Best in show

The C-130J Hercules had a static display at the show, where crews were able to chat with members of the public, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel and industry representatives about the aircraft and its capabilities.

Co-pilot Flight Lieutenant Aaron Kurte said the event was great and there were huge crowds each day. There was a lot of interest in the aircraft, which is the same model of the next fleet of planes the RAAF will be acquiring.

“Being at the show was an easy way to show how the two air forces will be able to be interoperable in the future with air and ground crews working on the same platform,” FLTLT Kurte said.

“It’s useful to be able to go to these international shows as just another way to support the Australians. Lots of people asked about my role and how long I’d been a pilot for. 

“The show was pretty busy, I think they had 200,000 people through over two days – we had a line out the back of the Hercules every day we were there. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and be excited about the experience – especially seeing our new flight deck.” 

Air loadmaster Flight Sergeant Callie Lucas spoke with a number of families, air cadet groups, and Air Force veterans who had flown on the Hercules during their careers. 

“A number of people didn’t know it was a new aircraft and also didn’t realise it was a Kiwi aircraft until they saw our New Zealand flag proudly displayed inside the cargo department. There was lots of really positive feedback from our Aussie neighbours, along with a number of Kiwis who made the trip. 

The crew set up some stretchers and humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) equipment in and around the aircraft so they could discuss that aspect of their role. 

“People were interested and asked us how many stretchers we were able to set up and what we generally did in HADR situations. While we were there the earthquake hit Myanmar, so that HADR conversation was brought up a lot,” F/S Lucas said.  

The aircraft was visited by plenty of RAAF personnel, interested in seeing what their next new fleet looked like. 

“We had Australian air movements teams come along as well as pilots and loadmasters from other aircraft types, who were interested in seeing the upgraded C-130J. We showed them some of the new tech that was on board – especially down the back end – and they loved it. They’re all excited to get their new aircraft, it’s not often New Zealand has a newer version of aircraft than the Australians,” she said. 

A jarring moment during the show was when a bi-plane crashed while performing a display flight, leaving the pilot seriously injured. 

F/S Lucas said seeing the accident highlighted the reality of the dangers of flying. 

“Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the pilot.”