Repco Bathurst 1000
Article by Nate Newman
Images by Nate Newman
Every year in October, Australia’s oldest inland city prepares for the crème de la crème of it’s many prestigious motorsport events; the Bathurst 1000. In this year's rendition, there was plenty to see in the skies above Mount Panorama between Friday and Sunday.
With the Roulettes being the Air Force’s premier display team, it was fitting for them to fly at a community event such as this. On both Friday and Saturday they thrilled crowds over the mountain, conducting their signature six ship display in front of over one hundred thousand fans, easily one of their biggest crowds. Before the Friday display, the team dropped into Parkes Airport for a few hours, conducting a display and meet and greet with the locals. The Roulettes operate the Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, high-performance turboprop designed for militaries across the world to help them train next the generation of pilots. Using the PC-21 they conduct their display at heights as low as 250 feet and speeds as high as 650km/h, all whilst flying three metres apart. The RAAF has operated the PC-21 for over 8 years now with 1st and 2nd Flight Training Squadron at RAAF Base East Sale and RAAF Base Pearce respectively.
Throughout the weekend there was also plenty to see on the ground from the Australian Defence Force, with the Navy’s EC-135 Training Helicopter on display and the Team Army Display, as well as the RAAF Balloon. The EC-135 is a highly advanced training helicopter operated by 723SQN on behalf of the ADF’s Joint Helicopter Training School, where both Army and Navy personnel learn to fly rotorcraft.
The highlight of the weekend, however, was undoubtedly the Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II display on Sunday. Taking off from RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle, it was a short hop down to Bathurst for a jet of its speed. The F-35A display from the 2nd Operational Conversion Unit has been a staple of Australian skies since the Lightning’s delivery in 2018. Entering from the east, display pilot Kurt “KP” Pearce would pull up to 9G throughout, and reach speeds of over 1000kmh, but also descend to under 200kmh in the high alpha, well below the speeds even the slowest of track cars were reaching down the Conrod Straight. For a rarity with the F35 display, his final pass was right on time at the completion of the Australian National Anthem, showcasing the skill of our nation’s greatest pilots, and giving a fine scare to all that thought he was finished as he ascended to 10,000ft, dropping flares the whole way up.
Overall, the weekend was a raving success. Away from the aircraft, the great race saw one of its most memorable renditions in years, showcasing Supercars’ continued success in their new Gen 3 era of car. With any luck, it should be a long time to come that we see the Bathurst 1000 alive and well with the sound of aircraft above the action on track.
