On 31 March 2021, the Royal Australian Air Force celebrated 100 years of service since becoming an independent Air Force, built on the foundations of the Australian Flying Corps. In that time, the Royal Australian Air Force has grown from operating wood and canvas aircraft, to become one of the most integrated and capable fifth generation Air Forces in the world today.

A significant element of the centenary celebrations was a flypast over Canberra showcasing past and present Royal Australian Air Force aircraft, including participation in the parade in which the Royal Australian Air Force was presented with a new Queen’s Colour. The flypast culminated in a display over Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra by the Royal Australian Air Force aerobatic display team, the Roulettes. This effort was organised and led by a small team of expert aviators, under the leadership of the Royal Australian Air Force’s most experienced flying display director.

Planning for the event required significant and complex effort over a period of nine months, and culminated in the majority of the current Royal Australian Air Force inventory and over a dozen historic aircraft being represented in the flypast. In all, 57 aircraft with varying performance characteristics participated, many making multiple appearances over a period of ninety minutes. Flightpaths, holding patterns and timing gates were developed by the team to ensure a seamless and safe display was achieved.  The display aircraft were supported by air-to-air refuelling assets and a coordinating Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. Participation was also coordinated with Australian Army helicopters, in recognition of the service from previously Royal Australian Air Force operated rotary-wing aircraft, and a Royal Australian Navy Seahawk helicopter that ‘paraded’ the underslung Royal Australian Air Force Ensign to the significant crowd.

Group Captain Tim Sloane and his team of four undertook all of the planning and liaison for the event. This included liaison with multiple Royal Australian Air Force units and organisations, the operators of the civilian operated historic aircraft, civilian and military air traffic agencies, and approval authorities from the Australian Defence Force and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. During conduct of the event, all team members played an active role in ensuring formation timings, leadership, management, and safety were maintained.

Organisation and execution of the event was not without challenges. Due to the fluid COVID-19 restrictions, several team members spent some time in quarantine and were therefore required to continue their work remotely. COVID-19 also meant that the planned communications network was unable to be established, so the team quickly implemented an alternate solution. Further, one team member was isolated for a number of days due the New South Wales floods. The final hurdle overcome was the threat of a number of aircraft from Queensland based units being unable to participate due to the last minute COVID-19 lockdowns, requiring late-night contingency plans to be developed in the event the threat was realised.

Despite these challenges and the constantly changing environment, Group Captain Sloane and his team maintained a quiet determination to ensure the event showcased to best effect the past and present Royal Australian Air Force; which was a fitting tribute to the more than 350,000 Australians who have served, and the more than 11,100 of these who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

 On the day, the event went off without incident. That it achieved the aim of spectacularly and safely showcasing 100 years of the Royal Australian Air Force is not in doubt. Indeed, the significant crowd of both public and Australian Defence Force members surrounding Lake Burley Griffin burst into spontaneous applause at the culmination of the ninety minute series of timed flypasts and grand parade of heritage and current operational aircraft. 

For their significant contribution, professionalism and dedication, and in true RAAF spirit – through adversity to the stars - Group Captain Tim Sloane and his Royal Australian Air Force Centenary Flypast Team (Squadron Leaders James Denton, Jason Gamlin, Christopher Rogers and Flight Sergeant Tim Muehlberg) are awarded the Grand Master’s Australian Medal.

1981/82  CSIRO Interscan Team - H C Minnett Esq, Dr D N Cooper, Dr J P Wild

1983  not awarded

1983/84  Brian Hamilton Heeps Esq

1985  not awarded

1985/86  Dr Henry Millicer

1986/87  Ingo Renner Esq

1987/88  Wg Cdr Bernard I Fernandes

1989 - 1990  not awarded

1990/91  Don M Kendell Esq

1991/92  Laurence C Gruzman Esq

1993  not awarded

1993/94 Sqn Ldr Kevin W Rushworth

1994/95  Captain Ernest A Girault

1995/96  Gary Lawson-Smith Esq

1996/97  Australian Mission Aviation Fellowship

1997/98  The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Inc.

1999  not awarded

1999/2000  John G Roncz & Graham Swannell

2000/01  Captain Trevor Jensen

2001/02  Bob Peake

2002/03  Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia

2004 - 2006  not awarded

2006/07  C-17 Transition Team & 36 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force

2007/08  Number 92 Wing, Royal Australian Air Force

2008/09  The School of Air Warfare, Royal Australian Air Force

2009/10  816 Sqn Royal Australian Navy

2010/11  Air Mobility Control Centre RAAF

2012  not awarded

2012/13  Emergency Management Queensland - Helicopter Rescue

2013/14  Royal Australian Air Force Ageing Aircraft Systems Audit Team

2014/15  Flight Training Adelaide

2016  Temora Aviation Museum

2017  Royal Australian Air Force Aerobatic Team - The Roulettes

2018  James Eric Thurstan

2019  RAAF Aircraft Research and Development Unit

2020  Captain Susan Mchaffie

2021  Flt Lt Laura Ashleigh Haws RAAF

2022  Centenary Flypast Team RAAF