Australia’s armed forces are gearing up to lend a hand at one of the Illawarra’s biggest tourism feats, the Wings Over Illawarra air show.
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The army and navy will both be exhibiting at the two-day event at Albion Park Rail which attracts thousands of people. The Royal Australian Air Force will be bringing seven aircraft – some of which will wow crowds with impressive aerobatic displays.
Wing Commander Scott Woodland has been with the RAAF for 20 years and will have the privilege of flying in an F/A-18 Classic Hornet, one of his loves.
“[I love] the speed, the manoeuvrability, the power, the technology in the aircraft. To be given the opportunity to actually fly and operate the aircraft through its maximum capabilities is both a challenge and a thrill,” the third generation serviceman said.
“It’ll be the fastest, nosiest aircraft there … it’s a combination of speed, noise and power which always thrills the crowds I think.”
The maximum speed of the roaring fighter jet is about 2000 km/h but that will be a little too intense for bird watchers on the ground.
“On the day we’ll be doing up to 1000 km/h because above that we start to get supersonic – which is above the speed of sound – and that can break windows and things like that,” Wing Commander Woodland said.
“It’s great that we can come down and display the capabilities of all the defence platforms that’ll be down there.”
Other mechanical birds flocking to the Illawarra Regional Airport include the RAAF Roulettes for some formation aerobatics; a North American T-28 Trojan; WWII fighters like the Hawker Hurricane and the Supermarine Spitfire; plus Red Bull pilot Matt Hall.
It will also be the first ever handling display by a RAAF P-8A Poseidon in Australia.
Wing Commander Woodland said of the vintage war-birds his favourite was the Mustang.
“It’s my stand out of WWII fighter aircraft,” he said. “With outstanding performance and manoeuvrability and served us very well during the war and was a very highly respected and enjoyable machine to fly from all accounts.”
Wings Over Illawarra, May 5 – 6, Gates open 9am – 5pm and airshow from 10:30am – 4:30pm.
Desiree Savage
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
