Many Photos as Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-210 Completes Airwork at Rockhampton Airport as "Stallion 73"

A real treat for local plane spotters, and in particular military aviation enthusiasts, on Tuesday 26 May, with Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-210 "Stallion 73" spotted completing airwork at and around Rockhampton Airport.

A41-210 looked to initially depart RAAF Base Amberley and complete exercises off the coast of Brisbane along with RAAF Airbus A330-200 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-002 "Dragon 02" before flying North to Rocky.  The Globemaster then completed at least six missed approaches or touch and go landings and departures onto Runway 33 at Rockhampton Airport.

After also completing a crew change while in the Rockhampton Airport circuit, A41-210 then completed one more touch and go before departing back to Amberley.

Of interest, it was announced recently that there would be increased flying activity, in particularly by RAAF C-17A Globemaster III aircraft from 36 Squadron based at RAAF Base Amberley.

Crews will be maintaining essential flying training in the skies over Queensland and the public may see aircraft operations from May to July 2020.  C-17A low level flying and approaches to non-Defence airports from the Gold Coast to Cairns may also occur.

The Globemaster is a large military transport aircraft that rapidly deploys troops, supplies, combat vehicles, heavy equipment and helicopters anywhere in the world. It can also be used for aeromedical evacuation.   Most recently, they delivered humanitarian aid to Fiji and Vanuatu in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Harold.

Further information on the C-17A Globemaster III is available HERE.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotters Michael M and Kayanne H for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of a great half hour or so of plane spotting action!

Photos taken by Michael Malick and Kayanne Hardsman  ©