The Royal Australian Air Force has confirmed significant changes to its heritage flying program, announcing that eight aircraft types will be withdrawn from active flying operations following a review of technical and airworthiness factors. The move reshapes what audiences may see at airshows and commemorative flypasts in coming seasons, while aiming to keep heritage flying safe and sustainable into the future.
What’s being withdrawn from flying
The aircraft types being removed from flying operations are:
DH-115 Vampire T.35
Gloster Meteor F.8
Cessna A-37B Dragonfly
Ryan STM-S2
English Electric Canberra
CAC CA-27 Sabre
CT-4A
Royal Aircraft Factory RE8
For many aviation enthusiasts, these names represent more than airframes. They are living reminders of Australia’s military aviation story across multiple eras — from early military flying through to the jet age and beyond.
Where the aircraft will go next
The RAAF has also outlined what happens to the fleet being withdrawn. Five of the aircraft types being retired from flying were originally transferred from Temora Aviation Museum and will be returned there. The remaining three aircraft will be considered for static display through approved institutions.
While static display can never replace the impact of a Sabre, Vampire or Meteor in the air, it does mean these aircraft remain accessible to the public and preserved for the long term.
What remains flying under No. 100 Squadron
Importantly, the heritage flying program is not ending, it is being narrowed to a core group of aircraft that can be supported safely and reliably.
Reporting indicates No. 100 Squadron will continue operating aircraft including the P-51 Mustang, Harvard, Winjeel, Tiger Moth variants, Sopwith Pup, Hudson, Spitfires (Mk VIII and Mk XVI), the Boomerang and Wirraway.
That remaining lineup still delivers a strong cross-section of Air Force history and keeps an authentic flying heritage presence in Australian skies.
What this means for airshows and commemorations
For airshow audiences, the most immediate change will be a shift in aircraft variety. For organisers and event planners, it may also mean a more predictable and sustainable heritage offering — particularly as maintenance schedules and engineering support become more complex for older aircraft types.
For ceremonial flypasts and commemorative events, the decision suggests a leaner but more dependable heritage fleet which can continue representing the RAAF’s story publicly without spreading resources across too many aircraft types.
A difficult call — but a familiar challenge
Operating vintage aircraft comes with realities that every warbird community understands: ageing airframes, specialised skills, parts supply issues, and ever-tightening airworthiness requirements.
From that perspective, this decision reads less like heritage being “cut”, and more like heritage being protected by keeping fewer aircraft flying, but keeping them flying safely, sustainably, and with the support needed to do it properly.
Source
RAAF media release: Royal Australian Air Force announces changes to heritage fleet