RAAF Hawks return to the air after grounding

The RAAF has resumed flying its fleet of Hawk lead-in fighter trainer aircraft after they were grounded on February 4 following an engine incident.

The aircraft were suspended from flying as a safety precaution after the pilot of a Hawk operating a routine training flight from RAAF Base Pearce “noticed an engine warning light”. According to a February 11 Defence statement “the pilot carried out the required emergency checklist actions and landed the aircraft safely at a nearby airfield”.

“As a safety precaution, Air Force immediately placed a temporary suspension on all Hawk 127 aircraft flying operations while an investigation occurred. The suspension was lifted today (February 11) and the Hawk 127 will return to normal flying operations.”