Defence was proud to support the Warbirds over Scone air show from March 26 to 27 in the Upper Hunter Valley region of New South Wales, which aligned with the opening of the new Hunter Warbirds Aviation Centre at Scone airport.
Commanding Officer of No. 100 Squadron, Wing Commander Philip Beanland, said it was a privilege to showcase the magnificently restored warbirds to the Australian community.
“It is a tribute to the dedication and skill of the maintenance teams at RAAF Museum, now No. 100 Squadron and Temora Aviation Museum, that the aircraft in No. 100 Squadron are in such excellent working condition,” Wing Commander Beanland said.
Despite the rain at the event, which reduced the flying display on the Sunday, air show participants were able to get up close to view the warbirds, which were a highly regarded fleet in their early days.
The flying displays showcased the heritage aircraft both individually and in formation with a mass flypast as the finale. A single Pilatus PC-21 Roulette from Central Flying School also formed part of the Saturday flying display.
Forming part of the RAAF historical line-up was a Pacific Aerospace CT-4 Airtrainer in a static display from Point Cook Flight and the Commonwealth Air Corporation CA-18 Mustang, Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII and Lockheed Hudson from the Temora Historical Flight housed in the Temora Aviation Museum.
President and founder of the Temora Aviation Museum, David Lowy, assembled and operated a world-class heritage flying operation and then deeded 11 heritage aircraft to Air Force to keep the collection together in Australia.
Wing Commander Beanland said No. 100 Squadron was indebted to the passion and commitment of many people for the collection of excellently preserved aircraft.
“It is a privilege to continue to operate these aircraft safely and professionally so the public can continue to engage with them now and well into the future,” he said.
No. 100 Squadron is an historical squadron, re-formed in 2021 to coincide with the Air Force Centenary.
Picture: Former Air Force fighter pilot and instructor Jack McDonald, left, sits with Ross Parker while relishing the chance to get back up close and personal with a Wirraway aircraft during the Warbirds over Scone air show. Photo: Corporal Craig Barrett. Defence image.
