Seventy-five aircraft took part in the largest civilian flyover in Australian history on May 25 to mark 200 years since the first recognised European crossing of the Blue Mountains by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth in 1813.
The planes departed from several airports and were funnelled through approach points near Penrith, west of Sydney, and assigned altitude patterns and start times to ensure separation.
Thousands of spectators stood at 11 viewing points along the route from Glenbrook to O’Connell to watch the two-and-one-half hour procession of aircraft, which included the RAAF Roulettes a C-130J Hercules, Beavers, a team of Yaks, gyrocopters and a vast array of general aviation and recreational aircraft.
After completing the route, most of the aircraft and pilots flew on to Bathurst for a BBQ lunch hosted by Bathurst Aero Club.
Direct descendants of Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth, also flew over the same route blazed by their famous relatives two centuries ago.
Event flying operations co-ordinator Matt Hall said the aviation side of the event had gone off without a hitch.
“This was an extremely complex exercise in logistics but the pilots all showed a tremendous amount of professionalism and skill,” he said.
“The Businesses Supporting Bicentenary and Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism should be commended for creating an event that was not only great for the local area but also a wonderful advertisement for aviation.”
Destination NSW (DNSW) chief executive officer Sandra Chipchase said ''DNSW is delighted to jointly support this spectacular event, Australia's largest ever civilian flyover and the first ever of the Blue Mountains.
''The bicentenary of the first recognised European crossing of the Blue Mountains by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth is one of Australia's most historically significant milestones and the destination has welcomed visitors including descendants, history buffs and aviation enthusiasts from across the country and overseas.''
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