MiG-21
MiG-21 takes flight in Sydney
On March 2nd 1994 I was lucky enough to witness the first flight of a MiG-21 in Australia!
The MiG had been purchased from Pakistan by two airline pilots.
It's first flight was from Kingsford Smith to Williamtown, north of Newcastle.
The MiG had been restored for two years.
In the front seat was an RAAF pilot.
When the afterburners were engaged on the takeoff roll, we thought it had exploded, in what was probably the loudest sound ever heard at Sydney airport.
I tried to take some shots as it took off and climbed, but the acceleration was so phenomenal I could barefuly pan the camera to track it... and then it was gone!
I also met Mary Liversidge, a keen aviatrix who is most likely the very first Australian woman to fly a MiG-29.