Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

OTU were the last stage of training for aircrew before being assigned to an operational unit. By this stage, individuals had 'crewed up' (ie formed and trained) with the other men who were to make up their crew with whom they would fly until separated by death injury illness or re-posting.

3 OTU in Australia was a dedicated seaplane and Flying Boat training unit focused mainly on the PBY Catalina as used in the SW Pacific by the RAAF.

Formed by expanding the RAAF's Seaplane Training Flight in late 1942, 3OTU was responsible for converting RAAF aircrew to aircraft such as the Catalina and Kingfisher floatplane. In addition, aircraft from 3OTU flew anti-submarine patrols off the coast of New South Wales.