Squirrels stack it

LCDR Al Whittaker in Taipan 64 leads nine other 723 Squadron Squirrels in a stacked hover over HMAS Albatross. Photo by AB Neil Richards

By Graham Davis

AIR Force pilots joined their Royal Australian Navy mates at No.723 Taipan Squadron to achieve the outstanding feat of getting 10 of their 12 AS350 B Squirrel helicopters into the air and into formation at the one time.

Not since 1987 when the RAN flew Wessex helicopters has a formation of this size been spotted in our skies.

The 10 aircraft made an impressive sight as they hovered in a stack above HMAS Albatross. The aircraft also made a wedge formation over the eastern boundary of the base.

Commanding officer of the squadron Lieutenant Commander Al Whittaker organised the flight to hone formation flying and to boost squadron morale.

He has also helped answer the increasing need for Defence rotary-wing pilots.

“We spent 1.2 hours in the air and I have commended the squadron’s maintainers for getting so many aircraft into the air.

“I am very proud of the efforts of all squadron personnel, but particularly our engineering section.

“This effort has shown a high degree of professionalism and dedication on their part,” he said.

The squadron has a total of 12 Squirrels, two of which are in deep maintenance.

In the ten aircraft were a composite of Navy and Air Force pilots.

Some were fully operational pilots, some instructors, others advanced rotary wing students.

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