Australia’s longest-serving Air Force fighter pilot

Licensed to fly before he could drive, Squadron Leader Stephen Bihary registered more than 8,000 military hours in the sky across 48 years and also provided introductory fighter flying training to the past two Chiefs of Air Force. Astonishingly, he mixed his time in the military with a 30-year stint at Qantas flying long-haul routes on aircraft including the 747 and A380. Below, he talks through the highs and lows with Flight Lieutenant Lily Lancaster. 

I first knew I wanted to fly at four years of age, and I have been fortunate enough 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 and cut my hair, and I was fortunate the Air Training Corps gave me a scholarship and the opportunity to fly.

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