Aviation enthusiasts, passing Darwin motorists, and residents of Katherine and Tindal all recently had cause to double check their vision as A3-36, a Dassault Mirage Mk IIIO which saw service with 75SQN in Butterworth and Darwin, once again took to the air.

It was admittedly with some assistance from a CH-47 Chinook D model helicopter from 5 Aviation Regiment, based in Townsville. The loan of A3-36 was the result of months of research and investigation by Flight Lieutenant Ray White, Aircraft Maintenance Officer at 75SQN.

Hundreds of phone calls, letters and Internet hours finally found an aircraft suitable for restoration - restoration that will result in A3-36 becoming the focal point of next year's 60th anniversary.

No. 75 Squadron Magpies, past and present, are expected to converge in Tindal next March to celebrate the Squadron's birthday in grand style.

The sadly neglected Mirage has been sitting at Darwin's Aviation Heritage Centre since it was retired from service in 1985 after crashing into the mud flats of Darwin harbour.

The pilot, then Flying Officer soon to be Air Commodore John Quaife, ejected safely. The aircraft however, sustained irrepairable damage.

She was recovered from the mud flats by an A model Chinook (which were then still operated by the RAAF) thus, in the tradition of all great stories, this most recent task provides a strange historical coincidence in this Mirage's history.

Initially, it was thought that the only means of movement would be by semi-trailer down the Stuart Highway and the staff at Road Movements 322CSS were well into the planning when the possibility of airlift suddenly emerged.

Three days of intensive 'I might know someone who can help us out' negotiations by 75 Squadron's Supply Officer, Flight Lieutenant Raylene Garwood, rapid logistics appreciations and 'secret Supply Officer stuff' networking secured the authority and approval to execute an aerial recovery of the Mirage.

Five members of 75 Equipment Section: Flight Sergeant Guy Hodgetts, Corporal Michael Marshall, Corporal Jane Wilson, Leading Aircraftman Chris Wootten and Leading Aircraftwoman Kath Jones, travelled to Darwin to join forces with Aerial Deliver Equipment (ADE) specialists to prepare and rig the Mirage for airlift.

Warrant Officer 1 Gary Wahlen, Warrant Officer 2 Steve Bleuel and Private Robert Halliday conducted the load analysis and rigged the ARK (aircraft recovery kit) - a complex cats cradle of bands, slings, and load spread, swivels and stabilisation devices - and then the engineers stepped in.

After two frantic days in the Darwin humidity, everyone involved apprehensively awaited the arrival of the Chinook and the real test of theory.

Half-deafened and thoroughly sand blasted by the twin rotor wash, the large crowd saw the first hook up and lift aborted when load spread devices failed and the Mirage spun, uncontrollable and unstable, under the low hovering 'Chook'. Rather than risk damage in flight, the Mirage was returned to the hardstand and the ADE adjusted.

Hearts very much in mouth we watched again as the second hook up attempt was made and the larger stabilising drogue parachute successfully deployed.

After the first slight twist, the aircraft righted itself and the ADE gear distributed the load smoothly. Two hours later an enthusiastic crowd watched as Captain Mark Erini skilfully manoeuvred the Chinook and Mirage for a safe touch down at 75SQN.

Although the restoration process will be an intensive undertaking, the project will restore A3-36 to museum display condition - proudly emblazoned with the distinctive Magpie and Checkers tail flash.

Getting it back to Darwin will be an interesting logistical undertaking for the next supply officer. For the mean time, after a long absence, A3-36 is finally back with her rightful squadron.

Story by FLTLT Raylene Garwood
Photograph by CPL Jason Weeding