With many different types and models of aircraft flying to Townsville to participate in the T150 Defence Force Air Show along 'The Strand' on Saturday, October 15, followed by an Open Day at RAAF Base Townsville on Sunday, October 16, a number of Central Queensland and Fraser Coast Airports have been busier than normal in recent days.
Among the more exciting movements was an overnight stay at Maryborough, followed by a fuel stop at Gladstone by seven Pilatus PC-9/A aircraft belonging to the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) elite formation aerobatic display team - The Roulettes.
Departing RAAF Base Amberley on Wednesday, October 12, the seven RAAF Roulettes aircraft (A23-006, A23-012, A23-025, A23-051, A23-058, A23-059 and A23-067) put on an aerial display at Brisbane, Redcliffe and Sunshine Coast before continuing to Maryborough where they performed another aerial display. This was made all-that-much-better a short while later when The Roulettes held a public meet and greet at Maryborough Aero Club.
After remaining overnight at Maryborough, The Roulettes made a mid-morning departure to Gladstone on Thursday, October 13, where they performed a brief aerial display above the airport before landing in quick succession of one another.
The purpose for the stop-over at Gladstone was to take onboard fuel, and when this was complete, departed for a direct flight to Townsville.
In company with the RAAF Roulettes to provide support for the aircraft and flight crew, RAAF Search and Rescue helicopter Sikorsky S-76A VH-LHZ which is operated by CHC Helicopters Australia on behalf of the Air Force (but owned by Lloyd Helicopters) and RAAF Beechcraft B350 Super King Air A32-350, have also travelled along the Queensland coast, and remained in close proximity of the PC-9/A aircraft for the duration of the trip.
Of interest, The Roulettes form part of the RAAF Central Flying School (CFS) at RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria and reportedly perform approximately 150 flying displays a year in Australia and some South-East Asian countries.
Air Queensland.blogspot would also like to take an opportunity to share these fantastic photo's captured at Maryborough Airport by David G of Maryborough Aviation Services.
Thanks David, your time and continued support is greatly appreciated.
