Ex Talisman Saber 2017 – Mackay Airport-based RAAF Pilatus PC-9's Return South as “Reaper”

On Sunday 23 July, the two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilatus PC-9/A aircraft that have been based at Mackay Airport and flew sorties into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) during joint Military Exercise Talisman Saber 2017 (TS17) have returned South to their home base at the completion of their deployment.  They had arrived some two weeks ago and have remained parked on and operating from the Western General Aviation Apron (WGA) at Mackay.

File photo

The two PC-9s that were identified as A23-020 and A23-022 which are both flown by the RAAFs 4 Squadron (Forward Air Control) based at RAAF Base Williamtown.  Number 4 Squadron consists of three flights, with 'A Flight' comprising the aircrew responsible for operating the four Pilatus PC-9/A Forward Air Control (FAC) variant aircraft.

They were heard to be using the radio callsign of “Reaper” as they flew South over Rockhampton.

Photo taken by 'AC'  ©