History of the Red Star Яoolettes

"Hey Lindsay… do you reckon you could do some flypasts to fill in for the RAAF Roulettes? "

That one simple question asked at a Queensland air show, was the spark that started something special.

It all began with Lindsay Sinclair, a passionate aviator and the man widely credited with introducing the Russian Yakovlev YAK-52, YAK18T and Chinese Nanchang CJ-6A, Eastern Bloc aircraft into the country. Through his company, Red Star Aviation, Lindsay gathered a tight-knit group of aviation enthusiasts, passionate about flying unique, Cold War-era machines across Australia.

At that air show, when weather prevented the RAAF Roulettes getting to the event, organisers turned to Lindsay and his group of warbird flyers and asked that one question that started it all. They said yes to stepping in. When asked what the group was called, Lindsay, never one to miss a beat, replied, “Call us the Russian Яoolettes.” The name was quick, clever, and catchy. And it stuck.

In March 2022, the "Russian" prefix was officially dropped and today, we proudly fly under the name of The Red Star Яoolettes. A title that reflects both our Eastern heritage and honours Lindsay’s central role in forming the team.

The team's aircraft are based across New South Wales hangered in Mittagong, Luskintyre, and Wagga Wagga. Our training base is in Cowra with thanks to the incredible support of the Cowra Council, the local community, and FlyOz.

The Red Star Яoolettes are a unique airshow team in Australia, flying two different types of aircraft with close, but also distinctly different characteristics, in a tightly choreographed, synchronized display. We're proud to be FAST compliant and always aim to have something in front of the crowd, delivering thrilling, non-stop aviation action.

The Red Star Яoolettes are aerial performers and entertainers and always look forward to putting on a great show whether it be an air show, public, private or corprate event. We can tailor a show to suit your occassion.

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