Day Five - Wednesday 21st April 2004

Today was the last of our long range driving days (but certinaly not out last long day). It was an early departure from RAAF Richmond at 06:30 heading in a northerly direction for RAAF Williamtown.

Once again like the way to Canberra the road (a freeway I think) we were on northwards was of a high quality and certinaly saved us time over using the Pacific Highway. Quite a differnet view of the terrain as you head north from Sydney (the fog also helped there), much greener and it didn't seem as dry for some reason.

Upon arriving at RAAF Williamtown, a little latter than planned, we were off too visit our first squadron. The RAAF has two hawk squadrons one in RAAF Williamtown the other in RAAF Pearce (Western Australia), our visit was to 76 squadron based in Williamtown.

76 squadron and it's aircraft reminded me of the now non-existant 14 squadron RNZAF. Both squadrons have/had the same role (basic jet fighter training) and both aircraft (the Hawk and the Aermacchi) were similiar in design, layout and shape. 76 squadron had more resources though which clearly shows as you start to walk around the aircraft on the flightline. One aircraft we got too look over in depth and even explore all the bits on it, this was an amazing oportunity and I only wish we were allowed to take photos.

But the jewel in visiting 76 squadron was the oportunity to use the Hawk flight simulator. It wasn't one of those large moving ones, but it was still impressive. 180 degree view and a real hawk cockpit as the chair made it feel very real. In my flight of about three to four minutes I was able to fly under the Sydney harbour bridge at full speed and pull a loop right after going under the bridge. All those years playing MS flight simulator finally paid off.

After lunch we were suposed to visit a Hornet squadron but things changed and we were unable to visit. So we visited the control tower on Williamtown, which also controls the civilian aircraft on the other side of the airport. The tower was a great place to visit and was surprisingly similiar to the control tower at Wellington International Airport. We also got a visit to the traffic control centre downstairs.

Our final visit in the Williamtown area was the fighter world museum. Although interesting the museum like the naval aviation one in Nowra which we visited on our previous trip left alot to be desired when it comes to presentation. They should visit Air Force World, in Christchurch, New Zealand sometime.

Nothing major happened on the way back this time, apart from a fuel nozel I was using to fill one of the vans decided not to turn off when it was supose to and made a "wee" pudle of fuel on the forecourt. But the attendant didn't seem to mind, which was weird considering the size of the puddle.

Picture 18 - The fog was intense on the way to RAAF Williamtown.

Picture 19 - FA-18 Hornet, photo taken from the viewing platform at the fighter world museum.

Picture 20 - Crash trying to get himself into one of the many seats along one wall.

Picture 21 - Was a tyring day for some.

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