Pilots high in PNG

A Kiowa comes in to land during Exercise Highland Pursuit in PNG. Photo by Capt Adrian Bielenberg, 161 Recce Sqn

From Capt Adrian Bielenberg in Papua New Guinea

THE trusty sound of UH-1H Iroquois and Bell 206 Kiowa helicopters echoed through Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) highlands recently when 1 Avn Regt took to the skies for Exercise Highland Pursuit.

CO 1 Avn Regt Lt-Col Neil Turton said the annual exercise prepared aircrew, with RAEME and operational support, for operations in High Density Altitude (HDA) environments.

“161 Recce Sqn, Darwin, 162 Recce Sqn, Townsville and 171 Op Spt Sqn, Oakey, deployed to Madang on April 22, for three weeks of exciting mountain-flying with 173 Op Spt Sqn providing fixed-wing support with Beechcraft KingAir aircraft,” he said.

“PNG’s rugged mountain ranges rise sharply from the sea to as high as Mount Wilhelm, 14,880 feet [4509m] Above Mean Sea Level [AMSL], providing the perfect conditions for the very-challenging HAD flight training.

“The heat and humidity reduce aircraft performance, while the weather plays havoc with decisions required of aircrew who often had to land, return to base or stop for fuel in order to complete their tasks.

“To achieve a qualification, pilots make approaches to land up to 10,000 feet AMSL, where the aircraft are restricted by temperature and power limitations. 15 aircrew received a qualification that can be used when they may be called upon to operate in high, hot and humid environments in the future.

“It is not often that we have representatives from all 1 Avn Regt sub-units together in one location.

“To successfully deploy five Kiowas and three Iroquois aircraft to PNG with operational and technical support is a reflection of the professionalism of all involved. This is particularly applicable to 171 Sqn following their recent deployment to the Solomon Islands.”

Lt-Col Turton said 1 Avn Regt is now eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH).

“The regiment’s focus at present is individual training for all personnel in preparation for its introduction.

“There is now a real sense of anticipation and excitement within the regiment as the ground is cleared at Robertson Barracks for its integration into 1 Bde.”

Lt-Col Turton also said Exercise Highland Pursuit was again supported by Sir Peter Barter of Madang-based Heli-Niugini, who granted the use of his hangar, and 86 Wg RAAF, who provided C-130 support, and thanked both for adding to the success of the exercise.