Australian Defence Force to Support Wings over Illawarra

The Australian Defence Force will again be supporting Wings over Illawarra, which will take place on Sunday, 5 May.

Held annually at Illawarra Regional Airport, Wings over Illawarra is a showcase of military, historic and general aviation.

This year’s theme is ‘Celebrating Naval Aviation’, in honour of the upcoming centenary of the entry of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet into Sydney Harbour, which will be commemorated with the International Fleet Review this October.

Fittingly, a Navy Seahawk helicopter from HMAS Albatross will perform a flypast and the Squirrel helicopter display team will perform breathtaking formation aerobatics. Seahawk, MRH-90 and Bell 429 helicopters will also be open for public inspection on the ground, with crewmembers there to answer your questions.

An Air Force Hawk 127 fast jet and the Roulettes will wow the crowds with thrilling flying displays. A second Hawk will also be on static display. For a change of pace, the Air Force hot air balloon will be offering tethered flights during the morning, weather permitting.

Air Force’s No. 38 Squadron will come in for some special attention, too, with a current KA350 King Air light transport on static display alongside retired 38 Squadron Caribou and Hudson aircraft.

Not to be left out, Army’s Red Berets precision parachute display team is scheduled to open the day’s flying program as they drop in from a Seahawk.

[mappress]
Naval Today Staff, May 3, 2013; Image: Australian Navy