Aerobatics at ground level

Roulette Six, FLTLT Dennis Tan reminices with Les Reading. Photo by Alf Batchelder

By Teena Cardillo

A member of the Air Force’s first jet aerobatic team met with a member of the Roulettes to launch a special new exhibition at the RAAF Museum, Point Cook.

The exhibition, Smoke On, Go! pays tribute to the Air Force’s aerobatic teams which have thrilled local and international audiences since 1934.

Roulette Six, Flight Lieutenant Dennis Tan found a few moments to discuss the capabilities of the PC9 with Les Reading, who led the Air Force’s first jet aerobatic team during the 1950s.

The pair later compared stories about their experiences as part of RAAF aerobatic teams at the exhibition launch.

Les Reading’s four-person 78 (Fighter) Wing team carried out displays in the Vampire, in such places as Malta, Cyprus, Libya and Tunisia while the Air Force was deployed there as part of the British Middle Eastern Air Force.

The team was noted for its compact and precise displays.

Mr Reading told museum staff and volunteers that despite the technological advances, he believed there were not too many differences between the teams.

“As well as the necessity for exceptional flying skills, there was a tremendous amount of trust required [by the pilots in the team]. That is something that obviously never changes,” he said.

“We were the only aerobatic team in the Mediterranean and the surrounding areas, so we really helped to promote the Australian Air Force image and presence.

As well as detailing the history of the aerobatic teams, Smoke On, Go! focuses heavily on the Air Force’s current team, the Roulettes, which has been thrilling audiences with displays since 1970.

FLTLT Tan told the launch’s audience that despite having accrued more than 3500 flying hours, more than 2000 of which have been in the PC9, the thrill of performing was still a humbling experience.

Roulette Five and Six are known as the synchro pair and perform some fairly breathtaking manoeuvres.
FLTLT Tan said that communication was key in their performance.

Included in the exhibition are various uniforms, photos, video and memorabilia relating to RAAF aerobatic teams.

The exhibition also makes mention of the most serious incident to have occurred, the crash of the Red Sales team in 1962 in which all four members of the team and their two passengers were killed.

Smoke On, Go! runs until Sunday, November 16.

The museum is open from 10am (closed Mondays). Admission is free.

Aerobatic teams

The first true aerobatic team was formed at Point Cook in 1934, to put on public shows connected with the Duke of Gloucester’s visit that year. Most of the teams formed in the 1950s and 60s were unofficial. 1934 Bristol Bulldog team 1935-38 Gypsy Moth and Avro Cadet teams 1953 No. 78 (Fighter) Wing Team 1956 Meteorites 1950s/60s Red Eagles, Black Diamonds, Red Devils, Goons, Aerobats, Black Panthers 1962 Red Sales 1963-68 Telstars 1966 Marksmen 1970-present Roulettes 1971 Deltas 1976 Miracles Pictured right: Les Reading and part of his 78 Fighter Wing team from 1953.

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