No. 4 Squadron Says Goodbye to the PC-9/A

28 Oktober 2019

PC-9/A aircraft, A23-031 and A23-032 from No- 4 squadron during they final ferry flight to RAAF base Wagga Wagga where they will be retired (photo : Aus DoD)

No. 4 Squadron has farewelled the last of its PC-9/A(F) aircraft with a formation flight out of RAAF Base Williamtown.

On a ferry flight from RAAF Base Williamtown to Wagga Wagga, where they will be retired, the training aircraft flew over some of the most iconic NSW sights.

The ferry flight started with a flyover of Salt Ash Air Weapons Range before heading south along the coast and overhead Sydney Harbour to capture the iconic views including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, before heading across to the Blue Mountains on their way to RAAF Base Wagga Wagga.

Based at RAAF Base Williamtown, No. 4 Squadron utilised the four modified PC-9/A Forward Air Control variant aircraft in grey paintwork, fitted with smoke grenade dispensers for the training and development of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, and the maintenance of an operational role providing Forward Air Controllers who liaise with ground elements to provide close air support.

Under the Department of Defence’s Project AIR 5428, the Air Force will receive a new pilot training system underpinned by the PC-21 aircraft. No. 4 Squadron will receive four of the 49 new PC-21s, which will give an updated operational training capability.

The aircraft are scheduled for retirement this month, with the introduction of the new PC-21 aircraft expected in early 2020.

(DefenceConnect)