Pilot recalls aircraft memories

IT MIGHT have once sent him hurtling into the clouds at G-forces so strong it knocked him out, but Wing Commander Alan Curr holds no grudges against the F-111.

Wing Commander Alan Curr sitting inside an ejected F-111 cockpit at RAAF Base Amberley yesterday. Picture: Zane Jackson

IT MIGHT have once sent him hurtling into the clouds at G-forces so strong it knocked him out, but Wing Commander Alan Curr holds no grudges against the long-serving F-111.

It was in 1979 near Palmerston North in New Zealand when the F-111 he was flying suffered double engine failure when still speeding down the runway before take-off.

With no way to stop the jet and with the end of the runway fast approaching, Wing Commander Curr made the decision to hit the eject button.

When he crash-landed next to the burning wreck of the F-111 he knew he had made the right choice.

“It was the easiest decision I’ve ever had to make,” Wing Commander Curr said.

“We hit a big puddle on the runway.

“Our engines were failing, and I could feel it hydroplaning.

“But it was not the plane’s fault. I’m alive today because of the model and how well it worked.

“It’s a beautiful plane to fly. It will be missed by a lot of people.”

His story was one of the many glowing tributes to the retiring F-111 at a special media day at RAAF Base Amberley yesterday.

About 100 media representatives were on hand to hear a number of talks and displays on the jet before it is finally decommissioned on December 3.

Wing Commander Micka Gray, the Commanding Officer of the last F-111 squadron in the Air Force, said his team were proud to be part of the farewell flights and activities.

He said their final fly-over of Ipswich and surrounding regions on December 3 would give his crew a chance to say thank you to all the farmers who have had their animals disturbed by the noise of the jets.

The F-111 will perform its last dump-and-burn at the Queensland Times-sponsored Mayor’s Christmas Carols by Candlelight this Saturday at the Ipswich Turf Club, Bundamba.

Originally published as Pilot recalls aircraft memories