Pick up some AI merch - www.teepublic.com/user/aircrew-interview

Back then practically no-one bothered with cameras. I wish I had more photos of my RAAF days

When living and holidaying in Malaysia it was great seeing the Aussie F-111s, RAF Tornados, USN F-18s and the Malaysian Mirages near Butterworth and over at Langkawi.

Be good to see more raaf chats

Brilliant! One of the best chats so far!

I live on the Gold Coast and always loved watching the RAAF fly up the coast. They would fly north to the Seaway turn left and straight over our house as the flew back to Amberley. Mirage and Canberra, the F-111, F18 etc. The Gold Coast Indy Car street race was next level for watching the F-111. Would love to have heard Mike Crain talk about flying through the high rise buildings. I got down to the precinct most years, but one year scared me, even though I knew what was coming. I watched the jet come in from the north and it was coming in hard, fast and low. Lower than I had seen previously and f,,,,,,k, the every window in every high rise building was shaking, the atmosphere was vibrating, car alarms went crazy and the jet went straight threw the gaps between the buildings below most roof tops. Sensational and never saw that happen again. Although it was always low and fast. Would love to hear the pilot speak about those events. Later years, the F18 were great, turn tight, pull up hard, but nothing will ever come close to watching the F-111 come in with wings swept back. And for a bit more effect, dumping and lighting up the fuel. I’m happy to pay my tax knowing the crew can have a bit of fun in between training to defend our nation. Thank you 🙏

Reminded me of a lot of my own F-111 experience, albeit in the US and UK. I did get to keep my helmet, though! Thanks, Mike and MIke.

Australian F-111? Automatic like!

RAAF seem so much more relaxed than USAF. Great stories, thanks

Talking about the low level runs up along the beach on Fraser, Recall a group of mouthy backpackers climbing up on the roof rack of a landcruiser troop carrier near our camp ..From the second I spotted the exhaust plume and dot in the center down the beach, I just had time to start calling cover your ears to my wife and daughter, When at about 100ft an F111 screeched overhead and up the beach quickly followed by his # 2...... O'l mate back packers tumbled off the roof of the cruiser screeming obscenities and scared Shitless ..

I appreciate the variable geometry wings and the escape pod ejection system . All brilliant. Thank you very much

Great stuff once again - cheers

400 FEET! Join the RAF and fly the Buccaneer next time. Only kidding hoho.