Features

Proudly flying the flag

Leading Aircraftman Andrew Robinson with the tail fin that bears the design he produced to commemorate the 30th anniversary of arrival of the first F-111s at Amberley. Photo by CPL Cindy Ipsen

By SQNLDR Christopher Ward

AS an Aircraft Technician with No. 6 Squadron, Leading Aircraftman Andrew Robinson usually helps to maintain F-111s.

But LAC Robinson is now immortalised in wing and squadron history with his winning design emblazoned on A8-131 following a competition to produce a tail fin design to honour 30 years of service for the F-111s.

Officer Commanding No. 82 Wing Group Captain Kym Osley chose LAC Robinson’s entry from the many that were submitted by wing personnel.

The winner not only provides the inspiration for the special tail fin, but also gets a flight in what is the Air Force’s fastest aircraft.

Asked about his inspiration and choice of the Australian flag as a backdrop in his design, LAC Robinson said he was a big fan of the flag, not least because he comes from a family of servicemen who have fought under it.

His great grandfather was a machine-gunner in the Army during World War I, his grandfather was a radio operator in the Air Force in World War II and his father was an Iroquois door-gunner with No. 9 Squadron in Vietnam.

LAC Robinson got a sneak preview of the tail fin in the RAAF Base Amberley paintshop, before the aircraft was rolled out on to the tarmac for display, and he was mightily impressed with the job done by the staff at Boeing Aerospace Coatings. Sergeant John Drummond and former Air Force member Neil McLean provided the surface finishing expertise to transform the design into reality.

SGT Drummond explained that the job took three days and was a welcome but tricky change from the all-grey livery of the rest of the F-111 fleet.

Normally, repainting is done when aircraft are otherwise undergoing their deeper level maintenance and the work of the surface finishers is not just about keeping the aircraft looking good.

An aircraft paint scheme can offer camouflage and is the aircraft’s first line of defence against corrosion.

As when painting your house, SGT Drummond confirmed that the time spent applying the paint is much less than the time spent cleaning, preparing, masking and sanding the area to be painted.

While computers assist in the design and outline of the paint job, there remains the requirement for a steady hand and some artistic flair.

SGT Drummond reckoned that LAC Robinson’s design was right up there with the best special tail fin designs he had seen.

F-111 tail number A8-131’s special tail fin design will grace the skies over and around Amberley until the aircraft’s next major servicing.

The aircraft will serve as an attractive reminder that Air Force personnel, from painters to pilots, have ensured the continued operation of an aircraft, which continues to provide a potent and unique capability for the Air Force.

When spotting F-111 tail number A8-131, one particular airman can feel particularly pleased with his efforts.