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25.01.2022 A couple of interesting visitors today into Melbourne Airport. First up was Singapore Airlines Boeing 787-10 9V-SCC while not the first visit it is a rarity into the airport. Secondly was Qatar Airways Airbus A350, A7-ANE in the oneworld Alliance colour scheme. Another rarity was the Melbourne weather playing ball for the assembled spotters there to see these two arrive. #YMML #ymmlspotter #ymmlspotting #melair #melbourne #melbourneairport #singapore #singaporeairlines #dohaqatar #qatarairways #boeing787dreamliner #airbusa350 #aviationspottersonline #aso

25.01.2022 The United States Air Force has finally departed north from Darwin after arriving for Exercise Pitch Black 2018 back on the 27th July. The 12 F-16CMs WP (one ...with a blue stripe from 35th FS) from the 80th Fighter Squadron Headhunters of the 8th Wing at Kunsan AFB in Korea. To and from the exercise they were supported by KC-135R Stratotankers from the Illinois, Kansas and Hawaii Air National Guard squadrons. Also into Darwin in the early days of PB2018 was a USAF C-130J from the 36th Airlift squadron of 374th Air Wing Yokata Air base in Japan. For the duration of the Royal Australian Air Force exercise the squadron was based at RAAF Base Darwin - the 'Blue Force' base. The USAF F-16 aircrews, like the other exercise partners, were teamed with dissimilar aircraft during scenarios, exposing them to the experience, tactics and operations of other air forces. The U.S. Pacific Air Forces will no doubt return with their F-16's again for the next Pitch Black. #USAF #PACAF #RAAF #ExPitchBlack #f16 #kc135 #c130 #Darwin

24.01.2022 Some B-1B Lancer action.

24.01.2022 Darwin's geographic location has helped with patient and non- patient repatriations to Australia during this covid year, also the top end has been a link between those returning to their home states after quarantine isolation in the Northern Territory. Much has been made of the larger aircraft traffic but behind the scenes many flights have been undertaken by charter companies and aeromedical operators. Here is a small collection of those international and domestic operating aircraft.

24.01.2022 PRESS RELEASE The word bushfire is still well and truly fresh in the minds of most Australian’s following the disastrous 2019/20 fire season. A huge focus is now on combating them by both state and federal governments, with local fire agencies and Australia’s aerial operators more prominently featured. It is only logical that Skyline Aviation Group an NSW company established back in 1995 at Newcastle Airport, would today find itself moving into larger aircraft for the vital ...aerial fire fighting role, joining the list of very experienced established operators already in Australia. SKYLINE AVIATION GROUP is pleased to announce their conversion of the ex-Royal Australian Navy S-70B Seahawks. Giving them new lives in the Aerial Fire Fighting role. Here are the details of the companies exciting new roles for these helicopters. http://aviationspottersonline.com/press-release-skyline-av/ #skylineaviationgroup #skylineaviation #helitak #firebomber #newcastleairport #aerialfirefighting

24.01.2022 Day one of The Republic of Singapore Air Force starting their training didn't disappoint Darwin locals. Morning and afternoon waves broke the relative peace as various RSAF Boeing F-15SG's, RSAF A330 MRTT '763' and Royal Australian Air Force KC30 MRTT, A39-006, headed out to the restricted areas from RAAF Base Darwin. The long standing regional partnership between the Republic of Singapore and Australia continues to develop as new airborne assets provide the ability to suppor...t each team - both forces now operate the Multi Role Tanker Transport which is commonly configured with both hose and drogue plus centreline boom refuelling options. For Darwin aviation enthusiasts - the last few months of 2020 will provide some great opportunities to catch some military action about the Top End. #TheRSAF #rsaf #republicofsingaporeairforce #singaporeairforce #singapore #mindef #f15sg #f15strikeeagle #A330MRTT #AusAirForce #RAAF #YourADF #YourFutureAirforce #FA18

24.01.2022 CareFlight Top End Kawasaki Heavy Industries BK117B-1, VH-IME, as Careflight3 performing some circuit training at Darwin International Airport today. CFH3 has been quite busy in the Top End recently, conducting hover and winching operations in the Darwin area. #careflight #bk117 #helicopter #darwin #aeromedical #medivac

24.01.2022 Saturday, March 14 2009, was a very wet and miserable day. As wet and miserable as it was, the 2009 Australian International Airshow held at Avalon Airport in Victoria was in full swing. Due to the weather, the flying program was cut short, with many displays cancelled due to the wind and rain. Not to be outdone, the Rockwell B-1B Lancer from the United States Air Force 37th Bomb Squadron based at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, would have none of this nonsense, and set about drying the wet runway with its incredible full Afterburner take off. Nicknamed ' Symphony of Destruction', B-1B, 86-0099 set about putting on a fitting display of its flying characteristics to the gathered crowd at Avalon on that wet and dreary Saturday. 37th BS Tiger Booster Club #BONE 96th B-1B Team https://youtu.be/Ur72Io0SR8s

24.01.2022 Solomon Airlines Airbus A320-232 with registration H4-SIB, dropped into Darwin International Airport as Solomon653 after arriving from Manila via Jakarta. Following a short 2hr stop, firstly at the RAAF Darwin Air Movements apron, then over to the Darwin Terminal, the A320 was under way back to Brisbane. #solomonairlines #airbus #a320 #darwinairport

24.01.2022 August 15, VJ Day. The day on which Imperial Japanese Forces surrendere. Bringing the war in the Pacific to an end, thus ending World War II. The formal surrender ceremony was performed in Tokyo Bay, Japan, aboard the battleship USS Missouri. Today we remember those who went to war, and those men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice. ... Temora Aviation Museum The Australian National Aviation Museum Australian War MemorialSouth Australian Aviation Museum Paul Bennet Airshows Fighter Pilot Adventure Flights Classic Air

23.01.2022 A quick look at the Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage facility this morning. A variety of tails to see. #apas #storage #alicesprings

23.01.2022 Coulson Aviation - Next Gen Firefighting's Sikorsky S-61N C-FXEC and Helicopteres Helicarrier Inc C-FIZA have touched down at the Darwin International Airport helipad this afternoon in from Kupang. The two fire support helicopters have traversed the Indonesian archipelago from central Sumatra over the last few days on their return trip to Avalon. The Coulson Aviation (Australia) has completed their 150-day contract with the Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana (Indonesian Na...tional Board for Disaster Management) and still bear that livery on their fuselages. After some biosecurity and customs checks the aircraft were given a routine maintenance service before being put to bed. It is great to see the S-61's back here, in time for preparations to support the up coming Australian Bushfire season. For additional reading about Australia's last fire season and Coulson Aviation or Helicarrier, please click on the links. http://aviationspottersonline.com/australian-fire-season.../ https://www.facebook.com/coulsonaviation/ https://www.facebook.com/helicarrierhelicopters http://www.helicarrier.com #coulsonaviationaustralia #helicarrier #aerialfirefighting #firebomber #s61 #helitak #Darwinairport

22.01.2022 Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 5 Sqn Lockheed P-3K2 Orion, NZ4201, departing a humid Darwin morning as Kiwi 537. #RNZAF #p3k2 #orion #5sqn #maritimepatrol #darwin #humidity

22.01.2022 It's fire season already in several states. Queensland and New South Wales fire agencies are already operating their on contracted and in the case of NSW, their own Large Air Tankers (LATS) on fires. Recently spotter, Matthew Tregear was there to see the NSW Rural Fire Service Boeing 737 Fireliner operated by Coulson Aviation - Next Gen Firefighting crews on a fire where a number of loads of retardant were dropped on the Kangaroo Ridge Fire in the Heathcote area of Sydney. Th...e 737 has recently been repainted in a striking new livery that all NSW RFS aircraft and helicopters will receive. This will see two Cessna Citations, two Bell 412s, the 737, BK-117s along side a host of other aircraft working fires in NSW this season. We love to see your photos so please send them through for us to share. #nswrfs #couslonaviation #fireliner #airattack #FIREBOMBING

22.01.2022 "Back to basics" for The Republic of Singapore Air Force - their first drop of 1000lb H.E on the range after some flights with non-ex (practice munitions) earlier in the week. First wave today saw two out of the three "Shikra's" slinging a pair of Mk 83 'slicks' (low drag dumb bombs) on the inboard fuselage stations. No Laser or GPS terminal guidance here, just Pilot/WSO/ and Strike Eagle bomb delivery. Great to see the RSAF Armourers carrying out the time honoured tradition ...of writing on the bombs. So has Marcus found a girlfriend yet? #TheRSAF #rsaf #republicofsingaporeairforce #singaporeairforce #singapore #mindef #f15sg #f15eagle #f15strikeeagle #mk83

21.01.2022 The Republic of Singapore Air Force A330 MRTT '763' and Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A A39-006 have been working closely together off the coast of Darwin. Great to see the two counties utilising our common refuelling capabilities, amongst other assets. #AusAirForce #RAAF #YourADF #TheRSAF #rsaf #republicofsingaporeairforce #singaporeairforce #singapore #mindef #A330 #KC30 #mrtt

20.01.2022 Night phase of operations this week for The Republic of Singapore Air Force 2020 deployment to Darwin. 'Shikra' and 'Twister' departing for the restricted areas. #TheRSAF #rsaf #republicofsingaporeairforce #singaporeairforce #singapore #mindef ... #f15sg #f15eagle #f15strikeeagle #a330mrtt See more

20.01.2022 Kiwi 919 - A Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 40 Sqn B757-2K2, NZ7571, into Darwin on a wet afternoon - taxi to park with a RNZAF C-130H. #rnzaf #newzealandairforce #PilotLife #MilitaryAircraft #MilitaryAviation #AvGeek #PlaneSpotter

19.01.2022 Low fare airline, Hong Kong Express Airways, is the latest airline moving aircraft to the Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage Pty Ltd facility at Alice Springs airport. HK Express, a subsidiary of parent group Cathay Pacific, has sent the first three of ten aircraft from Hong Kong to Alice Springs. Airbus A321-231 B-LEK, B-LEL and B-LEC passed through Darwin today as "Hong Kong Shuttle 9201/03/07", stopping briefly before departing south. #hkexpress #airbus #a321 #apas #darwinairport #alicespringsairport #boneyard #CathayPacific

19.01.2022 Darwin's "Mango Express" - Air Vanuatu Boeing 737-8SH(WL) YJ-AV8, Spirit of Vanuatu into Darwin International Airport from Pt Vila via Cairns Airport as AVN900 with mango pickers for the Top End - back as AVN901 direct to Port-Vila. What a colourful livery. #mangoexpress #B737 #airvanuatu #pickers #spotter #avgeek #darwin

18.01.2022 A look back at highlights from Exercise Pitch Black 2016. One of the highlights of Pitch Black 2016 was the Thursday afternoon Mindil Beach public display. With a handling display by a RAAF Super Hornet & flypasts by some of the best equipment in the business it was an evening event not to be missed. Sid Mitchell brings us all the action in the latest feature article from Aviation Spotters Online.... Royal Australian Air Force The Republic of Singapore Air Force United States Air Force Nikon Nikon Australia U.S. Pacific Air Forces Boeing Company RAAF Base Darwin #ExPB16 #USAF #RAAF #YourADF #ausdef #PacificTeamWork #RSAF #mynikonlife #nikon #D5 #D7200 #D810 #800mm #Darwin #TopEnd

18.01.2022 Darwin's "Mango Express II" - Air Vanuatu Boeing 737-8SH(WL) YJ-AV8, ‘Spirit of Vanuatu’ into a sultry Darwin International Airport once again, this time from Port Vila via Brisbane Airport as AVN900. Another team of mango pickers to bolster the picking crews in the Top End's 2020 mango season. Again, flying directly back to Bauerfield International Airport, Port Vila, Vanuatu as "AirVan901". #mangoexpress #B737 #airvanuatu #pickers #spotter #avgeek #darwin

17.01.2022 Another spectacular arrival at Melbourne Airportg this evening. Malaysian Airlines, Airbus A330-300 9M-MTE, arrived on Runway 16 this evening as 'Malaysia 8489'. Painted in the Negaraku livery. This forms part of a Malaysian government initiative aimed at fostering unity among all and inspiring the spirit of patriotism. #melair #melbourneairport #malaysaianairlines #Malaysia #aviationspottersonline #ymmlspotter

17.01.2022 With the RAAFs Classic Hornet fleet in the twilight of its career, there arent many chances left to catch, and admire this great aircraft that has, and is currently serving with 77 and 75 Squadron. Heres a great video depicting the RAAFs Hornets in action. https://youtu.be/k_sB_5_0gTk

16.01.2022 Shortly to arrive at RAAF Base Darwin will be The Republic of Singapore Air Force for this year's Fighter Detachment. The RSAF will perform a number of training programs including air combat exercises within the Delamere Air Weapons Range and Bradshaw Field Training Areas. As one of our longest regional defence partnerships, Singapore and Australia often train together in support of our comprehensive strategic goals. We can expect to see Boeing F-15SG's from No. 149 Squadron ...callsign callsign Shikra/Talon/Raptor/Singa supported by Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transports (MRTT) from No. 112 Squadron, not only while here, but in the transit flights to and from the Northern Territory. The MRTT's have replaced the long lived KC-135R tankers callsign Twister/Singa that the RSAF have previously utilised to deploy to Darwin. No. 122 Squadron callsign 'Singa' will continue to perform the tactical transport role with the Lockheed C-130H Hercules bringing deployment supplies and equipment. Providing a Control and Airborne Early Warning function during the exercise will be a No. 111 Squadron callsign Titan or Jaeger' modified Gulfstream G550. The RSAF enjoys exercising in the wide open air spaces of the NT and will also follow a strict COVID-19 isolation plan prior to operations, similar that implemented for the U.S Marine Rotational Force 2020. We look forward to seeing the RSAF once again in the skies above Darwin. Callsigns are some of those used in the Top End. #TheRSAF #rsaf #republicofsingaporeairforce #singaporeairforce #singapore #mindef #f15sg #f15strikeeagle #G550CAEW #A330MRTT #c130H See more

16.01.2022 The Republic of Singapore Air Force are enjoying a little bit of "latitude in attitude" while departing RAAF Base Darwin. A sequence of an F-15SG Strike Eagle power climb to 5000' (+) before rolling level and off to the restricted areas. #TheRSAF #rsaf #republicofsingaporeairforce #singaporeairforce #singapore #mindef #f15sg #f15eagle #f15strikeeagle #PowerClimb

16.01.2022 Sunday 30th August saw the 2020 Aviation Tower Function take place in Darwin. The function, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force's No 452 Squadron, was held on the grounds of the Darwin ATC complex. With the imposing backdrop of the new tower under construction with a latticework of scaffolding looming overhead, it was an opportunity for the ATC team to engage with the civilian sector. Visitors who took up the invitation included local pilots, cabin crews, Airline repres...entatives, Darwin International Airport employees and many others involved in the local aviation scene. As part of the insight, 452 Sqn controllers provided escorted tours of the facilities. This included a trip to the Control Cab at the top of the tower where we could observe real time traffic operations while having the various systems explained in layman's terms to us. The controllers upstairs manage final approach and initial departures, usually within a 10 miles radius of the tower. Darwin Ground is also here and manage ground movements of aircraft plus various vehicles that operate out on the airfield. Opportunities were provided to ask questions while we looked across at the new tower under construction just 20m away. Downstairs we continued the tour through Darwin Approach where controllers manage approach and departures of airborne aircraft, performing hand offs between Darwin Tower and Brisbane Centre zones. In this area the controllers also provide departure clearances to pilots before they are handed over to Darwin Ground (upstairs). The senior team members can mentor junior controllers and utilise a training area which mimics real local operations - they can re-run previous real traffic scenarios and throw in multiple complications to really ramp up the pressure for those under instruction. We were escorted out via the technicians workshop, a team that provide a much appreciated speedy response when systems go down. Should the normal communications be disrupted, the tower can operate on an emergency comms system until rectified. Rounding off the tour was a catered evening meal and beverages for all those attending. Open days are always very popular in Darwin but this was a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of Air Traffic Control and to meet those that keep us safe in the air. Many thanks to Jaime for the invite, Ben our tour guide, and to all those I chatted with from No. 452 Squadron about the new upgrade and how the future looks for Air Traffic Control in the Top End and beyond. An enjoyable afternoon was had by all. #452sqn #youradf #raaf #ATC #controltower #safeskies See more

15.01.2022 Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 5 Sqn Lockheed P-3K2 Orion, NZ4201, dropping into Darwin as Kiwi 537. In a few years these Orions will be replaced by a fleet of four Boeing P-8A Poseidons, (Boeing 737-8FVERX) which have now been allocated the serial numbers NZ48014804. Two pilots plus six air warfare officers/specialists, plus their families, deployed to Florida back in February this year and have been undertaking conversion training with Patrol Squadron (VP) 30 at Jacksonvi...lle Naval Air Station in Florida. VP-30, the Pro’s Nest, is the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Fleet Replacement Squadron, providing transition training from the P-3 to P-8 aircraft. The RNZAF team will return to to Ohakea late in 2022 as instructors while No. 5 Sqn begins the introduction of the Poseidon. #RNZAF #p3k2 #orion #5sqn #vp30 #p8 #maritimepatrol

15.01.2022 A quick video of the tropical conditions greeting the arrival of The Republic of Singapore Air Force this week. #TheRSAF #rsaf #republicofsingaporeairforce #singaporeairforce #singapore #mindef #f15sg #f15eagle #f15strikeeagle #AirCombat #FighterJet #FighterPilot #PilotLife #MilitaryAircraft #MilitaryAviation #AvGeek #PlaneSpotter

15.01.2022 The Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15SG "Shikra" returning to RAAF Base Darwin.

15.01.2022 Some of the awesome action overhead RAAF Base Williamtown yesterday as F-35s and Hornets returned from exercises off the coast.. Royal Australian Air Force Fighter World Canon Australia Sigma Photo Australia #YourADF #Hornet #F35 #LightningII #Fastjet #Aviation #Spotters #Avgeek #Canon #Sigma

14.01.2022 A few pics from APAS in Alice Springs.

14.01.2022 #Fanfriday - Such an iconic and unmistakable design is the Chinook. My first 'Chook" ride as a young RAAF lad was in A15-003 (CH47C Model) back in 1982. Australian Army Boeing CH-47F, A15-303, in the Top End. #YourADF #australianarmy #Airlift #ch47 #chook #chinook #PilotLife #MilitaryAircraft #MilitaryAviation #AvGeek #spotter

13.01.2022 Royal Australian Air Force's new No. 452 Squadron tower construction well under way - uprade at Darwin includes tower and ATC systems to integrate the civilian and military air traffic management systems. aus.defence.media Australian Defence Magazine #AusAirForce #RAAF #YourADF #YourFutureAirforce

13.01.2022 One of the more recent tail art updates ...No. 75 Squadron's F/A-18B, A21-118, in the Top End.

13.01.2022 Today saw the arrival of The Republic of Singapore Air Force once again on their 2020 deployment to Darwin. The two month deployment is focussed around the Boeing F-15SG's from 149 Sqn 'Shikra" and the exercise opportunities presented to them by the air weapons ranges in the Northern Territory, Australia. Departing Singapore around 10:15 Darwin time, two RSAF Airbus A330 MRTT's, '760' and '763' from 112 Sqn based at Changi Air Base East, formed up to provide air to air refuel...ling with four F-15's from 149 SQN Shikra based at Paya Lebar Air base. The Strike Eagles were the first to arrive at RAAF Base Darwin amid a tropical downpour that saw the lead aircraft perform a missed approach before all safely landed and taxied to the OLAs. After performing some holding patterns to allow the weather to improve, the two MRTTs landed on a wet Runway 29, in much clearer conditions. In support also was a RSAF Lockheed C-130H Hercules ‘735’ from 122 Sqn at Paya Lebar, which followed up the the formation’s transit to Darwin. We look forward to seeing the RSAF taking to the skies above the Northern Territory over the following weeks - as they have in years gone past. #TheRSAF #rsaf #republicofsingaporeairforce #singaporeairforce #singapore #mindef #f15sg #f15strikeeagle #Airbus #A330MRTT

12.01.2022 #TankerTuesday reveals a quartet of "Young Tigers" United States Air Force Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers returning to RAAF Base Darwin after a buzz around the Top End. #usaf #youngtigers #kc135 #tanker #airtoair

12.01.2022 With the recent media releases from the proposed new Virgin Australia owners, American private equity firm Bain Capital. We take a stroll down memory lane and visit the trials and tribulations of Australia's second major full fare airline. Launching in Australia as Virgin Blue airlines in 2000, as a low-cost airline to compete with the local two Ansett and QANTAS. The airline has grown to launch international, regional and cargo arms. It even took over another carrier for lo...w cost services. Now under a new owner the airline will emerge very differently to what we all remember pre-COVID-19. Enjoy the teams work and look at Australia's second largest airline. #virginaustralia #virginaustraliacrew #melair #sydneyairport #melbourneairport #darwinairport #hobartairport #launcestonairport #milduraairport #boeing #airbus #brisbaneairport #perthairport #adelaideairport http://aviationspottersonline.com/virgin-australia-the-evo/

12.01.2022 United States Air Force Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers from the Young Tigers" ZZ 909th Air Refuelling Squadron returning from supporting two Northrop B-2 Spirit stealth bombers inbound from Diego Garcia, and later in the day outbound, as they utilized the Mount Bundey Military Training Area including operations not above 2000'. #kc135r #b2 #spirit #stealthbomber #PACAF #usaf #usairforce #AirForce #darwin

11.01.2022 This morning, Regional Express Airlines operated another flight into Melbourne Airport. VH-VUF operated as RXA1921 from Sydney Airport to Melbourne. The ex Virgin Australia aircraft will gain its new livery shortly. #repair #regionalexpress #boeing #boeing737 #melbourneairport #melair

11.01.2022 Phase III saw the arrival of more of The Republic of Singapore Air Force on their 2020 deployment to Darwin. Four more Boeing F-15SG's a mix of 149 Sqn 'Shikra' and 142 Sqn 'Gryphon' tails including the golden lion (8327) "Once a Shikra... Always a Shikra' transited from Singapore once again, tanked by 112 Squadron's MRTT '762' and followed up by C-130H Hercules ‘730’ from 122 Sqn. In the mix was another 'Singa", Gulfstream G550 EAW, '016' from 111 Sqn based at Tengah Air Bas...e, another familiar aircraft of RSAF deployments to Darwin. The morning saw some departures at RAAF Base Darwin with the RSAF and Royal Australian Air Force MRTT's taking off to work together to the north of Darwin, before the KC-30A headed home to Amberley, plus a few local sorties from the F-15's just to keep the locals happy. #TheRSAF #rsaf #republicofsingaporeairforce #RAAF #Youradf #singaporeairforce #singapore #mindef #f15sg #f15strikeeagle #Airbus #A330MRTT #g550 #AEW

11.01.2022 The Republic of Singapore Air Force - returning to base - Darwin. #TheRSAF #rsaf #republicofsingaporeairforce #singaporeairforce #singapore #mindef #f15sg #f15eagle #f15strikeeagle #A330 #mrtt

11.01.2022 Darwin Airport/RAAF Base Darwin's new Air Traffic Control Tower has recently begun to be revealed as the scaffolding starts to be taken down. About 10m higher than the existing tower, the new cab is a similar design to other towers at shared military/civillian airports around Australia. The tower has been constructed as part of the OneSKY Australia Program - the AIR 5431 Phase 3 Civil Military Air Traffic Management System (CMATS) project, which will see integration of civilian and military air traffic control systems.

11.01.2022 Lockheed AP-3C Orion A9-752 10 Squadron RAAF Base Edinburgh 27 November 2018

10.01.2022 USAF C-130H 92-3024 from 757th Airlift Sqn, 910 Air Wing ARFC Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio

10.01.2022 United States Air Force Rockwell B-1B Lancer 86-0140 28th Bomb Squadron ‘Mohawks' 7th Bomb Wing ... Dyess Air Force Base, Texas Seen during Exercise Red Flag 2016-1, Nellis AFB, Nevada. See more

10.01.2022 Kestrel Aviation are ready for another fire season. Recently a good portion of the fleet was assembled for a family photo. The red and white livery will be seen across Australia and flown on the companies, Bell 206, 212 , 412 and S-76 fleet. We wish the Kestrel team a safe fire season ahead.... http://aviationspottersonline.com/kestrels-medium-firefigh/ #kestrelaviation #helitak #aerialfirebombing #bellhelicopters #aso

09.01.2022 A look back to another first from Exercise Pitch Black 2018 with the Indian Air Force With Exercise Pitch Black 2018 over, Aviation Spotters Online Videographer Mark Pourzenic delves deep into the history of the Indian Air Force, and their successful deployment as first time participants. Indian Air Force Royal Australian Air Force No. 102 Squadron IAF Darwin International Airport Su-30MKI Canon Australia #expitchblack18 Indian Aerospace Defence News - IADN #spotter #avge...ek #SukhoiSu30MKI #Airwarriors #india http://aviationspottersonline.com/indian-air-force-partici/

09.01.2022 A look back at the 2017 Australian International Airshow. It's been a while since the Australian International Airshow but it's about time to bring you the ASO team's highlights. This year's show introduced the public to four new types for the Royal Australian Air Force, The EA-18G Growler, F-35A Lightning II, P-8A Poseidon and the C-27J Spartan. There are lots of great photos and videos to get through to help us all look forward to the next show in 2021. #sandisk #pittsspec...ial #bone #aerobatics #spotter #avgeek #aviation #F22 #raptor #AusAirForce #airshow #avalon #USAF #RAAF #F35 #nikon #canon #growler #poseidon #antonov #video #photography #P8 #PC21 #EF18G #Spartan #C130 #F16 #F15SG #FA18 https://aviationspottersonline.com/avalon-international-ai/ See more

09.01.2022 At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them. Lest we forget. Tomorrow, 11th of November, is remembrance day when Australia will observe a minute's silence at 11am to remember all those who have lost their lives or suffered during wars or armed conflicts. As part of these commemorations, the Royal Australian Air Force, along with the Temora Aviation Museum, will conduct several flypasts around the country. Below is a list of times and places when th...ese may be observed. NSW Newcastle; Civic Park, King Street, Newcastle; 1000 - 1130; Up to 4 Hawk 127 Raymond Terrace; ANZAC Park, Raymond Terrace; 1100; Up to 4 Hawk 127 St Marys War Memorial, Mamre Road, St Marys; 1030 - 1115; An FA-18 Hornet WA Merriwa RAAFA Cambrai Village, 85 Hester Avenue, Merriwa; 1045; A Pilatus PC-21 Kings Park; State War Memorial, Fraser Avenue, Kings Park; 1100 - 1110; A Pilatus PC-21 Lancelin; RSL Memorial, Gingin Road, Lancelin; 1200; A Pilatus PC-21 Wanneroo; War Memorial Gardens, Sandgate Street, Wanneroo; 1110; A Pilatus PC-21 South Perth; War Memorial Gardens, Cnr Sandgate St and South Terrance; 1050 -1105; A Pilatus PC-21 Fremantle; Monument Hill, Cnr Bateman & High Streets, Fremantle; 1102; A Pilatus PC-21 Vic Melbourne; Shrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne; 1100; Lockheed Hudson SA Gawler; Pioneer Park War Memorial, Gawler; 1100; An AP-3C Orion Salisbury; Salisbury War Memorial, Orange Avenue, Salisbury; 1105; An AP-3C Orion NT Katherine; War Memorial, Stuart Highway, Katherine; 1107; Two F/A-18 Hornets Further information may be found on the RAAF's operations page at; https://www.airforce.gov.au//flying-operat/flying-activity #YourADF #RAAF #AusAirForce #LestWeForget #Remember #Flypast #Aviation #Avgeek #Spotter

09.01.2022 "Day of the Dragons" - Day two of five ship transits through Darwin International Airport by Hong Kong based airline, Cathay Dragon .(Dragonair) A mix of 7 x A320-232 and 3 x A321-231 aircraft have passed through Darwin bound for storage at the Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage Pty Ltd facility at Alice Springs airport. #Cathaydragon #airbus #A320 #A321 #APAS #boneyard #AliceSprings

09.01.2022 With Aviation in Australia changing daily at the moment. Our banner reflects the demise of the Tigerair airline, the dropping of the Virgin Australia International fleet following the release of the Virgin 2.0 restructure. The parking of the Qantas A380 and soon The Boeing Company 787s in long term storage. To the staff effected by the changes stand strong in these times. The sun will rise again with clear skies ahead.

09.01.2022 The Republic of Singapore Air Force Boeing F-15SG Strike Eagles morning departure out of RAAF Base Darwin, N.T. for the range with some BDU-33 practice bombs on board. #TheRSAF #rsaf #republicofsingaporeairforce #singaporeairforce #RAAFBaseDarwin

09.01.2022 While the southern states are chilling out the Top End is in full swing bushfire season, and today was no different. Supporting the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) volunteers were XO Aviation water bombers and a control helicopter from Aerotech Australia. The Aerotech AS 350, VH-HQO circle about overhead directing three water bombers from XO Aviation, VH-NTM, VH-ZBI and VH-OUM, all being Air Tractor... AT-802 aircraft. The three bombers cycled between the fire zone near Humpty Doo and refilling with retardant at their base at Batchelor Airstrip about 60km away. Many thanks must go to the crews both in the air and at the airstrip, plus those fighting the fires on the ground, many of whom are volunteers. #firefighters #waterbomber #aerotech #xoaviation #at802 #as350 #ntfes #ntfrs See more

08.01.2022 Hawker Hunter N321AX, operated by defence contractor ATAC, landing at Atsugi airbase Japan in October 2015.

08.01.2022 How good does Victoria Police's AW-139 look in the all-over grey livery? One of three operated by the Victorian authority, alongside their Beechcraft King Air.

08.01.2022 Long distance lifter - Royal Australian Air Force C-130J, A97-447 on final for a touch and go at RAAF Base Darwin - in from the west and departing to the east.

08.01.2022 This day the 18th of November marks the anniversary of the first flight of the early F-18 Hornet back in 1978. The F-18, initially known as McDonnell Douglas Model 267, was developed from YF-17. The original Northrop YF-17 design was highly modified to incorporate naval requirements such as strengthening the airframe, undercarriage (plus widening the u/c track), and tailhook. Inclusions for carrier operations like folding wings and catapult attachments were added and the fuel... capacity increased. It was the first production fighter to be constructed with a digital quad-channel fly-by-wire control system. The Royal Australian Air Force was seeking a replacement for the aging Mirage and on 20th of October 1981 the Hornet was finally selected with an initial order for 75 being placed that November. The order consisted of 57 single-seat F/A-18A’s (A21-1 to A21-57) and 18 dual seat F/A-18B’s (A21-101 to A21-118). Two were constructed in the US and flown out across the Pacific Ocean behind a USAF McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender, while the remaining 73 were assembled by the Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) in Victoria. Check out Motty’s pics of their arrival into Williamtown. The initial 14 Hornets were destined for 2OCU at RAAF Base Williamtown for training and conversion. No. 3 Squadron became the first operational Hornet Squadron, based at RAAF Base Williamtown, followed by No. 77 Sqn also at Williamtown, with No. 75 Sqn being the last to become operational, based at RAAF Base Tindal in the N.T. Incidentally No. 75 Sqn will be the last squadron to operate the Aussie Hornet until its retirement late into 2021. The Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) has also operated the Hornet in various configurations throughout their RAAF service. A21-102 B&W image - Department of Defence and 2 x Historic Australian Aircraft #fa18 #Hornet #AusAirForce #RAAF #YourADF #YourFutureAirforce #AirCombat #FighterJet #FighterPilot #PilotLife

08.01.2022 A Tribute to the hunter - The Lockheed P-3 Orion. November 2020 witnessed the Royal Australian Air Force, in recognition of the exemplary service of its Lockheed P-3 Orion, that has served the nation of Australia for over 50 years, place a decommissioned airframe as a gate guard to the entrance at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia. Lockheed AP-3C Orion, A9-658, that entered service in July 1985, was the first P-3C Orion built for Australia at the Lockheed plant in Palm...dale, California. The RAAF is no stranger to operating the mighty Orion, with the first P-3B Orion entering RAAF service back in January of 1968. A9-658 flew for the last time in RAAF colours on October 21st 2016, and since being withdrawn from use, in that time has remained as a taxi-able ground based trainer with Number 92 Wing, and later as a static training aid for Number 292 Squadron. It was finally earmarked for decommissioning in 2018 and prepared for its role as a gate guard The P-3 Orion’s replacement began in earnest back in 2016 with the introduction of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon that has now filled the ranks of 11 Squadron. 10 Squadron that still flies the remaining pair of ELINT Orion's, will in the near future, take on the unmanned MQ-4C Triton, starting a new chapter in RAAF maritime history. Senior ADF Officer for Edinburgh Defence Precinct, Air Commodore Brendan Rodgers, of RAAF Base Edinburgh, said the AP-3C Orion gate guard was a fitting tribute to the aircraft’s operational history and achievements. Managed by the Surveillance and Response Systems Program Office, the gate guard project has included contributions by Air Force’s No. 10 maintenance section, No. 3 Security Forces Squadron, Army 1st Brigade units 1st Combat Service Support Battalion and 1st Armoured Regiment, as well as consultation and support from Estate and Infrastructure Group, Air Force History and Heritage Branch and external organisations. The final stage of the gate guard’s refurbishment will now begin in preparation for the official unveiling, which is planned to be held during next year’s centenary of Air Force. We here at Aviation Spotters Online would like to share a small selection of images we've taken of the Orion in recent years. We'd also like to thank Bettina Mears and RAAF Public Affairs in allowing us to share contents from this article and accompanying images and video. Follow links for images and video - https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/S20203333 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1_XK4leTkw #AirForce #YourADF #DefenceForceRecruiting

08.01.2022 Paspaley Pearling Company's Grumman G-73AT Mallard VH-PPE, lifting off in Darwin Harbour with thatmallardguy up front. #pt6nation #paspaley #amphibious #grumman #mallard #harbourcruise

08.01.2022 Australian Government contracted Skytraders Airbus A319-132(LR), VH-VCJ, departing Darwin for Canberra using the usual Snowbird Two callsign with a couple of dozen passengers. #skytraders #airbus #a319 #darwinairport

07.01.2022 Always a pleasure - United States Air Force Boeing B-52H, 60-0055, ‘War Eagle’ from the "Barons" - the 23d Bomb Squadron, 5th Bomb Wing, Minot AFB, Nth Dakota - Arriving into RAAF Base Darwin. #PACAF #usaf #usairforce #AirForce #buff #B52 #Stratofortress #raafbasedarwin

07.01.2022 As most of Australia is shivering due to record winter temperatures, here's former Royal Australian Air Force, General Dynamics RF-111C, A8-134 from Amberley based 6 Squadron in Queensland, giving some warmth to the gathered crowd at the equally cold, 2009 Australian International Airshow.

06.01.2022 The United States Air Force has been busy over the Top End supporting aircraft operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers from the Young Tigers" ZZ 909th Air Refuelling Squadron have recently supported three Northrop B-2 Spirit stealth bombers transit from the 509th Bombardment Wing / Operations Group at Whiteman Air Force Base, to Diego Garcia among other taskings. Of the six tankers are currently based at RAAF Base Darwin, four of them recently r...efuelled a USAF B-1B Lancer from 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron out of Guam and one of the USAF B-2A Spirit Stealth Bombers, the *Invisible Defenders* of the 393rd Tigers Bomb squadron (back from Diego Garcia) as they utilized the Bradshaw Field Training/Delamere Air Weapons Range restricted areas.. #kc135r #b2 #spirit #stealthbomber #PACAF #usaf #usairforce #AirForce #darwin See more

06.01.2022 This week is National NAIDOC week, a week where all Australians can celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In recognition of one past Royal Australian Air Force member, the RAAF has recently opened a new five storey accommodation complex at RAAF Base Williamtown, dedicated to the memory of WOFF Leonard ‘Len’ Waters. But back in February 2015 another dedication to Len was unveiled, the 'Worimi Hornet', an F/A-18A Horne...t A21-23, painted with the artwork representing Killarr Kilyarr, the Wedgetail Eagle. Leonard Victor Waters joined the RAAF late in 1942 and initially trained as a mechanic, later volunteering for flying service. After basic flight training and conversion to P-40 Kittyhawks at 2OCU, on 4th November 1944, he was posted to as a Sergeant Pilot to No. 78 Squadron, based on the island of Noemfoor, off Dutch New Guinea. Len conducted more than 90 missions from here plus more once the squadron had relocated to crude airstrips and bases at Morotai and Tarakan, in Borneo. One mission saw his aircraft take a hit from a Japanese 37mm shell, which lodged behind him in the cockpit without exploding. He is quoted as saying upon return to the base - "I'll tell you what, that was the best landing I ever made" In January 1946 Len retired from the RAAF with the rank of Warrant Officer, and after trying to start a regional airline in S.E Queensland he eventually returned to his pre-war life of shearing sheep. Len sadly passed away in 1993. He will be remembered. Full credit to the Australian War Memorial for the images of Len Waters and his P-40N Kittyhawk. #AusAirForce #RAAF #lenwaters #YourADF #YourFutureAirforce #AirCombat #FighterJet #FighterPilot #AWM

05.01.2022 Another Covid-19 repatriation flight from London has arrived in Darwin today, much to the relief of the more than 150 passengers on board. This is the third Qantas repatriation flight of it's kind and the second flying the Heathrow-Darwin route, the previous flight being from Delhi to Darwin. We are yet to see the planned flights from Johannesburg, in South Africa, into Darwin. Qantas flight QFA110, departed Heathrow Airport just after 11 am local yesterday and touched down a...t Darwin International Airport this afternoon, following a 16 hour overnight flight. Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner "Gangurru", VH-ZNK, is less than 12 months old and was flown by a crew of four, the Captain, a First Officer and two Second Officers, providing crew relief on the long haul flight. This flight has bit of a local touch with one of those Second Officers being Arthur K. who until three years ago was a pilot in Darwin, flying for Hardy Aviation, one of the general aviation companies serving the Top End. It is a huge leap from dodging top-end storm cells in a Cessna 402 to traversing the globe crewing a state of the art Dreamliner, and just goes to show, always follow your dreams as you will never know where they lead. Once again the aircraft was met by RAAF Duty Crew who towed 'Gangurru' from the taxiway to the RAAF Base Darwin Air Movements Terminal where passengers were disembarked and checked, before heading to the Howard Springs Quarantine Facility to spend the next two weeks in isolation. The first repatriated passengers from the first QF flight have already departed the facility. Instead of flying on to Sydney like last time, VH-ZNK will head back to London tonight as QFA109, carrying a couple of passengers from what could be perceived as 'freedom' back into 'lockdown' What crazy times we live in. #qantas #B787 #dreamliner #londontodarwin #Heathrow #Darwininternationalairport #Repatriationflight #cominghome #howardsprings #COVID19 #quarantine

05.01.2022 Douglas DC-3 Air Nostalgia VH-TMQ Essendon Airport December 2003

05.01.2022 Not often we see a pair of Australian Corporate Jet Centres VIP aircraft into Darwin International Airport together. VH-OFX, a Bombardier BD-700 Global Express as ACJ7, followed by VH-VLT, an Embraer EM-135BJ Legacy as ACJ6, landed from Nadi(Fiji) and taxied to the RAAF Darwin military hardstand before relocating across to the southern GA apron later. #GLEX #em135

04.01.2022 A look back at Exercise Pitch Black 2016. http://aviationspottersonline.com/mass-launch-airside-exer/

04.01.2022 McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II Former USAF 67-0237 Painted to represent ex RAAF 69-7208 RAAF Museum, Point Cook circa 1990

04.01.2022 Another fond memory from Exercise Pitch Black 2018. With Exercise Pitch Black 2018 officially over, the team at Aviation Spotters Online managed to capture many moments, and one of those great moments was the RAAF Base Darwin Open Day, held on Saturday August 4th. Royal Australian Air Force TUDM Royal Thai Air Force U.S. Marine Corps United States Air Force Indian Air Force Armée de l'air Royal Canadian Air Force TNI Angkatan Udara The Republic of Singapore Air... Force Marine Rotational Force Darwin Darwin International Airport #ExercisePitchBlack2018 http://aviationspottersonline.com/exercise-pitch-black-201/

04.01.2022 Switzerland's Zimex Aviation (XM, Zurich) De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, HB-LRB, in new Air Tetiaroa and The Brando livery, which departed St. GallenAltenrhein Airport in Switzerland on Wednesday, just before 6PM local time, has arrived at Darwin International Airport from Denpasar. It has been a long trip for the 1980 built twin, cruising at about 140 Kts with a payload of spare parts via Italy, Egypt, Oman, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Bali. HB-LRB will be heading out in...to the South Pacific to expand Tahiti's Air Tetiaroa fleet, which has also previously wet-leased a DHC-6-300, HB-LRN, from Switzerland's Zimex Aviation, back in January 2017. A little trivia : Air Tetiaroa operates passenger/charter flights between Papeete and Onetahi, located in the Tetiaroa Atoll about 50km from Tahiti. The location boasts The Brando Resort, named after actor Marlon Brando who bought the islands following the 1960's filming of Mutiny on the Bounty.... hence the tail flash livery. #zimexaviation #airtetiaroa #dhc6 #twinotter #darwinairport #thebrandonresort #onetahi

03.01.2022 British Airways is another airline farewelling the The Boeing Company 747 this year. The last two aircraft are departing today with news coming in that at least one will be preserved at Kemble Airport. Post your favourite 747 photo below everyone we love to see them!

02.01.2022 It's #HumpDayWednesday, and to help you along, here's an Royal Australian Air Force Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet, from Amberley based 1 Squadron, turning and burning over RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, showing the enthralled crowd how it's done last November.

02.01.2022 Navair Jets snappy Embraer Phenom 300E, VH-NSQ, in from Bankstown via Mount Isa overnighted with Pearl Flight Centre at Darwin International Airport before departing to Hervey Bay. Bizjet luxury is such a nice sector in the aviation industry. #navairjets #embraer #phenom300 #FBO #darwinairport

02.01.2022 Ex - Royal Australian Air Force A37-002 now operated by LifeFlight (Singapore) - Challenger 604, VH-OFB, into Pearl Flight Centre as Ambulance 624 from Brisbane. Topping up with some 'fizzy' before departing to Singapore. #youradf #lifeflight #challenger604 #aeromedical #medivac #darwinairport #PFC

01.01.2022 'Kadena Cab' - regular Okinawa- Darwin service for the Marine Rotational Force Darwin 2020 deployment. U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J, 16-8066 from VMGR-152 SUMOs in from the north. #usmc #mrfd #marines #kc130 #sumo

01.01.2022 One of the great delights of attending any airshow is the lead up to the show, which includes the arrival and practice days. The biennial Australian International Airshow held at Avalon Airport in Victoria is one of those shows that allows many to witness both. The 2019 show once again welcomed the United States Air Force and their Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - JBER in Alaska. Here's some vision of the teams arrival, including the pair of March Air Reserve Base Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers that supported the Raptors on their journey. https://youtu.be/nrWq6L7GPQk

01.01.2022 A recent announcement by the Minister for Defence Industry, the HON Melissa Price MP, confirmed the first of two Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 ‘Classic’ Hornets that will be allocated to the Australian War Memorial for heritage display. The first of two, McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet, A21-22, was the first Australian Aircraft during Operation Falconer in 2003 to deliver ordnance, and was also deployed in Operation Okra during 2016 and 2017. After it’s retirement from t...he Royal Australian Air Force on May 14 2020, A21-22 had flown for 30 years and had accumulated a total of 6131.5 total flying hours. It was dismantled at RAAF Base Williamtown and transported by road to the Treloar Technology Centre in Canberra, before reassembly by Boeing Defence Australia personnel during November 2020. An official ceremony for hand over to the Australian War Memorial is slated for sometime during December of 2020. #AusAirForce #RAAF #YourADF #australianwarmemorial #awm

01.01.2022 Avcair's sweet looking Learjet 60, VH-ILJ, overnighting at the Pearl Flight Centre in Darwin.