ANZAC Day in the sky: Flyovers set for Queensland

In addition to more than 400 ANZAC Day services to be held across Queensland on Friday 25 April, RSL Queensland Sub Branches are assisting their communities in organising ANZAC Day flyovers, adding another element of impact to their commemorations.

Warbirds over the Gold Coast

Currumbin Palm Beach RSL Sub Branch has helped organised a flyover (a.k.a. flypast) for its local Dawn Service for several years. Since 2014, and at the request of Ron Workman OAM, Sub Branch Secretary and Board member Roger Collins says he has worked with various owner-operators from Lismore, Ballina, Archerfield, Calboolture and Coolangatta regions to help facilitate the flyovers, which usually travel between Brisbane and Tweed Heads.

“The routes, planes and pilots change year-to-year depending on weather and availability, but it has been great to have that variety,” Roger says.  

“We’ve had different vintage military aircrafts over the years, and this year it looks like Gold Coasters can expect to see two warbirds—a  Spitfire and a P51 Mustang.”

According to Roger, the two planes will depart from Archerfield in Brisbane and fly south to Tweed Heads, before returning North along the coast, passing over Elephant Rock and Currumbin at 06:03am. The flight-path will also pass 16 other memorial service locations.

“Warbirds, such as Spitfires and P51 Mustangs, have an iconic and impactful roar from their Rolls-Royce Merlin engines,” Roger says.  

“It is a distinctive and powerful noise, making it very difficult for people along the flight-path to miss them as they pass overhead.”

Roger says he is grateful for the assistance received by aviation personnel, both civil and military, who make these flyovers possible and is pleased when he hears positive feedback from residents. 

In addition to the Dawn Service flyover, Roger says he also submits an application to the military to have them conduct a flyover over the Gold Coast on ANZAC Day for their morning service. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is known for conducting multiple flyovers across the country for commemorations.

“The inclusion of military aircrafts flying over Currumbin and South East Queensland is a wonderful addition to our service and is great reminder of the those who have served and continue to serve,” Roger says. 

See the ‘Yak Attack’ in Bundaberg 

Further north, Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch is looking forward to the two flyovers it has scheduled for the community.

According to veteran and Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch member Max Francis, the first flyover (organised with support from the Bundaberg Regional Council) is called the ‘Yak Attack’. It’s scheduled to take place during the morning civic service at 8:30am, and will be followed by the community’s ANZAC Day parade.

“For the first time, Bundaberg local and former RAAF Helicopter Pilot Pete Marris, who is part of the Queensland Warbirds and Vintage Aircraft Association, will lead a flyover of three Yak-52 aircrafts,” Max explains.

“In the past we’ve had planes come from Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast, but this year we are excited to have a local veteran and pilot conduct the flyover along with other ex-military pilots. 

“The Sub Branch has pritotised facilitating flypasts for many years now because we find it adds another dimension to the commemoration and it is enjoyed by the community.” 

Pete says he is also looking forward to the flyover, anticipating it will be a rewarding experience, considering his connection to the military and being born and raised in Bundaberg.

The aircraft formation of three will fly over 12 ANZAC Day services, beginning at Woodgate at dawn and ending at Burnett Heads in the afternoon.

“We will be aiming to do the flyover at 200 feet above ground level, provided it is deemed safe to do so – taking into account crowds and built-up areas,” Pete explains.

“The Yak-52s have a fascinating history. They were used extensively across the Soviet Bloc and other allied nations for basic flight training, aerobatics and even light tactical exercises.

“The aircraft became popular in the West after the Cold War ended and many were imported to Australia and other countries in the 1990s. Today it’s a favourite among civilian warbird and aerobatic enthusiasts like myself.”

Following the ‘Yak Attack’ flyover, Max says Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch will – like Currumbin/ Palm Beach RSL Sub Branch – receive a flyover from the RAAF. 

The planes to fly over will likely be a surprise, but in the past, the community has seen magnficient planes like the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, which rumbles across the sky.  

“To have two flyovers and see the comparsion between the older and newer aircrafts is really quite fascinating,” Max says.

For more information on this year’s RAAF flyovers, including locations and timings across Australia, visit Flying activities and events | Air Force.

This ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day (25 April) is a time to recognise all who have served our nation, and their invaluable legacy.

Wherever you’ll be on ANZAC Day, please join the community in attending a commemorative service.

There’s no greater way to honour those who have served.

Plan your ANZAC Day