More Great Photos as Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules Aircraft - A97-467 & A97-468 - Complete 'Community Engagement' at Gladstone Airport

As we mentioned below, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft arrived at Gladstone Airport late on Friday 16 September from RAAF Base Williamtown.  They were identified as A97-467 and A97-468 of the RAAF's No. 37 Squadron medium tactical airlift squadron out of RAAF Base Richmond, in New South Wales.

On Saturday 17 September, both Hercs were then involved with what was described as community engagement which included an inspection of both aircraft followed by a local flight up and down the Queensland Coast - South to Fraser Island and North to Yeppoon and the Capricorn Coast.  Two detachments of local Air Force Cadets were invited to join the inspections and flight.

Of interest, the two Hercules' flew together and were heard to be using the callsign "Odyssey" as they completed the local flight.

Later on Saturday 17 September, both A97-467 and A97-468 were photographed by local plane spotter Michael F as they departed in very quick succession to RAAF Base Amberley.

It appears that both A97-467 and A97-468 reverted back to their radio callsigns from Friday of "Ausy 698" and "Ausy 699".

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Michael F for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of what could possibly be one of nicer pair of aircraft to visit Gladstone Airport this year!

All photos taken by Michael Fleetwood  ©