Capability to the capital

When the Air Force Roulettes took to the skies at the Canberra Airport Open Day, they demonstrated that people – not platforms – are the most impressive capability in aviation.

Their awe-inspiring aerial acrobatics performance had the large crowd below gasping, cheering and clapping.

On April 18, Air Force supported the Canberra Airport Open Day, which more than 30,000 people attended.

Air Force has been a proud part of the Canberra region for more than 80 years and the open day was a great opportunity to thank Canberra and the surrounding region for its ongoing support.

As well as the Roulettes, a Lockheed Hudson warbird from 100SQN also took to the skies.

On the ground, people joined long queues to see the Air Force Balloon and a 35SQN C-27J Spartan up close. There was also the opportunity to view the Lockheed Hudson warbird and meet some of the Roulettes.

FLTLT Steven Death, from 100SQN, the pilot of the Lockheed Hudson warbird, enjoyed the open day.

“It was great to see so many people here – especially so many children – sharing our love for aviation,” he said.

“I was asked lots of questions about the Hudson. People asked me how old is the aircraft and the answer is 85 years old.

“I’ve been asked if the aircraft saw service in the Second World War, which it did in Papua New Guinea and Western Australia. And I’ve been asked questions about how we service and maintain the aircraft.”

People, particularly children, were just as inquisitive when walking through the static C-27J Spartan. 

CPL Mya Slatter, from 35SQN, said members were asked lots of questions about the aircraft and its role.

“The kids loved pointing out random parts of the aircraft and asking what they were for, in particular the control cables and our oxygen masks,” she said.

“I loved being able to share our aircraft with the community and tell them more about what we do. It makes you realise how great our jobs are and how lucky we are to do them.”