RAAF Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Surveillance Aircraft A47-012 & A47-010 Complete Airwork at CQ Airports

On Monday 18 May, a pair Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Surveillance Aircraft were spotted completing airwork including missed approaches in the region at Rockhampton and Mackay Airports.

Poseidon A47-012 made its first visit to the region, photographed above completing a missed approach at Rockhampton Airport.  It was heard to be flying as "Mariner 01" and looked to depart its home at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia before flying up to Townsville via airwork at RAAF Base Williamtown, RAAF Base Amberley and Rocky.

While Poseidon A47-010 also made its first visit to the region, noted completing a missed approach at Mackay Airport.  It was heard to be flying as "Mariner 02" and also departed Edinburgh before also flying up to Townsville but via airwork at Canberra, Tamworth, Amberley and Mackay.

Of interest, the radio callsign of "Mariner" is of the RAAF's 292 Squadron.

No. 292 Squadron is a RAAF operational conversion unit (OCU) based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia. The squadron was formed in 1977 as the Maritime Analysis Training Squadron and renamed No. 292 Squadron in 1980. Throughout its history it has formed part of No. 92 Wing and been responsible for training aircrew to operate the RAAF's Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft. It is also responsible for training Orion maintenance personnel.

With the RAAF's retirement of the AP-3Cs with Boeing P-8 Poseidons, No. 292 Squadron will remain part of No. 92 Wing and will begin the first local training course using the new type. A new operational conversion facility has been constructed at Edinburgh to facilitate this training.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Scott H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by Scott Harris  ©