraft participated joint exercises display flights including air shows celebrating raaf golden jubilee unit equipped sabre jet fighters jet trainers previously operated lead fighter training vampire operations began winding september type withdrawn april sabre conversion course completed december early following year australian government announced phased retired july time raaf fighter pilots trained progressively sabre considering feasibility direct conversion maintaining government determined possible remove sabre process retire type trainers available subsequently approved purchase new dual trainers augment service disbanded july date sabre retired raaf service unit transferred following disbandment donated australian government aircraft returned raaf subsequently display new_south_wales victoria raaf loaned new south wales restored flying condition
No. 5 Operational Training Unit RAAF