RAAF pilot speaks on Anzac Day flyover

Royal Australian Air Force pilot Aaron De Passey was a star of the show at last month’s Anzac Day Peace Park service, when he roared over the city of his birth at more than 500km/h.
Taking off from Perth around 9.30am on April 25, it took him just 40 minutes to reach Albany in his supersonic-capable Hawk 127.
He was greeted by clear skies across the south coast.
The 43-year-old Squadron Leader and RAAF veteran of 20 years said being part of Albany’s Anzac Day events had been a special experience.
“It’s such a beautiful place,” he said.
“(It was) a nice day to actually be there to pay tribute to those who served before us.”
His Anzac Day experience was made extra special when he received a copy of an Albany Advertiserphoto capturing the moment.
He said the photo, which immortalised the twin flyover at this year’s commemoration service in fantastic clarity, was initially mistaken as an oil painting.
“I get to look out of the cockpit a lot, but ... I don’t have too many photos of me flying around,” he said.
“It was one of the best ones I’ve seen.”
Captured by Albany Advertiser photographer Laurie Benson, the picture was an instant hit online — viewed by more than 25,000 people on Facebook.
“I might have to get it up on my wall,” Mr De Passey said.
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