PNG terrain tests flying skills
CH-47F Chinooks of 5th Aviation Regiment took to the skies over the Papua New Guinea highlands for high-density altitude training during Exercise Helicon Luk from September 23 to October 24.
CAPTION: A CH-47F Chinook from 5th Aviation Regiment flies over Karkar Island during Exercise Helicon Luk in PNG. Story by Major Carolyn Barnett. Photos by Warrant Officer Class Two Miranda Buckley.
Flying out of Madang, the four aircraft were flown and supported by about 90 personnel, including attachments from medical, engineers and the Royal Australian Air Force.
Troop commander Captain Luke Tesar said PNG provided the perfect terrain to train and enhance flying skills.
“[Helicon Luk] is a valuable training opportunity that teaches aircrews how to handle the aircraft in both challenging atmospheric and weather conditions,” Captain Tesar said.
“These new and varied skills and experiences in PNG develop a more capable Chinook workforce, ready to support flying operations in Australia and our region.”
An additional 10 pilots and 14 aircrew were qualified in operating Chinooks at high-density altitudes and in mountain flying during the exercise.
“Importantly, the activity has generated broad proficiency across the CH-47F aircrew workforce,” Captain Tesar said.
In the mountain ranges of PNG, the weather is unpredictable and can change dramatically, while hot and humid conditions at high altitude reduces air density and changes the way aircraft need to be flown.
Helicon Luk aircraft also integrated with 3rd Brigade’s Exercise Wantok Warrior at Wewak, transporting PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) soldiers during air-mobile operations.
CAPTION: Members of 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, and PNG Defence Force on board a CH-47F Chinook.
Here, Chinooks conducted troop lifts, air assault, aeromedical evacuations and a G-Wagon lift.
“It’s been a successful activity with over 40 hours’ flight time in support of the detachments and the completion of all tasks,” Captain Tesar said.
“Working with the 3rd Brigade from Australia to PNG develops mutual readiness and flexibility to work together in all environments, and further fosters the close relationship the teams have with the PNGDF.”
Commanding Officer 5th Aviation Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Lean said partnering with the PNGDF and 3rd Brigade in PNG provided invaluable training for aircrew and support staff.
“We know pilots require support staff to operate the aircraft. The activity gives our maintenance personnel an opportunity to do maintenance in a different location to Townsville, as well as giving our ground crew aircraft support operators practise on hot refuels in PNG,” he said.
“Integrating with Wantok Warrior and partnering with the PNGDF has enabled us to provide more complex air-mobile training.”
CAPTION: Australian Army Captain Luke Tesar, far right, and aircrew stand with a CH-47F Chinook during Exercise Helicon Luk.
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