Thunderbirds for Townsville?

[Tony P]

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/

Thunderbirds may show at Townsville air spectacular

MALCOLM WEATHERUP

March 17th, 2009

A SPECTACULAR air show, tipped to feature the
world's leading formation flying team the USAF
Thunderbirds, is pencilled in for Townsville later this year.

The Strand is expected to be packed with more than 100,000 spectators on the weekend of September 26-27 to watch what is shaping up to be a display to outshine the wildly successful Townsville air shows of the early 1990s.

The Townsville Bulletin understands negotiations are well advanced between the RAAF, the Townsville City Council, the civilian airport managers and other parties on the details of the two-day event.

A program will be put before Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon for his approval within a month.

The Bulletin understands that an afternoon to twilight aerial display is planned for Saturday, September 26, while Sunday may feature an open day at RAAF Garbutt, with a second flying program being considered. The centrepiece on the Saturday is likely to be the USAF Thunderbirds.

See the US Air Force Thunderbirds in action


Two of the elite display squadron's officers inspected the Townsville facilities and display air space earlier this month.

The Bulletin understands they were impressed with the facilities and the venue.

Air Commodore Phillip Byrne, who is in charge of ensuring that all arrangements meet feasibility study criteria, is in Townsville at the moment talking with the city council, local RAAF personnel, Townsville Enterprise and other groups. Air Commodore Byrne was reluctant to divulge details yesterday, emphasising that the final word was with the Defence Minister and he didn't wish to pre-empt or speculate on Mr Fitzgibbon's official decision.

The air show is expected to include the RAAF's traditional F-111s, which will perform a traditional `dump and burn' for spectators along The Strand.

There is also a possibility the popular Roulettes will strut their stuff. Other displays are expected to come from the C-17 Globemaster, Hercules, Caribou, F/A-18 Hornet, Hawk, Army Helicopters, Squirrel Pairs Display Team, Seahawk, War Birds and Red Berets.

[Mick F]

Ummmm, correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't they the US Navy Thunderbirds? :confused:

Mick

[Nathan Long]

Nope.

US Navy - Blue Angels
USAF - Thunderbirds

[Mick F]

Ah huh. Thanks for that Nathan, I was getting the two mixed up.

Cheers

Mick

[Gerard M]

Looks like i'll be going to Townsville this year!!!

So is this airshow the RAAF airshow or just an airshow that Townsville puts on?

[Bob C]

The Thunderbirds will be performing at Hickham AFB, Hawaii on 19/20September and Seoul, South Korea on 23/25 October. Nothing between 21/9 and 21/10 at this stage so MAYBE a tour downunder could be on the cards.

I'm not 100% sure but I think the Airshow will be hosted by the RAAF as part of its annual program of shows around the country - probably RAAF Townsville's turn this year.

And possibly only on ONE day, due to cost considerations which happened at Nowra last year, I believe.

Don't shoot the messenger, just passing on what I have read.

[Mike Scott]

Confirming that they are in HNL on the 19th and 20th of September. Maybe some of you might prefer to watch them over here in Hawaii as part of the Hickam AFB open house day....lots more to see in the way of hardware that wont make it to Townsville. Just a thought for those of you doing some planning...plus I'm sure I can be around for a few shouts at some of my favorite establishments.:)

MS

[Mike Scott]

Here is a link to the recent Thunder in the desert airshow in Phoenix. The high wind noise on the camera mic cut off some of the scanner audio during the Thunderbirds segment.

http://73s.org/

MS

[Darren Butterworth]

I did some time in Townsville and this show used to be an annual event which peaked at around the time of the Battle of The Coral Sea 75th Anniversary (I think).
It's a free event, I think it was called the Sky Show. The crowds line The Strand (their water front) and all of the aircraft fly past over the ocean at low altitude. I can remember there being a B52 at one time, a Galaxy, plenty of 5th Aviations blackhawks, as well as commercial airlines etc.

I'll try to dig out some pics tonight, it was back in the late 80s so I'll scan them in if I can find them.

Darren

[Andrew McLaughlin]

I did some time in Townsville and this show used to be an annual event which peaked at around the time of the Battle of The Coral Sea 75th Anniversary (I think)

You mean the battle that happened in 1942...67 years ago, Darren?! ;)

The T-Birds will be flying over the Strand on the weekend, and there will be a large static show at the Army portion of the airport as well.

Cheers

[Darren Butterworth]

Never was good at maths - I drink too much bourbon.

[Darren Butterworth]

I found some of the old pics. Quality is appauling, it was well before the digitam age.:o
598

599

600

601

[Ray P.]

I remember when the Thunderbirds last came to our shores. They came to commemorate the opening of Brisbane's new domestic terminal (airport) back in '85 (I think?). I think they were supported by 3 Starlifters. Must check my old photos. They did a great display.

[Bob C]

According to a report on "Oz-spotters", the Thunderbirds were last in Brisbane in October 1987 when they arrived from Melbourne on the 17th.

[Karl M]

I remember when the Thunderbirds last came to our shores. They came to commemorate the opening of Brisbane's new domestic terminal (airport) back in '85 (I think?). I think they were supported by 3 Starlifters. Must check my old photos. They did a great display.


Yep, & a KC-10 thrown in too. Was painted in USAF presidental colours.

I remeber when they visited MEL. I was about 5yrs old at the time & still remember some of that day. They parked down at the Ansett hangers, a lined up in a row. They had an open day( not sure it it was for public or just airport workers) but I went with my father & had look. Still have the Thnderbirds Brochure somewhere at home.

I have on VHS their departure from MEL which dad recorded on handycam & the nightly news reports from Ch7 & 9, the day they did ther fly over St Kilda pier.

[Dave Parer]

It's all now offical. Looks to be a great weekend with both F-111's and Caribous performing their last air shows

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2009/05/07/52431_news.html

[Gerard M]

Im so there!!!

Are there any direct flights from Syd to Townsville because when i looked before it looked like i had to pay top dollar or catch a connecting flight from Brissie?
And i just looked on the Jetstar site and they dont have any flights on the saturday only the fri and sun? Is that normal? And it appears only to be one flight a day..so get in quick i guess if you want a cheapish seat!

[Greg McDonald]

Look like all Qantas flights connect through Brisbane and are $218 each way. Virgin has 1 direct flight in the morning but all others are through Brisbane and also mid $200 each way. Jetstar doesn't look like it runs flights to Townsville on Saturdays.

[Dave Parer]

That's correct, Jetstar do not operate SYD-TSV-SYD on a Saturday. DJ operate daily SYD-TSV-SYD and all QF SYD-TSV flights are a connection via BNE.....QF do not operate direct.

[Dan Hammond]

Great to see it confirmed, im going to go there for sure!

[Mick F]

Well I guess I'd better jump in the car and make the 900km drive to Townsville for this event, :).

Pub with a view Dave??

Mick

[Gerard M]

The update that i have for you all is that the Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform in the Far East (Townsville included) this year in September and that the dates and locations are very soon to be approved. When i have the approved dates i shall let you people know. (after i have booked my flights and accommodation before the rush :D)

I shall bring you the good/bad news in July.
Stay tuned.

By the way, being a struggling student at the moment, whats the best and most cost effective method of getting there from Syd, not car though?
Jetstar from Sydney on a Fri then a Sunday or flying with Qantas or Virgin to Brisbane then to Townsville?
Actually i just had a look, Virgin Blue are having a sale from Syd - Townsville for 179 one way. I thought they didnt fly direct? Pitty its only travel up to the 10th Sept!!
Regards,
Gerard

[Gerard M]

Can anyone who has been to one of these events previously give me a rough idea of what time the flying display was on as i'm looking at the different options for the flights to and from and just want to get it out of the way before they get sold out.
And any recommendations for accommodation? Price/location to airport/flying display.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Dan Hammond]

Im booked in at Seagulls which on the map doesnt look like its too far from the Strand if that helps Gerard

[Mick.B]

Flying displays on the strand are usually later in the day. Puts the sun behind you.

[Gerard M]

Well, i received an email from a Master Sergent at Nellis informing me that the Thunderbirds are in fact "tentatively" scheduled to perform in Townsville on that weekend and "look forward to performing for me". Good enough confirmation for me!

So i guess a should book flights etc but still not completly decided on whether i should head on up.
How many other members here are going to be going?

[Dan Hammond]

I will be there Gerard, All booked in and confirmed!

[Gerard M]

If i can make it...is the Aquarius on the Beach a good place to stay?
And who is the best/fastest to fly with? Qantas?

If i caught a 6am flight that got me there on sat morning at 11 would i have time to make it to the strand before the display or am i better off going up on friday some time?

[Dan Hammond]

Hi Gerard,

Im told by a mate that is from Townsville that the Aquarius is right on the strand.

As for flying up well im going up on friday and leaving on monday.

[Marty H]

Im staying at Ibis which is also on/close to the Strand Im going via SYD on the Friday and coming back Sunday also via SYD.

[Mick.B]

Aquarius was almost booked out that weekend when I booked about 3 months ago.

[Gerard M]

Thanks for the help guys. And yeah Mick it was sold out so looks like im at the Seagulls. Doesn't seem to far away really.

One other question on the 27th the townsville airport is going to be open for some looking around etc does anyone know what time?

Thanks for all the help again

[Gerard M]

This list form the defence site
The F-16s will be accompanied by 2 C-17s and 2 KC-10s :D


F/A-18 Hornets (http://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/hornet.aspx) (Air Superiority and Ground Attack Fighter)
BAe Hawks (http://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/hawk.aspx) (Advanced jet training and light operations)
C-17 Globemaster (http://www.airforce.gov.au/Aircraft/Globemaster.aspx) (Heavy Transport) – too be confirmed
C130 – Hercules (http://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/hercules.aspx) (Strategic and Tactical Transport)
F-111 Ardvaark (http://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/f111.aspx) (Long- range Strike)
C-7 Caribou (http://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/caribou.aspx) (MediumTransport (farewell appearance)
Army CH-60 Blackhawk (http://www.army.gov.au/Blackhawk.asp) (Utility transport helicopter)
Thunderbirds – F-16 Fighting Falcon (http://thunderbirds.airforce.com/) (about 35 minutes)
The RAAF ‘Roulettes’ Display Team (http://www.airforce.gov.au/roulettes/index.aspx) – PC9
AP3C Orion (http://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/orion.aspx) maritime strike and surveillance
USAF KC-10 (Strategic Air Refuelling Tanker)
Qantas Dash 8 and/or 737 (To be confirmed)
Tigermoth (http://www.airforce.gov.au/RAAFmuseum/research/aircraft/series2/A17.htm)
UH1- Huey helicopter (To be confirmed)
SP2H Neptune (http://www.airforce.gov.au/RAAFmuseum/research/aircraft/series2/A89.htm) (Maritime patrol - historic aircraft)
C47 Dakota (http://www.airforce.gov.au/RAAFmuseum/research/aircraft/series2/A65.htm) (General Transport – historic aircraft)
Nanchang (To be confirmed

As always it also states that some are yet to be confirmed and subject to change etc etc etc

[Dave Parer]

This is the article that was in the Townsville Bulletin yesterday;

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2009/08/18/72245_news.html

Cheers,
Dave.

[Mick.B]

Thunderbirds are scedualled for a practice display over the Strand on the Friday 25th between 3 and 4pm.

[Gerard M]

They have added a few extra aircraft to the display list.

Chinook.
Grumman Sea Cat
CAC Winjeel RAAF Basic Training & FAC 1951-1995
Emergency Services helicopter (anyone know what one this will be?)
Coral sea divers? not an aircraft but still

And they have taken off the Orion for some reason. And also removed the Nanchang.

[Daniel M]

Looking forward to it...Townsville is going to be a wild place Friday/Saturday night night week:D

[Dave Parer]

Latest article from Townsville Bulletin today

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2009/09/19/80371_news.html

[Gerard M]

Yeah im looking forward to it too so long as i can get a good spot to see it all from. Anyone have any recommendations lol
Also i presume that the Roulettes will be making their way up there some time this week. Usually they pass through Richmond on the way, does anyone know if they will this time and maybe what day?

Cheers

[Gerard M]

In about 3 hours, the Thunderbirds will arrive directly into Townsville with a KC-10 from Hickam.

The two C-17s are due into Townsville today one direct from Hickam and another via Kwaj.

Will post rego's when i have them.
Hopefully someone is able to get some photos of them when they land!!



Cheers

Update: First C-17 to arrive at 1221pm 99-0170 as RCH225
Thunderbirds have arrived with two KC-10s in tow
RCH053 - 82-0192
RCH051 - 79-1946

Thanks to the "Jetspotter members" for the great info and heads up.

[Dave Parer]

Yep, Thunderbirds certainly have arrived and are flying around the skies of Townsville. Due to work I cannot get out to airport, but I do know that someone is there now happily clicking away.

Confirmed arrivals into TSV today from my SBS as follows;

* 22-Sep 12:21 AE0810 99-0170 C17A RCH225

* 22-Sep 14:13 AE0211 82-0192 DC-10 REACH053
* 22-Sep 14:16 AE020C 79-1946 DC-10 REACH051

This is going to be one hell of a great week.......

[Scotty Curtis]

Here are a few from there arrival, thanks Dave for the heads up.

http://www.jetspotter.com/Scotty/TSV01.jpg

http://www.jetspotter.com/Scotty/TSV02.jpg

http://www.jetspotter.com/Scotty/TSV03.jpg

http://www.jetspotter.com/Scotty/TSV04.jpg

http://www.jetspotter.com/Scotty/TSV05.jpg

Its going to be a cracker of a weekend!!!

Cheers
Scotty

[Gerard M]

Awesome photos Scotty! I'll second that, really looking forward to the weekend now!!

[Dave Parer]

Bloody great pics Scotty. It was a pleasure giving you the heads up when these pics where the result. Pity work got in the road this arvo otherwise I would have joined you.

I am actually working on having a Live ATC feed up and running before Friday on http://www.liveatc.net/ for those who cannot make it to Townsville, they can listen to ATC via the web. Just testing at the moment, so I will keep you informed.

Cheers,
Dave.

PS - Only 4 more sleeps to go........

[Dan Hammond]

Great pics mate, just make me want the weekend to hurry up and get here

[Cheryl H]

Wow!! Now I "really" wish I was going. Great photos!!!

[Daniel G]

Is anyone else going via CNS on Friday afternoon on QLK317?

[Dan Hammond]

I too will be arriving Friday Afternoon but not via CNS i have QF608 MEL-BNE and then QF974 BNE-TSV. QF974 when i first booked was a 737-400 and it is now a 737-800, im guessing the extra capacity is needed.

[Gerard M]

And now a C-130 is due into TSV this afternoon from port moresby!

[Stephen Brown]

Why would Fat Albert be in without the Blue Angels??

Well thanks to the post above being edited my remark now seems odd....

[Gerard M]

.

[Matt R]

Fat Albert is coming too? bah. I'm really wishing I'd booked the flights now.

[Seth Jaworski]

It's currently pretty smoky and dusty up here, so hopefully it clears by tomorrow or there won't be a whole lot to see.

[phil.l]

Guys can you tell us if the Transports ie KC-10`S and C-17 are staying or have they departed?

[Seth Jaworski]

You won't have to worry about heat haze- the show is all in the air over the Strand. The C-17's and KC-10 were there this morning when I arrived.

[phil.l]

Thanks Seth.

[Mick F]

Not looking good. Currently 6km vis in dust.

Mick

[Jeff T]

Here are a few from there arrival, thanks Dave for the heads up.
Scotty

Great shots Scotty!!

Wish I could have made it up there, hope the dust clears for you guys.


Cheers,
Jeff.

[Bob C]

What a b%^#$r for all the thousands of local and interstate spectators who were looking forward to a wonderful show. Gee, I hope the weather clears up and you have a great day.

Reminds me of the Amberley Air Show back in 96, I think, which was rained out to the acute disappointment of many enthusiasts who had travelled from W A and S A for the event.

Queensland - beautiful one day, ????????? the next !!!

[Mick F]

Settle down Bob. Not Queenslands fault.

The show by the Thunderbirds was nothing short of amazing. Brilliant comes to mind. The dust was a bit of a bummer, but at the close range they were at, it didn't make much of a difference.

Look out for the photos soon.

Mick

[Bob C]

Just being a touch sarcastic Mick - I holiday in Qld as often as I can and love the place.

[Mick F]

Dust, what dust??

[Dan Hammond]

Well, First word i have been able to get out on the airshow and i thought it was awesome.

My fun started on Friday when VH-VXB in its colourful paint operated our flight QF974 BNE-TSV.

The Thunderbirds made my jaw drop!

[Gerard M]

Great photos guys. Keep them coming. I was really disapointed though when i found out that the entire caribou fleet was grounded the night before due to an emergency landing. I was really looking forward to seeing them go past in formation. They are planning a formation fly past in their last days on their way out late Novemeber from what i've been told. Other than that it was a pretty good weekend! Great performance by the thunderbirds, both days :)

[Dan Hammond]

Thanks Gerard i was wondering why the Caribou's didnt fly.

I have now got all my photos up on facebook, You dont need facebook to view them. Here are the links to the albums for those interested.

Part 1
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=155888&id=627684675&l=191d5f2f85

Part 2
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=155904&id=627684675&l=48b89239af

Part 3
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=155933&id=627684675&l=8de34a9d30

Part 4
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=156118&id=627684675&l=b7630d552b

Part 5
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=156136&id=627684675&l=01ca497780

Part 6
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=156147&id=627684675&l=33cd6e618a

Enjoy Guys!