New Roulettes to rule the air

By LS Rachel Irving

The Roulettes’ latest line-up (L-R) LCDR David Walker, FLTLT Mark Broadbridge, FLTLT Pat Watts, SQNLDR Peter Robinson, FLTLT Paul Bryan, FLTLT Peter Geddes and FLTLT Chris Tulk. Photo by CPL Katrina Johnson

THE Roulettes welcomed two new members to their line-up during a display at the Pro Car Racing Championships at Phillip Island Victoria earlier this month.

Roulette Two Flight Lieutenant Pat Watts and the first Navy pilot in 13 years to join the Roulettes, Lieutenant Commander David Walker, are the new faces.

Remaining in his second season is Roulette Leader Squadron Leader Peter Robinson.

FLTLT Watts joins him as an exchange officer from the RAF. FLTLT Watts was also a flying instructor in the UK before joining the Central Flying School at Sale. Before joining the Roulettes, he was an instructor and a solo aerobatics display pilot.

In his second season as Roulette Three is Flight Lieutenant Chris Tulk, another former solo aerobatics pilot.
LCDR Walker is Roulette Four and only the third Navy pilot to hold a position in the team.

Roulette Five is Flight Lieutenant Mark Broadbridge, also is in his second season with the Roulettes, after clocking more than 5000 hours’ flying experience.

Number Six in the famous aerobatic line-up is Flight Lieutenant Paul Bryan, who is in his second season with the team.

The voice of the Roulettes commentary is now Roulette Seven, Flight Lieutenant Pete Geddes. As a PC-9 and CT4B pilot instructor at the Central Flying School, FLTLT Geddes is responsible for team PR and flying the spare aircraft as well as providing the commentary.

A season with the Roulettes lasts six months, with each member spending about 18 months with the team.
During this time, the pilot might occupy different formation positions.

Roulette recruitment is from the elite instructors at the Central Flying School.

A new Roulette takes about three months to integrate into the team, firstly flying in two, three and four-aircraft formations.

With their new line-up well and truly in hand, the team now has a busy few months ahead, including performances at Hamilton Island, the Indy Car Race at the Gold Coast and the AFL Grand Final.

Now if only they needed a writer...

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