The origins of the Royal Australian Air Force extend back to the early days of aviation, and we have made important contributions to defence and peacekeeping initiatives across the globe ever since.
1930-1939
Formation of the Wireless section
Proclamation of Cape Bruce, Antarctica
Introduction of the Wirraway aircraft
PM announces expeditionary forces to assist RAF
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First emergency parachute landing by the Air Force
The first Air Force member to save their life in a mid-air emergency by using a parachute.
First emergency parachute landing by the Air Force
Flying Officer W.G. (‘Gordon’) Rae became the first Air Force member to save their life in a mid-air emergency by using a parachute. Following a wing failure during an inverted loop, Rae jumped from a plummeting Bristol Bulldog biplane at about 2000 feet and safely landed by parachute.
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First emergency parachute landing by the Air Force