Engineer Branch Newsletter - Winter 2017
Becoming part of the regular scene at the RMIT Alumni luncheon gatherings, the Air Force Engineer Branch, on March 6, once again filled two tables at the William Angliss Restaurant. RMIT is of course familiar with the majority of the Branch members, and the Alumni gatherings reinforce fond memories of those distant academic days. For those not familiar with the William Angliss, these Alumni luncheons are catered by the enrolled Catering School students, and is part of their training. The quality and service are of a very high standard, as is the general silver service décor. To celebrate RMIT’s 130th Anniversary an Alumni Luncheon was held on Tuesday June 6, but this time at Storey Hall, hosted by the Vice-Chancellor Martin Bean CBE. The next Alumni Luncheon at the William Angliss will be Monday December 4, and the cost, yet to be advised, will be around $40, including table wines – highly recommended!
Of particular interest to our Engineer Branch, is a proposal to have as the Speaker at a future Alumni Luncheon, one of our own Air Force Engineer colleagues. This will be something of a departure from the normal Alumni practice of having a Speaker from, or very close to, the RMIT staff. This will further reinforce the links between ourselves and our Alma Mater, providing for interesting times ahead.
At our April 6 Committee Meeting – again for lunch, this time at the Batman on Collins, planning for the Branch June 14 Luncheon progressed to completion, and was held at the Batman on Collins. Speaker David Graham delivered a most fascinating address about aircraft structural integrity, and his role in DSTO in close liaison with the RAAF here and overseas.
The 9 November Luncheon:
For planning purposes the committee also ratified that the end of year luncheon will be held on November 9 with the intended topic to be a presentation on the new F35 strike fighter which we are sure, given the controversies surrounding the F35, will be of immense interest to all attending.
The F35 has three main models: the F-35A conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant, the F-35B short takeoff and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant, and the F-35C carrier-based Catapult Assisted Take-Off Barrier Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) variant. One way to remember which is which, think of: “A” is for Air Force, “B” is for Beach, ie the US Marines, and “C” for Carrier.
Any enquiries about the Branch’s activities and future plans, including the 9 November Luncheon may be directed to President Kingsley McCrae at kingsleymcrae@yahoo.com – also anyone wishing to attend a Committee meeting are always welcome to see at least how much we enjoy these gatherings.
Kingsley McRae
Representative