North Coast plane-spotters will be in for a treat on Wednesday when a formation of Super Hornets does a fly-by along the coastline.
Up to 12 F/A-18F Super Hornets from Number 1 Squadron will be taking part in the training mission between 2pm and 4pm.
They will fly from RAAF Base Amberley to Evans Head, and then up the coast to Rainbow Beach on the Sunshine Coast.
The formation will then fly over Brisbane’s central business district before returning to their base at Amberley.
A Defence Force spokesperson said the mission was the last planned training flight for the squadron for this year.
‘Number 1 Squadron has had an incredibly busy year with multiple deployments, exercises and other training activities,’ the spokesperson said.
‘This is a planned training flight and a rare opportunity for Brisbane and coastal residents to see a large formation of Super Hornets flying over the city and environs.
The spokesperson said parts of the coastal route would be flown over water.
‘Noise reduction and the environment are vital considerations in the planning and conduct of military flying,’ the spokesperson said.
Wednesday’s fly-by follows a visit to the region on Sunday by two Chinook helicopters.
Beach-goers at Byron Bay’s main beach, along with hundreds taking part in a surf lifesaving completion, were treated to the sight of the Chinooks flying along the coast before disappearing behind the Cape Byron headland.
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