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Air Force makes a show at Wide Bay
By Andrew Stackpool
Volume 49, No. 16, September 06, 2007 |
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| TIME WARP: 3SQN XO SQNLDR Matt Hall prepares to roll in his P-51D Mustang warbird before a series of aerobatics at the Wide Bay air show in Bundaberg, QLD. Photo courtesy of SQNLDR Matt Hall |
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There was something for everyone when two Caribous, the Roulettes, two Hawks, two F-111s and an Iroquois joined warbirds and aerobatic aircraft in head-turning, dazzling displays of airmanship at the Wide Bay International Air Show.
More than 100,000 people turned up each day to watch three days of aviation activities at the air show, which was held from August 3-5.
One Caribou from 38SQN provided a static display with its engine cowlings open to let people look at its massive radial engines, while a 38SQN Caribou from Townsville provided an aerial display with short take-off landings and reverse and take-off.
Also appearing at the show were the Army Band, Australia’s Federation Guard, a static display by Defence Force Recruiting, a 23SQN F-111 ejection capsule and the Red Berets parachute team.
Meanwhile, 3SQN XO SQNLDR Matt Hall demonstrated the aerobatic and low-level capabilities of the famous P-51D Mustang, and B Flight Commander SQNLDR Jason Easthope took over the controls of a former Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Strikemaster in a heart-chilling demonstration of high-speed jet combat.
The aviation extravaganza included famous aircraft such as the former Qantas Super Constellation, as well as other vintage aircraft and dozens of private and model aircraft.
Backing the aircraft static displays was a range of exhibitors offering everything aeronautic for sale, and anyone interested in an aviation career had the opportunity to learn more at the careers expo.
SQNLDR Easthope said he flew the Strikemaster because he had flown the type in the RNZAF.
“It is easy to fly and is very forgiving when pushed to the edge of its envelope,” he said.
SQNLDR Hall is a part-owner of the Mustang he flew. The aircraft is an Australian-built CA-18 Mk 21 type.
“It is a gentle aircraft to fly, as long as you treat it well,” SQNLDR Hall said.
“It has similar performance to a PC-9, though being a tail-dragger, it can turn around and bite you hard. There is a lot of torque coming out of the propeller.”
He has been flying the Mustang for about a year. |
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