RAAF 100 years

[cattletruck]

Heads up, overheard on the 4-Corners ABC outro that next week's show will celebrate the RAAF's 100 years of service which was founded 31 March, 1921. Mark it in your calendar.

Hopefully it'll be a good one and not under water.

[Stationair8]

The programme is called To The Stars, 100 years of the RAAF and starts at 935pm Monday night.

[PPRuNeUser0131]

And don’t forget about the televised flypast via the ABC, 31 March at 9.30am Q time and that’d make it 10.30am Southern time. Goes for one and a half hours.

[PPRuNeUser0131]

Probably should've put this in the post ...https://airforce2021.airforce.gov.au/event/spectacular-centenary-flypast

[Ascend Charlie]

Good opportunity to spray some Chemtrails on the parliament, they need to be brought back to reality.

[Centaurus]

See that squadron flying hours to be drastically reduced on several RAAF types to save money. Why not make the 100 Years fly-past a virtual flypast. Saves heaps and lets more people watch.

[FlexibleResponse]

Some good videos put together for the 100th by the RAAF:

https://www.youtube.com/c/AusAirForce/videos

[NRU74]

Heads up, overheard on the 4-Corners ABC outro that next week's show will celebrate the RAAF's 100 years of service which was founded 31 March, 1921.

And some of us former RAF Tanker chaps were on the 50th Anniversary Fly Pasts - we tanked Lightnings from Tengah to Edinburgh Field and I can remember doing fly-pasts at Adelaide and I think Melbourne, or was it Laverton ? (and the Lightning guys beat up Alice on the return to Darwin - at Alice’s request).

[junior.VH-LFA]

See that squadron flying hours to be drastically reduced on several RAAF types to save money. Why not make the 100 Years fly-past a virtual flypast. Saves heaps and lets more people watch.

Certain specific types are having hours reduced but definitely not to save money. Not everything you read in the Australian is fact.

The flypast is being broadcast live on the ABC.

[ACMS]

And don’t forget about the televised flypast via the ABC, 31 March at 9.30am Q time and that’d make it 10.30am Southern time. Goes for one and a half hours.
comes up as 10:00 on the Melbourne ABC TV guide and 10:00 on the Brisbane guide as well so I’d say Brisbane are delayed 1 hour and not live.

[rivercat]

Certain specific types are having hours reduced but definitely not to save money. Not everything you read in the Australian is fact.


Yeah, I've not experienced that at all, quite the opposite in fact.

[Flyer517]

4 x PC-21s, a Dakota, 2 x Caribou, a Neptune, an Orion and a Catalina.

Thanks RAAF and HARS!

[cattletruck]

Almost forgot about it. Starts in a few minutes 9:40pm AEDT.

[cattletruck]

Hmmm, like most things on the ABC these days the narrative left more depressed than when I started watching.
Such a shame, as I found the technical side of the doco making was just brilliant and the guests were well picked.

[Stationair8]

What ****** in the RAAF, approved that piece of garbage to get aired on TV.

Hopefully the flypast in Canberra, is a lot better and includes some aircraft footage.

[SIUYA]

Good opportunity to spray some Chemtrails on the parliament, they need to be brought back to reality.

A few bombs might be a more appropriate alternative :ok:

[C441]

There was some footage in there of operations in Borneo in WW2. It was footage I'd never seen before and, as my had father served there, put a little context to the (few) memories he'd shared with me of his time there. Having not been ex-RAAF myself, I found it worth watching and if you missed it, it's on Iview here. (https://iview.abc.net.au/show/to-the-stars-100-years-of-the-raaf)

[PPRuNeUser0131]

"What ****** in the RAAF, approved that piece of garbage to get aired on TV".

Yes, I agree totally; that was way below optimal. Didn't seem to have any coherent or logical plan to it; just jumped from one unco-ordinated topic to another without any connection by way of time-line or subject. It had the ABC aroma all over it.

"A few bombs might be a more appropriate alternative".

I tried. When that F-18 sim was housed down along Nudgee Road, I gave it a go just to see how much of a ham-fisted pilot I was (I am). The young man managing the event gave me the plan "take off Amberley, overhead Brisbane, down to Evans Head, drop weapons, low level back to Amberley". So, I asked him "son, how about we go to Canberra and we drop a weapon on Parliament?".

I got a one-word answer of "No".

I'll wait 'til he has had a couple of decades paying tax and listening to the garbage that comes out of the place and ask again.

[josephfeatherweight]

What ****** in the RAAF, approved that piece of garbage to get aired on TV.
I thought it was pretty good - enjoyed watching it.

[layman]

Watched it and thought it made a fair effort to cover all the RAAF activities ... in an hour.

Will probably watch again after the fly past - to see what I’ve missed.

Noticed the RAAF flying program doesn’t list any Hawks. Anyone know if this an omission from the fly past or just missing from the program?

[LeftBehind]

I was a little surprised that the opening tune played by the RAAF at Yarralumla was Aces High (or the Luftwaffe March).

[Lookleft]

I think someone in the band must have been having a quiet giggle at that one. The images that popped into my head was of Fat Hermann inspecting the bombers in the "Battle of Britain". Surely the Dambusters theme would have been more appropriate. Who knew that a newsreader from Channel 9 was also a Wing Commander.

[mgahan]

It was not just the opening march... I thought the entire parade was a shambles.

Chance for the RAAF to showcase themselves in an event that would be watched by. a large audience and replayed many times over the following years wasted on a terrible venue. If you are going to hold a parade - do it on a parade ground not a garden setting that would have been appropriate for a cocktail party or morning tea. Surely there are plenty of places around Canberra where a decent parade could be staged with sufficient troops on the ground to show the RAAF in a good light to the nation.

As an ex Colour bearer (CFS 1979) and part of the team which organised the dual Colour presentation parade (CFS and SAN) at ESL that year I tuned in with the expectation of a ceremony and parade fitting the occasion only to be sorely disappointed. Very easy to get a fly past spot on with an advance in review order preceding it but not if you are parading on a postage stamp. What ever happened to sizing the troops so the ranks have symmetry - you can still do that and have the PC balance needed these days. Imagine the spectacle of all those Colours, Standards and Banners in a wide open setting with a full escort squadron - the day was made for it, the weather perfect for it.

Given her comments reported at the memorial service in London and the fact she chose to make it her first formal event for the year HRH is likely to watch a replay of the parade. I shudder to think what she will make of it.

MJG

P.S. It will take a while to repair the damage to the lawn as well.

[morno]

Maybe times are changing

[brokenagain]

Back in my day.......

[Lookleft]

If you are going to hold a parade - do it on a parade ground not a garden setting that would have been appropriate for a cocktail party or morning tea.

Couldn't agree more but possibly COVID and/or security may have dictated having the parade at Government House. The AWM or the least suitable venue, an actual airport with historic links to HRH, would have been ideal.

[Ascend Charlie]

It should have been at Point Cook, the actual birthplace. Parade grounds, airfield, holding areas over the bay, delightful odours of the Werribee sewerage farm drifting by, and the spirit of Sir Richard Williams nearby.

[Darwinism]

I was a little surprised that the opening tune played by the RAAF at Yarralumla was Aces High (or the Luftwaffe March).
And the bagpipe tune, 'Highland Cathedral', was actually written by German musicians Ulrich Roever and Michael Korb.

[finestkind]

[QUOTE=mgahan;11020090]It was not just the opening march... I thought the entire parade was a shambles.

Tend to agree. If your going to hold a parade, particularly one of such significance, a bit more effort into parade such as an appropriate venue with the pomp and ceremony to go with it.

I guess if they stirred up too much dust someone would get upset but than killing that grass would also upset someone.

[Flyer517]

So a question to those who have served...

From his video on the RAAF's Youtube channel below, it would seem that Peter Overton joined in the not too distant past. He also seems to be doing voiceovers for some of their videos so they're probably employing his present career skills rather than him holding a tool or flying.

Would it be normal to go from joining to the rank of Wing Commander very quickly through talent, or is it possible to get direct entry at a more senior rank given he could bring skills and a public profile to the service? If it's the latter, is this normal?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XuuMwdr7RY

[Chronic Snoozer]

It was not just the opening march... I thought the entire parade was a shambles.

Chance for the RAAF to showcase themselves in an event that would be watched by. a large audience and replayed many times over the following years wasted on a terrible venue. If you are going to hold a parade - do it on a parade ground not a garden setting that would have been appropriate for a cocktail party or morning tea. Surely there are plenty of places around Canberra where a decent parade could be staged with sufficient troops on the ground to show the RAAF in a good light to the nation.

As an ex Colour bearer (CFS 1979) and part of the team which organised the dual Colour presentation parade (CFS and SAN) at ESL that year I tuned in with the expectation of a ceremony and parade fitting the occasion only to be sorely disappointed. Very easy to get a fly past spot on with an advance in review order preceding it but not if you are parading on a postage stamp. What ever happened to sizing the troops so the ranks have symmetry - you can still do that and have the PC balance needed these days. Imagine the spectacle of all those Colours, Standards and Banners in a wide open setting with a full escort squadron - the day was made for it, the weather perfect for it.

Given her comments reported at the memorial service in London and the fact she chose to make it her first formal event for the year HRH is likely to watch a replay of the parade. I shudder to think what she will make of it.

MJG

P.S. It will take a while to repair the damage to the lawn as well.

One can't understate the importance of a good parade and sound marching skills. That's all I've ever strived for in my career. :yuk: How was the flypast?

[Stationair8]

In the good old days, the Caribou boys would have happily landed and departed of the lawn of Yarralumla without batting an eyelid.

[Trevor the lover]

Agree with everything you say about the parade being a poor show Michael. But think of this, a truly grand and worthy parade would have required
1. A very detailed 6 month risk assessment
2. A full OH and S package prepared
3. An equal opportunity inclusion study done
4. A gender diverse participant selection process
5. A flight of LGBTQI
6. A flight made up entirely of female pilots
7. A binary inclusion process
8. An indigenous inclusion and sensitivity study conducted
9. A 10 million dollar study would be needed to ensure the parade ground is actually not a culturally sensitive site
10. They would have had to grab some indigenous people to light eucalypt branches and sweep the parade ground
11. More people on the parade ground would have meant more rifles, and that would no doubt offend many many citizens (fancy our military having weapons)

Perhaps Mel said yeah.......nah,........just 'cause it's a hundred years to the day. Who really cares? I mean it's not like we just got our first female admino or anything!!!

[cattletruck]

Just found out today that 31 March is also International Transgender Day of Visibility - whatever that means - do they lift up their skirts/kilts for all to see how we guessed?
Perhaps this parade rained all over the RAAF one...

[MickG0105]

So a question to those who have served...

From his video on the RAAF's Youtube channel below, it would seem that Peter Overton joined in the not too distant past. He also seems to be doing voiceovers for some of their videos so they're probably employing his present career skills rather than him holding a tool or flying.

Would it be normal to go from joining to the rank of Wing Commander very quickly through talent, or is it possible to get direct entry at a more senior rank given he could bring skills and a public profile to the service? If it's the latter, is this normal?

Overton is a Specialist Reserve Officer. They can be appointed at pretty much any rank deemed to be warranted by their specialist skill set or qualifications. The Specialist Reserve is there to accommodate medical specialists such as surgeons, legal specialists such as barristers and judges and callings such as Chaplain but I know that it's also used by the Media and Public Relations areas as well.

Wing Commander (Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, Commander in the Navy) is the middle ranking Senior Officer's rank (above Squadron Leader, below Group Captain). In a non-flying branch it took me nine years to get to Squadron Leader; Wing Commander would have been at least another six years away after that. Flying squadrons are usually commanded by a Wing Commander so it's certainly up there in terms of status.

I couldn't say whether Overton was appointed to that rank on joining or promoted after joining five or so years ago as say a Squadron Leader.

[Flyer517]

Thanks Mick. Exactly what I wanted to know.

[mgahan]

Perhaps Mel said yeah.......nah,........just 'cause it's a hundred years to the day. Who really cares? I mean it's not like we just got our first female admino or anything!!!
Trev,

Looking at his expression several times during the debacle when the ABC cameras were on him it looks as if he's thinking, "not the best decision...".
MJG

[Flyer517]

One can't understate the importance of a good parade and sound marching skills. That's all I've ever strived for in my career. :yuk: How was the flypast?

Awesome in my opinion. Nice to see most of the fleet types in the air at once.

[Stationair8]

Personally I would have gone with AC/DC It’s a Long Way to the Top, with couple of F111’s down low level, followed by a dump and burn over Bullsh@t Castle. Then bring in the choppers, with the Redgum song I was only 19.

[Lookleft]

If the point of the exercise was to celebrate 100 years of the RAAF surely a more symbolic flypast would have been over the AWM towards Parliament House along ANZAC Parade.

[rivercat]

So many armchair warriors talking about how it should have been this or that - it was a great flypast of all our service types (minus the hawk for a specific reason) and some fantastic warbirds along the Canberra foreshore so people could gather along the the lake and watch.

As for the parade, I doubt many here have had to plan an event during COVID... The fact that people were able to gather is a relief let alone planning a parade that could be cancelled at any moment.

The event was marked on the RAAF birthday date, at the house of the Queen's representative in Australia for the presentation of her new colour during a global pandemic, with 150 odd members on parade. I think all things considered it was a successful day.

[aroa]

The Australian was supposed to have a 64 page RAAF 100 supplement on wednesday.
Not in FNQ there wasnt
Anyone get one... was it worth the pick up?

[Checkboard]

Best bit:

32:58 Guests are reminded that a flypast will occur for the minister’s arrival.

33:37. Minister arrives. Galah flies squawking overhead. https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf0/2/16/1f603.png

That timing was PERFECT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1IYAD0Ie78&t=32m40s

[Ken Borough]

Why was it necessary or required to tell people when to salute or remove headwear? Did the organisers believe that those present were bogans or ockers? Embarrassing!

[Chronic Snoozer]

Lower flypasts would have fixed that! Like in the good ole days.

[josephfeatherweight]

Lower flypasts would have fixed that! Like in the good ole days.
That's one thing I would agree on, the "flypasts" looked like high-altitude reconnaissance flights!

[Stationair8]

When the RAAF celebrated Battle of Britain day in the 70’s, Canberra’s would be sent out to do flyover of war memorials and enroute aerodromes. As a five year old, I was standing with a group of people beside a country aerodrome runway when a silver Canberra arrived at low level and high speed and proceeded to give the place a beat up.
On the third pass the aircraft disappeared behind the clubhouse and the bellman hangar, before reappearing at low level down the taxiway!

[junior.VH-LFA]

The RAAF used to crash a lot of aeroplanes back then too.

[TBM-Legend]

The Australian was supposed to have a 64 page RAAF 100 supplement on wednesday.
Not in FNQ there wasn't
Anyone get one... was it worth the pick up?

We had the supplement here in Brisvegas...Quite nice too!

[Fris B. Fairing]

Why was it necessary or required to tell people when to salute or remove headwear? Did the organisers believe that those present were bogans or ockers? Embarrassing!
Not a bogan or an ocker but I do appreciate guidance on what is expected at formal occasions. Whenever they announce the National Anthem at sporting events I always wonder if it would hurt to add "Gentlemen please remove your hats". There's a whole generation that don't know this is the correct thing to do (unless in uniform).

[Chronic Snoozer]

Not a bogan or an ocker but I do appreciate guidance on what is expected at formal occasions. Whenever they announce the National Anthem at sporting events I always wonder if it would hurt to add "Gentlemen please remove your hats". There's a whole generation that don't know this is the correct thing to do (unless in uniform).

Well here's a quote from that generation from another thread.

Could you gather all your things and go live in a totalitarian / authoritarian ****hole? China or North Korea's available. You'd fit right in at the Uygher "re education" camps where the Government decides what medical procedures you will have

This generation won't be told what to do, just like the generations before it.

PS Surely it should be "ladies and gentlemen, please remove headwear"?

[Eclan]

I heard there was going to be a flypast of 60 aircraft on the day and got excited. Instead it was four aircraft every 5 or 10 minutes, with a confusing parade, on lawn, with a talkover by some gobby, unbriefed bimbo. All at altitudes at which those on the ground normally don't even bother looking up. Very dissatisfying.

You'd think they could at least have wound it up with all the jets and turboprops of any type, maybe even the Roulettes, all in one formation. That'd be around 30 or more and would've been something to remember. It looks like we got the social-distancing, politically-correct, inoffensive and completely forgettable version.

[Fris B. Fairing]

PS Surely it should be "ladies and gentlemen, please remove headwear"?
Well ladies don't remove their hats in church. I'm not sure that would extend to baseball caps though!

[Capn Bloggs]

You'd think they could at least have wound it up with all the jets and turboprops of any type, maybe even the Roulettes, all in one formation.
Like this? Canberra, 1977.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/19770308_000011_2124caff5b5af0e88abce4e8b4fe7c1da28ce3d2.jpg

[finestkind]

So many armchair warriors talking about how it should have been this or that - it was a great flypast of all our service types (minus the hawk for a specific reason) and some fantastic warbirds along the Canberra foreshore so people could gather along the the lake and watch.

As for the parade, I doubt many here have had to plan an event during COVID... The fact that people were able to gather is a relief let alone planning a parade that could be cancelled at any moment.

The event was marked on the RAAF birthday date, at the house of the Queen's representative in Australia for the presentation of her new colour during a global pandemic, with 150 odd members on parade. I think all things considered it was a successful day.

Do you mean those that have a) never flown b) never flown in a major flypast or c) not been on a major ceremonial parade as armchair warriors?

If you have been there done that I think you have some justification in making comments, whether positive or not so.

[rivercat]

Do you mean those that have a) never flown b) never flown in a major flypast or c) not been on a major ceremonial parade as armchair warriors?

If you have been there done that I think you have some justification in making comments, whether positive or not so.

Fair enough, point taken. I was referencing people not involved in the planning of this particular event.

The criticism seems directed at the lack of a large scale parade and more complex flypast. My frustration at those comments is aimed at the lack of consideration of covid being a huge factor in determining the scale of the event.

I also agree with the previous comment that yes, the RAAF used to fly fast and loose displays but we lost a lot of good aircrew along the way. Maybe that's a good thing it's in the past.

[Traffic_Is_Er_Was]

So I take it that there will be further celebrations and displays around the country? Or is one over Canberra it? I guess they've forgotten what the 1st A stands for.

[finestkind]

The criticism seems directed at the lack of a large scale parade and more complex flypast. My frustration at those comments is aimed at the lack of consideration of covid being a huge factor in determining the scale of the event.

.

I take your point but like most things COVID related, with numbers, does seem to be nonsensical when we see the numbers at sporting events etc. In respect to the flypast another some what non event. Appreciate that the Parliamentarian food and beverage incidentals have to be maintained and therefore there is little funds for an aircraft fly-past. But than either make it a) a display (with more than the Roulettes) or b) a decent fly-past. I doubt we will ever see the size of the bi-centennial fly-past again (prob a good thing as our neighbors might get upset with the Pilatus porter being nuclear powered) and understand again if it’s not about the pollies the funds will not be available. However surely a decent parade on a parade ground is not reaching too far.

[Ascend Charlie]

However surely a decent parade on a parade ground is not reaching too far.

But how much time will be wasted in the practice for such a parade?

You've seen the massive parades in China and North Korea, where they have a section of the army, 100,000 people whose job it is to march in such parades. We don't have those numbers. And what a huge waste of time, money and people, so that their leaders can pat themselves on the back.

Our parade was OK, the flypast was modest, but the Jockettes can't be called that any more due to the number of women flying now. And please use something a bit more impressive than the Pilatus machines. Get some jets in there and make noise that rattles your intestines. The Deltas in Mirages used to do a good job, but their turning circle hindered the display a bit.

[finestkind]

But how much time will be wasted in the practice for such a parade?

You've seen the massive parades in China and North Korea, where they have a section of the army, 100,000 people whose job it is to march in such parades. We don't have those numbers. And what a huge waste of time, money and people, so that their leaders can pat themselves on the back.

Our parade was OK, the flypast was modest, but the Jockettes can't be called that any more due to the number of women flying now. And please use something a bit more impressive than the Pilatus machines. Get some jets in there and make noise that rattles your intestines. The Deltas in Mirages used to do a good job, but their turning circle hindered the display a bit.
Yes you are correct but contradictory.



We are not China where undoubtedly the second time you are out of step you lose your one bowl of rice for the week and the third time you are target practice. Yes it does take time and money to practice for anything. But if you are going to go down that path let’s do away with all parades or contract them out as we have done for so much, fly-past included.



Your contradictory comment on time and money for parades, but then towel the Roulettes for being a bee swarm in noise and want jets, time and money?



I guess saying if you are going to do it, do it right or not at all is probably highlighting the way we are heading. Once again we cannot cut back on pollies salaries, incidental’s super, and red wine (or helo rides) or only having events were they are center stage (imagine a numpty in the fly past or leading a parade)

[Pinky the pilot]

Once again we cannot cut back on pollies salaries,

More's the pity.:*

[Chronic Snoozer]

I also agree with the previous comment that yes, the RAAF used to fly fast and loose displays but we lost a lot of good aircrew along the way. Maybe that's a good thing it's in the past.

Well of course it is and I don’t think anyone is suggesting a flypast should be so unsafe as to seriously risk losing aircrew. We’ve being doing flypasts for a long time now and it is likely CASA, if any authority, that is dictating the height, size and speed of any flypast over the capital of Australia. I don’t think a little lower, a little faster and tighter is too much to ask, it’s a once in a hundred year event! Otherwise, just have the parade at Richmond while some aircraft take off and land in the background. We can risk manage the crap out of lifting a box, surely the same attention can be turned to a flypast. Having said that, perhaps the limiting factor is aircrew, you don’t just launch a four ship or a dissimilar aircraft formation at a whim to do a beat up. It takes some practice and that costs hours and money - so there’s another probable reason for the “dissatisfying” flypast.

[finestkind]

Well of course it is and I don’t think anyone is suggesting a flypast should be so unsafe as to seriously risk losing aircrew. We’ve being doing flypasts for a long time now and it is likely CASA, if any authority, that is dictating the height, size and speed of any flypast over the capital of Australia. I don’t think a little lower, a little faster and tighter is too much to ask, it’s a once in a hundred year event! Otherwise, just have the parade at Richmond while some aircraft take off and land in the background. We can risk manage the crap out of lifting a box, surely the same attention can be turned to a flypast. Having said that, perhaps the limiting factor is aircrew, you don’t just launch a four ship or a dissimilar aircraft formation at a whim to do a beat up. It takes some practice and that costs hours and money - so there’s another probable reason for the “dissatisfying” flypast.Admittedly there was practice for the Bi century fly-past but that was just the similar types. The actual fly-past of dissimilar types was not practiced.

[Eclan]

Like this? Canberra, 1977.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/19770308_000011_2124caff5b5af0e88abce4e8b4fe7c1da28ce3d2.jpg
Yes, like that, although you'd like to think the F111s would've swept the wings back and wound up the speed.
This Canberra show could've fit in the P8s, E7As, C17s and even the C130s with the fighters for even just a straight and level flypast of a couple of dozen aircraft, all capable of a stable 300kts airspeed. It would've impressed everyone but instead we got Flypast Lite. Diet Flypast. Sensitive New Age Flypast with minimal noise and no impression of the capability for applying "Force." People fell asleep between demos. You're not even allowed to get drunk in the mess anymore. Did I mention the airhead commentator?

There's another word for that flypast but you're not supposed to use it anymore.

[brokenagain]

Apparently the latest directive out of the the Ivory Tower is that ‘Airmen/Airwoman’ are from now on going to be referred to as ‘Aviators’. You couldn’t make this up!

[Ex FSO GRIFFO]

The "Bi - Century" Flypast....???? (#63)

I would REALLY like to see that !!

[Chronic Snoozer]

instead we got Flypast Lite. Diet Flypast. Sensitive New Age Flypast with minimal noise and no impression of the capability for applying "Force."

A carbon neutral flypast?

[judge.oversteer]

Bloggsie and Eclan.
How did 4 x F-111’s, 5 x Sabres and 4 x Mirages manage to fly together in 1977?
Assuming RAAF.
I am puzzled?
JO.

[ramble on]

Maybe
5 x F111s
4 x A4s
5 x MIRIII0 (photo fom back of a dual MIRIIIO)

[Joker89]

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/raaf-marks-centenary-by-dropping-gendered-airman-term-in-favour-of-aviator-20210408-p57hmk.html

finger on the pulse

[judge.oversteer]

Aha! The stealth A-4!
Thanks Ramble on.
JO.

[Eclan]

There may even have been some Canberras in that formation just out of the photo frame as they were still around a few more years and, who knows, maybe even some fanta cans. Men were men back then, not whatever else they wanted to be, and the combined roar of all those engines would've had the same effect on them as viagra does on the sensitive types getting around today.

[ruprecht]

A carbon neutral flypast?
“Look up, ladies and gentlemen, and witness the F-35 doing it’s best min drag flypast. Yes, magnificent! Now cast your eyes downward to witness the airmen, sorry, the aviators busily planting trees to offset the carbon emissions...”

We’d better never go to war, imagine all the trees we’d need to plant. :p

[cattletruck]

Apparently the latest directive out of the the Ivory Tower is that ‘Airmen/Airwoman’ are from now on going to be referred to as ‘Aviators’. You couldn’t make this up!

The feminine form of 'Aviator' is 'Aviatrix'. I am now convinced we have the wrong people running the Australian Defence Force.

[Ascend Charlie]

The feminine form of 'Aviator' is 'Aviatrix'.

But you can't use a term that defines whether a person has a d!ck or not. I recall a Dining-in Night, just after women were allowed to attend, and Mr Vice stood up and opened his speech with:
"Gentlemen,...and gentlemen without d!cks..."

[601]

"Gentlemen,...and gentlemen without d!cks..."
He could have said
"Gentlemen,...and gentlemen with c0(kp!t$..."

[Stationair8]

Had a laugh when the gentleman doing the commentating with Lisa Millar, mentioned that the Beech Kingairs are flown by professional pilots in the RAAF!

Are the RAAF going to hold an airshow to celebrate the 100 years, or is that deemed not PC these days?

[HK144]

Had a laugh when the gentleman doing the commentating with Lisa Millar, mentioned that the Beech Kingairs are flown by professional pilots in the RAAF!

Are the RAAF going to hold an airshow to celebrate the 100 years, or is that deemed not PC these days?

Perhaps nothing to do with being 'PC' perhaps more to do with the ongoing uncertainty imposed by COVID.

[Keg]

Are the RAAF going to hold an airshow to celebrate the 100 years, or is that deemed not PC these days?

I think the Avalon air show (originally scheduled for end of March and now postponed until November) is the ‘anniversary’ air show.

[601]

Had a laugh when the gentleman doing the commentating with Lisa Millar, mentioned that the Beech Kingairs are flown by professional pilots in the RAAF!

I didn't know that the RAAF had contracted civilian crew along with the aircraft.
The Army had civilian pilots on their Army contracted Queen Airs.
The RAAF would have to do one better with King Airs

Are the RAAF going to hold an airshow to celebrate the 100 years, or is that deemed not PC these days?
I thought that that was the airshow.

[Stationair8]

The Royal Australian Navy after watching the RAAF100 flypast, decide to liven up things by going with the hip-hop dance troupe to launch their new ship.

[Pinky the pilot]

The Royal Australian Navy after watching the RAAF100 flypast, decide to liven up things by going with the hip-hop dance troupe to launch their new ship.

And I suspect that whoever authorised that dance troupe will be keelhauled in the not too distant future. That is, if some of the perpetually outraged have their way.

Thougt it was a bit silly M'self but....

[Chronic Snoozer]

The Royal Australian Navy after watching the RAAF100 flypast, decide to liven up things by going with the hip-hop dance troupe to launch their new ship.

From the sounds of it, it was more entertaining and generated a greater response.

[gerry111]

And I suspect that whoever authorised that dance troupe will be keelhauled in the not too distant future. That is, if some of the perpetually outraged have their way.

Thougt it was a bit silly M'self but....

Yes. Similar outrage to that visited upon the Commander of the USS Missouri, after allowing Cher to sing "If I could Turn Back Time"..