100 years of military aviation

The Royal Australian Air Force will tomorrow mark 100 years of military aviation in Australia, celebrating the moment when Lieutenant Eric Harrison took off in a Bristol Boxkite aircraft at Point Cook on 1 March 1914. 

The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, AO, said it was important to remember the contribution past aviators had made to the Air Force of today.

“As Air Force hosts the celebration of the centenary of Australia’s first military flight, we are also focused on maintaining the traditions of service that have built the world’s second oldest air force, the Royal Australian Air Force,” AIRMSHL Brown said.

“Air Force has evolved so much in 100 years, however we must continue to acknowledge the lessons of the past and remember those who came before us.

 “Today we are on the threshold of an evolutionary change, with the introduction of a fifth generation aircraft. The first Australian F-35A Lightning II (Joint Strike Fighter) is nearing completion and our pilots begin training to fly this aircraft this year. This is not some future dream of capability but a powerful asset for the future” he said.

RAAF Williams - Point Cook, Victoria, is the oldest continuously operating airfield in the world. The Centenary of Military Aviation will be marked with an air show at RAAF Williams – Point Cook, Victoria featuring static and flying displays by historic and contemporary aircraft, highlighting the extraordinary journey from the first military aircraft to the powerful, complex machines of today. 

On display for the first time at the air show will be a newly built replica of a Bristol Boxkite.

Media note:
Further information and instructions on applying for media accreditation can be found at: http://www.airforce.gov.au/airshows

Images are available at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20140345 

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Regional Manager Victoria, Public Affairs, Kate Kennedy 0477 706 009