House of Representatives Notice Paper Question No 1187
Schedule Number: 300334		 Publication Date: 15 March 2010
Hansard (Proof): Page 141

Air Weapons Ranges

 Member: Baldwin

Mr Baldwin asked the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, in writing, on 4 February 2010:

  1. What proportion of overall aircraft training are (a) Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) qualified pilots, and (b) JSF trainee pilots, likely to conduct in (i) JSF simulators, and (ii) actual aircraft, utilising air weapons ranges including the Salt Ash Air Weapons Range.

Mr Combet - The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

  1. (a) and (b) Air Force proposes to use simulators to the maximum extent practicable for JSF training purposes for reasons of safety, economy and to minimise environmental impacts.
    1. Of the estimated average 250 total JSF hours per year, per pilot, approximately one third will be spent in the simulator.
    2. Of the actual hours flown in the aircraft, less than 5% are expected to require the use of weapons ranges such as Salt Ash Air Weapons Range. While Air Force aims to minimise the environmental impacts of use of weapons ranges, some use is required to ensure operational proficiency.

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