Hawker Hunter’s famous feat!

Just one of the many highlights at the Wide Bay Australia International Airshow is a Hawker Hunter, recognised as one of the most beautiful jet fighters of the 20th century and the type of aircraft that was at the centre of a famous incident that occurred in 1968 when the Royal Air Force was celebrating 50 years of service.

No official fly pasts had been arranged to mark the occasion so a pilot, Flt Lt Alan Pollock from 1(F) Squadron RAF, took it upon himself to redress this omission. He flew Hunter XF 442 at low level over London and then between the top span and road bridge of the legendary landmark Tower Bridge. He then “beat up” several airfields flying inverted at 200ft on his way back to base at West Raynham.

A century or so earlier and Pollock would have finished his life in the infamous Tower. As it was he was ignominiously “medically” discharged from the RAF though partially exonerated some 14 years later. Remember when you see the Hawker Hunter perform at the airshow and the noise and spectacle this would have caused over the City of London.

The Hunter you will see at the airshow is piloted by former RAF and RAAF pilot Rick Lea. He promises to leave the Burnett River bridge unscathed in his air routine at the show.

Tickets for the Airshow, to be held at Bundaberg Airport on the weekend of 3-5 July 2009 are available from any branch of Wide Bay Bank or the RACQ.

Visit the website for more information: http://www.widebayairshow.com.au/ Or call the Airshow Hotline on 4155 0044.