RAAF retires last heritage PAC CT/4 Airtrainer after final ceremonial flight

The last airworthy PAC CT/4 Airtrainer used by Australia's defence forces completed its final flight in mid-June, according to Australia's defence ministry. The flight was a ceremonial farewell rather than an operational sortie, marking the end of the type's association with the Royal Australian Air Force.

The CT/4 Airtrainer, built by New Zealand manufacturer Pacific Aerospace, is a small two-seat aircraft measuring just over seven metres in length, slightly shorter than the width of a football goal. It was used for decades to train Australian military pilots before being formally withdrawn from front-line service in 1992, when the last 18 CT-4A aircraft flew in formation from Point Cook to Wagga for storage.

One example was later restored as a heritage aircraft to keep the type flying and to honour former pilots and instructors. Wing Commander David Chaplin flew the final demonstration flight in June. He first flew a CT-4 Airtrainer himself in 1980 as a young airman at Point Cook, according to the defence ministry, and said the aircraft represented the start of countless military pilot careers. In his farewell remarks, he also thanked flying instructors, ground technicians, air traffic controllers and administrative staff who supported the type over its long service life.

No replacement aircraft was mentioned in connection with the retirement.