Dream Hornet flight

Leading Aircraftman Grant Parrish, a communications electronics technician at No. 44 Wing Air Traffic Control, looks forward to his flight. Photo by LACW Simone Liebelt

By LACW Simone Liebelt

IT’S taken 18 years, but Leading Aircraftman Grant Parrish has finally achieved his ultimate dream – to fly in an F/A-18 Hornet.

The Communications Electronics Technician from No. 44 Wing Air Traffic Control Detachment was among a select few from RAAF Base Townsville to receive Hornet flights during Exercise Jabiru.

No. 77 Squadron offered the free seats to units across the base as thanks to personnel for their support during the three-week high explosive fighter exercise.

LAC Parrish was the first to put his name in the hat. When he worked at 77SQN as an aircraft technician he was on a list for a Hornet flight, but the opportunity never arose because he discharged in 1990 (he rejoined the Air Force nine years later).

Arriving at work on March 10 he was shocked but thrilled to learn he had won a seat and immediately rang his wife, Angie, who arranged for his three teenage sons, Gavan, Aaron and Dallas, to watch the event.

After being briefed and kitted up with a G-suit, mask and helmet, LAC Parrish was strapped into the back seat of the Hornet before taxiing on to the runway in full view of his family in the ATC tower.

“It was a real thrill for them. They saw me taxi and then saw me take off, I couldn’t quite make them out but I waved anyway and that was a great feeling,” he said.

“The whole time the controllers were explaining what was going on and they watched the radar screen to see where I was. The boys were so excited.”

During the 45-minute flight, the pilot flew around 500 feet and conducted a range of high-speed manoeuvres including barrel rolls, 360-degree loops and sharp turns and dives. He also handed the controls over to his passenger. LAC Parrish said experiencing the power and acceleration of the fighter jet was exhilarating, but physically draining.

“You can’t really describe it on any past feelings, I could only liken it to my wife going through childbirth. At the time it was hell, but afterwards you could see the rewards,” he said.

“It was exciting and enjoyable but I don’t think my body handled it very well. I had trouble breathing and started to go numb towards the end but luckily I didn’t throw up.

“The best part for me was coming back to see my family.

“I walked back to the control tower in my flying suit and sunglasses and had the Top Gun thing happening and that felt great.

“Now I can say I’ve done it and that’s something not many people get the chance to do.”

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