Annual Royal Australian Air Force GC600 fly-past delights Coast locals

THE Royal Australian Air Force conducted a practice fly-past over the Gold Coast 600 race precinct this morning, getting locals excited for the big weekend ahead.

IF YOU heard a rumbling over the office this morning, it was the Royal Australian Air Force conducting a practice fly-past over the Gold Coast 600 race precinct.

A single RAAF EA-18G Growler aircraft conducted the fly-past over Surfers Paradise around 10.30am today ahead of its passes over Surfers Paradise before Sunday’s main race.

An RAAF EA-18G Growler performs ‘a vertical departure’ over Brisbane during a final rehearsal for Riverfire on September 28, 2018. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England.

Organisers noted all flying would be subject to change due to weather and operational requirements, however the grisly weather that has enveloped the Coast stayed away for the day.

The EA-18G Growler is the same aircraft that flew over the Brisbane skyline as part of Riverfire last month.

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The aircraft flew at speeds up to 1018km/h and at heights no lower than 75m above ground level as it conducted multiple passes and performed specific flight manoeuvres.

An RAAF EA-18G Growler in action during rehearsals for Riverfire in Brisbane on September 28. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England.

The EA-18G Growler aircraft is scheduled to conduct a fly-past about 2pm on Sunday before the GC600’s second and final Supercars Championship race.

The aircraft will conduct multiple passes over the event before the display culminates in ‘a vertical departure” as the national anthem ends.