 During World War II , the Royal Australian Air Force ( RAAF ) established several operational training units ( OTUs ) to convert recently graduated pilots from advanced trainers to combat aircraft , and to add fighting ability to the flying skills they had already learned . Post @-@ war demobilisation saw the disbandment of these OTUs , and operational conversion of new pilots became the responsibility of front @-@ line squadrons . This practice impacted upon the squadrons ' standard duties , and the advent of the Korean War and introduction of jet aircraft further necessitated more a formal training system . The Air Force 's initial move in this direction was to re @-@ establish No. 2 ( Fighter ) Operational Training Unit at RAAF Base Williamtown , New South Wales , in March 1952 ; it was renamed No. 2 ( Fighter ) Operational Conversion Unit in September 1958 . 
