DRGN69 - What was it up to?

[markj23]

I happened to be sitting on the side of the road at lunch time and noticed something a little different to normal on approach into Cairns, it got "fairly low" (1050ft apparently) before climbing and turning.

I opened Flightradar on my phone and noted it was DRGN69 (RAAF)

It left Brisbane this morning, appearing to do the same thing into Townsville before Cairns, and then landing in Darwin

 

[Boris spatsky]

Probably instrument approach training - executing a missed approach. It's one of the new KC30 tanker aircraft (modified A330)

 

[samh004]

Probably instrument approach training - executing a missed approach. It's one of the new KC30 tanker aircraft (modified A330)

Wonder if it's the one that's been parked outside the QF hangers for ages... might not be there the next time I fly through.

 

[markis10]

Wonder if it's the one that's been parked outside the QF hangers for ages... might not be there the next time I fly through.

Its an operational aircraft, not one being built as is the case with the one at BNE, A39-003 is the serial which is one of the operational units ex Amberley. Just doing training, although there are some Growlers at Amberley at present doing exercises.

Hosting a growling capability - Department of Defence

 

[markj23]

Seems a long way to go for some training and/or the long way to Darwin.

But it was pretty awesome to be basically below it as it started to climb (not many exciting aviation things happen up here)

 

[markis10]

Seems a long way to go for some training and/or the long way to Darwin.

But it was pretty awesome to be basically below it as it started to climb (not many exciting aviation things happen up here)

Not a long way to go for some ILS practices in non crowded airspace, the Singapore Air trainers often do the same.

 

[munitalP]

Earlier today at ADL