The RAAF Roulettes aerobatic display team and the RAAF Heritage Trainer Flight (CAC Winjeel and PAC CT-4 Airtrainer) put on some great formation and solo flying displays at the Kyneton Air Show on April 23rd, 2017. The Roulette pilots are Qualified Flying Instructors at the Central Flying School from RAAF East Sale.
RAAF Roulettes
The RAAF Roulettes display was different from the previous times I have seen them this year. They kicked off it with a spirited solo display, then followed it up with precise four ship formation flying (as opposed to the normal six ship) that was enjoyed by all.












RAAF Heritage



The first production CAC CA-25 Winjeel trainer entered RAAF service in February 1955 and the last of 62 were delivered in January 1958. This Australian designed training aircraft was operated by No. 1 Flying Training School for pilot training at Point Cook and Central Flying School (CFS) at East Sale for flying instructor training. It served the RAAF well until retired from the training role in 1975 (others were used by various squadrons as liaison and communications aircraft). A small number remained in the Forward Air Control role until 1995 (replaced by the PC-9/A in this role).






The aircraft that replaced the Winjeel as a basic trainer in 1975 was the PAC CT-4A Airtrainer aka the “Plastic Parrot” (it was lightweight and colourfully painted). The RAAF ordered 37 from New Zealand in 1972, with the first delivered in February 1975. 14 more were purchased and delivered in 1981/82. The type was retired from RAAF service in 1992 but has continued in the flight training program via a private civil contractor (this ended almost 100 years of military flying at Point Cook).

No air show is complete with out some historic military combat aircraft and in my next post I will feature the warbirds that flew at the Kyneton Air Show including a TBM Avenger, T-28D Trojan and P-40N. A great country air show!
Blue skies make all the difference don’t they.
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Sure do! It was warm, cold, warm, cold!
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It can be very awkward and makes taking good photos sometimes rather difficult.
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No matter how many times i see these air shows [in person or picture-wise], I am amazed by the pilot’s ability for synchronization in mid-air!
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Very skilled indeed!
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Fascinating post. The pictures are outstanding. Could look at the post over and over.
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Thanks Cynthia. Glad you enjoyed it
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