Eyes were glued to the sky as aviators from the Royal Australian Air Force flew multiple generations of aircraft into the Mildura Airshow in early September.
More than 6000 people turned out on the sunny Sunday to get an up-close look at aircraft on the ground and in the air. There were displays from a 100 Squadron Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII and CAC Winjeel, a solo and full-team display by the Roulettes, a RAAF Balloon and a surprise arrival from a 35 Squadron C-27J Spartan.
This was a homecoming for Squadron Leader Sam Da Graca Costa, Executive Officer of 100 Squadron, flying the CAC Winjeel in a graceful display over the town he grew up in.
“I am just so blessed to be able to come back to where it all started – I learnt to fly with the gliding club at Mildura airport,” Squadron Leader Da Graca Costa said.
“I even bumped into someone I went to high school with, so being back here brings back a whole load of memories.
“Being able to fly these iconic aircraft in a location I learnt to fly – I’ve come full circle.
“We love museums, but having a living, breathing display of these heritage aircraft levels up that connection, and I hope this inspires the next generation of kids from Mildura to want to fly.”
It was also a special day for Roulette 2 Flight Lieutenant David Burnard, who flew his first solo display, other than in training, at the Mildura Airshow.
“I was a little nervous at the start, but it was great meeting the locals when we arrived and that helped me relax into the display,” Flight Lieutenant Burnard said.
“It was really rewarding flying solo over Mildura; the weather and the crowd were fantastic and it’ll be a highlight for a long time.”
The Roulettes also used the transit to the air show as an opportunity to show the PC-21 to the people of Portland, Victoria, and Mount Gambier, South Australia, with hundreds turning out in both locations for practice displays and a meet and greet.
“It was amazing seeing the support from the people of Portland and Mount Gambier. A few families had also travelled for a couple of hours from other spots in the region, which was humbling,” Flight Lieutenant Burnard said.
“There was a lot of interest and passion for aviation amongst the kids and Air Force Cadets who checked out the aircraft at our meet and greet in Portland.
“At Mount Gambier, I could see Blue Lake was lined with cars, thanks to everyone who came out to watch.”
