 McAloney returned to Australia in August 1953 , his next appointment being to the staff at the Department of Air in Melbourne . He possessed complete administrative control over matters pertaining to aircraft engines in this post , including the acquisition , repairs , modifications and financial expenditure on such . In 1956 , he completed a course in industrial mobilisation , later undertaking a unit in industrial electronics . With his January 1957 promotion to wing commander , McAloney was transferred to Maintenance Command , where he held a policy formulation position responsible for the servicing of aircraft . He served three years in this post , being made Officer Commanding Engineering Squadron at the Aircraft Research and Development Unit ( ARDU ) in October 1960 . The function of ARDU was to test aircraft from local and overseas manufacturers , evaluating whether they were suitable for acquisition by the RAAF . McAloney 's role focused on the supervision of maintenance for test aircraft , along with completing modifications and fitting specialised equipment trialled at ARDU . The introduction into service of the Mirage IIIO fighter coincided with his time in this post . He was set to retire from the RAAF on reaching the age limit for his rank in 1964 , but his appointment was extended a further two years owing to the shortage of technical officers . For his service with ARDU , McAloney was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1966 New Year Honours List . The recommendation for the honour credited McAloney with enhancing the safety record at ARDU , and commended his constant efforts during the adoption of the Mirage and his actions to ensure the serviceability of the diverse variety of aircraft at the unit . He retired from the RAAF on 9 December 1966 and , in recognition of his 30 years of service , was granted the honorary rank of group captain . 
