RAAF helps make a wish come true

The Royal Australian Air Force has teamed up with international partners and the Starlight Children’s Foundation to grant the wish of a 12-year-old boy.

CAPTION: Angus, from the Starlight Children’s Foundation, tries on an F-35A helmet with the help of Corporal Daniel Lake, a 3 Squadron life support fitter, at the Pitch Black open day at RAAF Base Darwin. Story by Flying Officer Jamie Wallace. Photos by Sergeant David Gibbs.

Angus, from Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory, is receiving ongoing treatment for burns to 60 per cent of his body.

With a passion for planes and aviation, Angus, his family, and his best friend Sam, were treated to a morning of activities at the Exercise Pitch Black RAAF Base Darwin open day.

First stop was the flight simulator tent, where Angus was able to try his hand at flying both the Navy Seahawk and EC-135 helicopters.

CAPTION: Able Seaman Declan Joyce, of the Royal Australian Navy, watches as Angus flies the Navy simulator at the Pitch Black open day.

Angus was then taken to see the US Air Force (USAF) F-22 Raptor, where he chatted to crew and had some photos taken with the aircraft.

USAF F-22 pilot ‘Holster’ said he enjoyed putting a smile on Angus’ face.

“It was great to chat to Angus and his family. We always appreciate the opportunity to share our passion for aviation and it was especially meaningful to us that he wanted to see the F-22,” Holster said.

CAPTION: Angus and his family stand with US Air Force F-22 pilots at the Pitch Black open day at RAAF Base Darwin.

Next stop was the RAAF 3 Squadron F-35A and the US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey, which left Angus equally thrilled.

CAPTION: A US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey pilot shows Angus and his family inside the Osprey during the Pitch Black open day at RAAF Base Darwin.

Angus was then given a special guided tour of an RAAF 37 Squadron C-17A Globemaster III, where he was even given the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of the aircraft and have the controls explained.

Angus’ dad, Nick, said it was a day his son would never forget.

“Angus loves everything about aviation, and for him to be immersed in it like this is a real treat,” he said.

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