QF A380 and RAAF PC9s formate over Melbourne

[Ray P.]

Call me biased, but this is great stuff from the Australian Formula One Grand Prix. The A380 is VH-OQB.

Hi-Res images available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2010/Mar/20100329/index.htm

http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2010/Mar/20100329/20100328raaf8160650_0011_lo.jpg

http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2010/Mar/20100329/20100328raaf8160650_0026_lo.jpg

http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2010/Mar/20100329/20100328raaf8160650_0035_lo.jpg

http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2010/Mar/20100329/20100328raaf8160650_0039_lo.jpg

http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2010/Mar/20100329/20100328raaf8160650_0052_lo.jpg

http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2010/Mar/20100329/20100328raaf8160650_0064_lo.jpg

[Jamie D]

they are amazing photos!!!!!

[Lee G]

Totally awesome photos!

[Edward Terry]

Great photos! I don't suppose the A380 pilots would have needed a formation endorsement?

[Nigel C]

Why? They're probably looking out of the cockpit windows going "Formation? What formation!?!? We can't see any other aircraft!"

I wonder how they worked out what the 'safe' distance from the block of flats wing tip vortices was?

[Mark W]

It was worked out by considerable pre-planning, and some in flight single plane "probing" was done to check for Vortices etc.

None were found in the planned formation positions and changes. Around 25 minutes was spent playing before starting the run itself.

[Adam P.]

Around 25 minutes was spent playing
That would have been the fun bit!!

http://www.concordesst.com/pictures/flypast/flypast4.jpg

This one is somehow better though... :)

[Bernie P]

Great pics, and Adam, (hows the bike btw?) the Concorde one as well... BUT, how good would a Concorde led, A380 (one from each company currently flying them) formation be??? Imagine the turbulence after it went through!!!

[Matt_L]

Word was there were 7 PC9's at Essendon prior to the launch incase one had MX issues.

Nonetheless a fantastic shoot and im sure some good PR for Qantas at a time they needed it:)

[Owen H]

Hey Matt,

All 7 roulettes were airborne. The defence photographs (some of them stunning) were from Number 7 who is ready to fill any position in case of technical failure airborne.

[Chris Griffiths]

From trackside (Brocky's Hill) Roulette 7 was visible to the West and above the formation obviously taking the photos Ray attached above.
It was sad the weather was so bad making meaningful photography from the ground impossible.

The above photos are impressive and whilst the sight of an A380 and her 6 "chicks" was impressive it was their "finale" that blew many away. The 7 aircraft turned over the bay and returned with the Roulettes in formation behind the A380, as they passed over the circuit the Roulettes performed a bomb burst manouvre around the A380... simply stunning.

This Youtube video will give you an idea but nothing like being there

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zjd_1OeD6yw

I am not taking credit for this video but the person who did shoot it must have been about 3-5 metres away from me!

Cheers

[Greg McDonald]

That would have been spectacular to see. As you said, shame it wasn't better weather.