The RAAF's 80th anniversary year offers time to acknowledge its history and ponder its future, both reflected in this cover photograph taken by Corporal Kirsty Chambers of RAAF Pearce Photographic Section.

The photo represents the end of one era in the RAAF and the beginning of a new chapter in its pursuit to train the world's best jet pilots.

Many former and current RAAF pilots trained on the Italian designed MB-326 Macchi jets which have now retired from active service to make way for the new British Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter.

A total of 97 Macchis were delivered in 1967-68, including 10 that were originally allocated to the Navy and transferred back to the RAAF in 1983. The Macchis were used successfully by the Roulettes from 1970 to 1989 but behind the scenes they provided an exciting jump to jet aircraft for many young pilots.

And now a new generation of pilots is training on the Hawks which are being progressively delivered to No. 79 Squadron at Pearce and No. 76 Squadron at Williamtown. A total of 33 aircraft have been ordered from BAE SYSTEMS with 12 manufactured in the UK and the remaining 21 assembled at Williamtown.

The photo shows one of the last Macchis to leave Pearce being shadowed by its successor during a farewell salute.

For more pictures and a story on the Machie see Farewell Old Friend