RAAF PC-9's grounded.

[Machlooper]

All operations of the RAAF's premier aerial display team, the Roulettes, have been suspended after the engine of a training plane caught fire this week.

With the Australian International Airshow at Avalon just three weeks away, Defence has halted all PC9/A flight operations following the mishap.

The ABC reported yesterday that the planes would be grounded until an investigation was completed into the fire, which hit the aircraft in Western Australia early this week.

Advertisement: Story continues below The ABC said the engine of a PC-9 training plane caught fire at RAAF Base Pearce, north of Perth, leading to the Air Force banning its pilots from flying the planes until the cause of the fire was known.

The Air Force was working with the engine manufacturer to establish what sparked the fire.

The Roulettes were set to be one of the attractions at Avalon, where the RAAF will also celebrate its 90th birthday.

However, the Defence Department last month put a stop to aerial displays at the Australian Grand Prix by the Roulettes and F/A-18 fighter jets. RAAF will instead send a balloon to the grand prix

(balloon )

[Silver]

I hope it's nothing too serious?
I saw The Roulettes in action twice in AUS in 2004...they put on a great display!

A balloon??
Surely they could send an F/A-18 or two instead?!