Linda Corbould facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Linda Corbould
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Wing Commander Linda Corbould training in a USAF Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
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| Born | 1962/1963 (age 61–63) Tasmania, Australia |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/ |
Royal Australian Air Force |
| Years of service | 1981–2011 (Active Service) 2011-Present (Reservist) |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Commands held | No. 36 Squadron (2006–08) |
| Battles/wars | Somalia East Timor Iraq War |
| Awards | Medal of the Order of Australia |
Linda Mary Corbould is a retired officer from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). She made history as the first woman to lead a RAAF flying squadron. Linda joined the RAAF in 1981. In the early 1990s, she became one of the first female pilots. She flew large transport planes, including during the Iraq War in 2003. From 2006 to 2008, she was the commander of No. 36 Squadron RAAF. Linda retired from active service in 2011. However, she still serves as an officer in the Air Force Reserve.
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Meet Linda Corbould: A Trailblazing Pilot
Linda Corbould grew up in Tasmania, Australia. She joined the RAAF when she was 18 years old, in 1981. At that time, women were not allowed to be pilots. Linda wanted to fly planes, but recruitment officers "pretty much laughed" at her dream. So, she worked as an air traffic controller instead. This changed in 1990 when pilot training opened to women.
From Skydiving Champion to Pilot
While working as an air traffic controller, Linda took up skydiving. She became a national champion in the sport. In 1985, she even represented Australia at the skydiving world championships in Turkey.
After completing her flight training, Linda earned her 'wings'. She became the third woman in the RAAF to become a pilot. She was then sent to No. 36 Squadron RAAF. There, she flew C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. These are very large planes used to carry supplies and people.
Flying Big Planes and Leading the Way
Linda Corbould was a deputy commander during the Australian contribution to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. She helped lead a group of C-130 Hercules planes. She was given the Medal of the Order of Australia for her brave work. This award was for planning and commanding a flight into Baghdad in April 2003. In October 2003, she met United States President George W. Bush when he visited Australia. Linda flew C-130s for 15 years.
In 2006, Linda, now a Wing Commander, helped the RAAF get new planes. She oversaw the program to bring the C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft into service. On November 17, 2006, she took command of No. 36 Squadron RAAF. She then flew the RAAF's first C-17 from the United States to Australia on December 4, 2006.
Wing Commander Corbould finished her time as squadron commander on December 8, 2008. On that same day, she led the RAAF's first ever all-female aircrew during a training flight. It was a big step for women in the RAAF. The next woman to lead a RAAF flying squadron took command in December 2018. No. 36 Squadron did not have another all-female aircrew until August 2020.
Life After Active Service
After leading No. 36 Squadron, Linda Corbould became the Senior Air Force Officer in Tasmania. She had asked for this role. She retired from active RAAF service on May 8, 2011. She had served for 30 years. However, she continued to be an officer in the Air Force Reserve. In this role, she works with Australian Air Force Cadets. She helps train and inspire young people interested in the Air Force.
