The Event Took Place As A Rehearsal For Australian Festival  

The Royal Australian Airforce conducted a rehearsal for an upcoming airshow, and locals were warned beforehand however, viewers from the United States were not so excited.

The C-17 plane flying over the Brisbane skylane wowed onlookers as the aircraft darted around the city at low altitudes, going viral online. Rehearsal was for the Sunsuper Riverfire event. "No, no, no, just no," said a tweet from NBC senior executive Mike Sington.

"A Royal Australian Air Force jet weaves through the skyscrapers of downtown Brisbane, on purpose. It was a rehearsal for an air show, causing immediate flashbacks to 9/11."

Some observers commented that although photos made it appear that the aircraft was darting in and out of building, it was actually following the Brisbane river and the dangerous aspects of the flight were actually just an illusion. However, other pilots in the US commented that the stunt was “very risky.”

"It's not immediately discernible in the angle in this video, but that plane is flying above a river that runs through the city. Not weaving in between buildings. Also it was widely publicised before it occurred so people weren't caught off guard," Australian reporter Chad Ryan says.

The RAAF posted an update before the flyover, advising those who may be concerned about the event of the precautions they were planning to take beforehand.

"Safety, noise management and the environment are vital considerations in the planning and conduct of Defence flying activities, and participating squadrons will operate with a view to minimising the impact on local communities," the statement read.

"The health and safety of all personnel participating in this event is paramount. All Australian Defence Force personnel are required to adhere to state and territory government travel restrictions and health advice. There are a range of Covid-19 risk mitigation measures in place for this exercise."

FMI: https://www.airforce.gov.au