Panorama from a different perspective

While the RAAF’s supersonic jets can travel at top speeds of more than 2000km/h, something ‘a little slower’ was needed to capture the peaceful country scenes ahead of the chaos of race day.

CAPTION: Air Force flew hot air balloons above Mount Panorama for the 2024 Bathurst Repco 1000 Supercars event. Story by Lieutenant Marcus Middleton. Photos by Leading Seaman Abdus Chowdhury.

This is why the RAAF called in their specialist hot air balloon teams to survey Mount Panorama from the sky, showcasing Australia’s iconic racetrack and beautiful Bathurst surrounds from a completely different perspective.

Squadron Leader Sam Wright said he was thrilled to be able to share the images captured with the rest of the world.

“It was so special for the Royal Australian Air Force to be so closely involved in such an iconic Australian event,” Squadron Leader Wright said.

Air Force’s balloons are attached to RAAF Central Flying School and are based in Canberra. They’ve been operating within the Air Force for more than 30 years.

CAPTION: Channel Seven videos a hot air balloon inflating prior to flying above Mount Panorama during the Bathurst Repco 1000 Supercars event.

Squadron Leader Wright, a qualified flying instructor who piloted aircraft including the C-130 Hercules for more than two decades, leads the two, four-man teams who put on the display above central NSW.

“The hot air balloons are a hidden gem of the Air Force. It’s the first form of flying, you’re up there floating, it’s an amazing, peaceful experience. There’s nothing else like it on earth,” he said.

Taking off from the mountain, the pair of balloons floated across the track and Bathurst before landing outside of town. Without steering or power, Squadron Leader Wright explained piloting a hot air balloon is a simple concept that’s challenging to apply.

“It’s like sailing. It’s easy to do, but hard to do well. You rise and fall using hot air, however, you’re completely at the mercy of the winds on where you want to go, and you have to learn how to use those effectively,” he said.

CAPTION: Air Force’s hot air balloon team with Channel Seven presenter Emma Freedman after landing at Bathurst.

Joining Air Force in the skies above Bathurst was Channel Seven presenter Emma Freedman, with the network using the opportunity to help launch their broadcast on race day.

“We were all too obliging to give Channel Seven a lift. They’ve been delivering all the action of the Bathurst 1000 to Australians for decades, and we were all too happy to assist with their efforts,” Squadron Leader Wright said.

Defence is proud to support the Australian community and major events like the Supercars, as it provides an opportunity showcase ADF technological capabilities and diverse career opportunities.

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