When the Air Force Roulettes took to the skies at the Canberra Airport open day, they demonstrated that people, not platforms, were the most impressive capability in aviation.

Their awe-inspiring aerial acrobatics performance had the crowd gasping, cheering and clapping.

On April 18, Air Force supported the open day, which more than 30,000 people attended.

Air Force has been a proud part of the Canberra region for more than 80 years, and Air Force’s participation in the open day was a great opportunity to thank Canberra and the surrounding region for its ongoing support.

As well as the Roulettes, a Lockheed Hudson warbird from 100 Squadron also participated in a flying display. 

On the ground, people joined long queues to see the Air Force Balloon and a 35 Squadron C-27J Spartan up close. They also had the opportunity to view the Lockheed Hudson warbird and meet some of the Roulettes.

'I loved being able to share our aircraft with the community and tell them more about what we do.'

Flight Lieutenant Stephen Death, of 100 Squadron and the pilot of the Lockheed Hudson warbird, said the open day was a great experience.

“It was great to see so many people here – especially so many children – sharing our love for aviation,” he said.

Flight Lieutenant Death said he received a number of questions about the Hudson, including about its age and service history. He shared with attendees that the aircraft was 85 years old and saw service in the Second World War, both in Papua New Guinea and Western Australia. 

“And I [was also] asked questions about how we service and maintain the aircraft,” he added.

People, particularly children, were just as inquisitive when walking through the static C-27J Spartan display. Corporal Mya Slatter, of 35 Squadron, said they were asked lots of questions about the aircraft and its role.

“The kids loved pointing out random parts of the aircraft and asking what they were for, in particular the control cables and our oxygen masks,” she said.

“I loved being able to share our aircraft with the community and tell them more about what we do. It makes you realise how great our jobs are and how lucky we are to do them.”