International military exercise Pitch Black draws in aviation enthusiasts

Darwin has become a focal point for aviation enthusiasts, drawing dozens of people to photograph aircraft participating in the international military exercise Pitch Black. These plane spotters, armed with telescopic lenses, gather at vantage points, turning a usually quiet block into a spectacle for passing motorists. For many, the exercise represents a unique opportunity to capture images of some of the world's fastest jet fighters and a variety of aircraft not typically seen elsewhere. Brian Carr, an enthusiast from Melbourne, described attending Pitch Black as a long-held dream, emphasizing the rarity of seeing so many international aircraft in one place. He noted the unique advantage of being able to photograph these planes openly in Australia, a stark contrast to potentially facing arrest for similar activities in other countries. Carr, like many in the hobby, developed his passion at a young age, enjoying the challenge of documenting aircraft serial numbers, often a difficult task due to speed and distance. The pursuit involves taking photos to later identify and record the aircraft's details. For some, like Ian Rolfe from the United Kingdom, chasing air shows has become a significant part of their retirement. Rolfe made a specific pilgrimage to Darwin for Pitch Black, calling it a massive opportunity to witness aircraft diversity beyond Europe. He cited the Royal Australian Air Force's Super Hornet display as a highlight and ranked Pitch Black highly among international exercises. Rolfe praised the Australian Air Force for facilitating the event and attracting high-quality air forces with interesting aircraft, expressing hope for its continuation. Beyond the aircraft themselves, the exercise also fosters a sense of community among like-minded individuals, with enthusiasts enjoying the camaraderie and shared passion during their downtime.

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It's been on my list for many years because you get so many aircraft from so many different countries that you're just not going to see anywhere else.