AviationNews – The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has officially retired the iconic CT4A trainer aircraft, concluding nearly five decades of aviation history with a final ceremonial flight.
On June 18, 2026, the RAAF’s 100 Squadron hosted the historic phase-out ceremony at RAAF Base Point Cook, Victoria—the recognized birthplace of Australian military aviation. Nicknamed the “Plastic Parrot” for its distinctive green-and-yellow color scheme and lightweight build, the New Zealand-designed Pacific Aerospace CT4A originally entered service in 1975. Over the years, the aircraft served as the foundational trainer for thousands of aviators across the Australian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The final heritage flight was piloted by Wing Commander Dave Chaplin, marking the end of its active demonstration life before the airframe is permanently transferred to the History and Heritage Branch.
The CT4A revolutionized basic flight training with its agile handling and economical design, effectively replacing the heavier CAC Winjeel platform. As a fully aerobatic, piston-engine aircraft, it allowed instructors to teach fundamental flight dynamics, precision maneuvers, and early combat skills in a safe environment. Even after its initial retirement from primary training duties in 1993, meticulously restored airframes remained airworthy for heritage displays, demonstrating the remarkable mechanical reliability and longevity of the platform.
“There’s a whole lot of air power that has come from this aircraft; it was the first powered aircraft I flew,” stated Wing Commander Dave Chaplin, who piloted the final display. “Pretty much everybody who came through the services completed training on that aeroplane.”
The retirement of the CT4A highlights the military’s ongoing shift toward modern, advanced training platforms like the Pilatus PC-21, which better prepare pilots for highly complex, fifth-generation combat environments. Moving forward, the Royal Australian Air Force is actively rationalizing its heritage fleet to successfully balance historical preservation with strict operational safety and sustainability standards. Aviation enthusiasts and future generations will now only experience the storied legacy of the “Plastic Parrot” through static displays at museums and approved heritage institutions across Australia.
The CT4A trainer leaves behind an unmatched legacy of shaping Australia’s military aviators over half a century. While its engines have finally quieted over RAAF Base Point Cook, the aircraft’s profound contribution to national defense training will be meticulously preserved as a vital chapter in aviation history.
