26 Pilatus PC-9/A aircraft of 2 FTS, RAAF in ‘Thunderbird’ formation over Perth area for No.233 Pilots Course Graduation
David Eyre 
The ‘Thunderbird’ formation was performed as a salute to the two Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and nine Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) students of number 233 Pilots Course who graduated as military aviators in a ceremony held the next day, on Thursday 5 December 2013 at RAAF Base Pearce, after their 38-week course with 2 Flying Training School (2FTS).
The Thunderbird formation is also treated as a formation flying training activity for the student pilots.
After taking off from RAAF Pearce, the aircraft gathered into their formation to the west of Gingin, before heading south west to pass over Rottnest Island at approximately 3.54pm, heading east over Fremantle at approximately 3.57pm, the follow the Swan River to pass in front of Perth city at approximately 4.00pm. They are seen here over the north eastern suburbs at 4.11pm before passing over RAAF Pearce for a flypast at 4:15pm.
Photo © David Eyre
4 December 2013 © David Eyre
26 Pilatus PC-9/A aircraft of the RAAF 2 Flying Training School (2 FTS) were flown in ‘Thunderbird’ formation over Perth and surrounding areas today to celebrate the graduation of pilots on number 233 Pilots Course.
Two Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and nine Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) students of number 233 pilots course graduated as military aviators in a ceremony held on Thursday 5 December 2013 at RAAF Base Pearce after their 38-week course with 2 Flying Training School (2FTS).
The Thunderbird formation is also treated as a formation training activity for the student pilots.
After taking off from RAAF Pearce, the aircraft gathered into their formation to the west of Gingin, before heading south west to pass over Rottnest Island at approximately 3.54pm, heading east over Fremantle at approximately 3.57pm, the follow the Swan River to pass in front of Perth city at approximately 4.00pm, and over Upper Swan (as seen here at 4.11pm) before passing over RAAF Pearce for a flypast at 4:12pm.
