With Grant off this week due to illness, PCDU team member Ben Jones steps in to help bring us this report.

In the news, Virgin Australia issues a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange announcing it’s acquisition of Skywest is complete and right on cue, the first Skywest Fokker 100 in Virgin colours makes it debut in Perth.

The last RAAF F-111C to fly, A8-109, is transported by road from Queensland to Wollongong in New South Wales to take up residence at the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS). The aircraft, now fully decommissioned, has been fully repainted in 1980s era colour scheme.

Further news this week on Australia’s first two F-35 JSF airframes, designated AU-1 & AU-2. Lockheed says they are on schedule to be delivered by 2014, at which point RAAF aircrew can begin training.

The latest PCDU video is now online – Steve’s review of the RAAF KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport, including footage of refuelling of two 77SQN Hornets over eastern Victoria. RAAF Airbus KC30A Multi Role Tanker Transport.