Community
6 December, 2024
Look to the skies
WATCH out Cairns … the Royal Australian Air Force is coming to town this morning with its most sophisticated F-35A Lightning II fighter jet due to make two flyovers today as well as landing at the city’s airport.
The aircraft from No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) is expected to stop over at Cairns Airport for the first time.
As part of the visit, Cairns and Northern Beaches residents will be able to see and hear the fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft fly low overhead as it arrives at 10.50am and then zooming out over the Cairns Esplanade when it departs just after 1pm.
The F-35 will conduct an extended low pass over the Northern Beaches while arriving at the airport at 10.50am.
The jet will depart airport at 1.15pm performing an extended low pass over the Cairns Esplanade before turning south.
All flying is subject to change, including short notice cancellation, due to variables such as air traffic control and the weather.
The best place to see the F-35 is the little carpark at the end of Tom McDonald Dr where the plane will park up on the apron outside the Jet Aviation building and on departure be near the Cairns Hospital for the best view of the aircraft taking off over the city.
The 2024 National Defence Strategy prioritises Defence’s ability to operate from a comprehensive network of RAAF bases, but also identifies a need to use other airports, private aerodromes and airstrips across northern Australia.
Regional air domain posture team – north Group Captain Stewart Dowrie said the air force was looking beyond existing military facilities and plan to work with industry to access a wider network of airfields such as regional airports.
“The Cairns Airport visit of the F-35 involves landing and refuelling the aircraft before it parks, enabling airport operators, emergency services and local stakeholders to view the aircraft close up and better understand the specific requirements of hosting military aircraft,” he said.
Pilot and No. 2 OCU squadron commanding officer Wing Commander Phil Eldridge said the stopover at Cairns Airport was part of flying operations being conducted out of RAAF Base Townsville from November 25 to December 12 for Exercise High Sierra.
“Exercise High Sierra is the final phase of the F-35A Lightning II operational conversion course that prepares new pilots to operate the aircraft at a forward operating base ...,” he said.
