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Aircrewman Jason Wikman and POATA Scott Baynes take part
in helicopter transfer training for patrol boat personnel.
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The
Flight Deck Training Unit based at Training Authority – Aviation,
HMAS Albatross,
is meeting the changing demands of training delivery by going
out to trainees.
Over the last six months the unit has already travelled to HMAS
Stirling twice, Larrakeyah Barracks in Darwin, and conducted
an at- sea training period for Army personnel embarked in HMAS
Kanimbla.
Chief Petty Officer Aircrewman Andre Grocke heads a small team
of Aviation Technicians who provide training to sailors and
Army personnel whose duties require them to fulfill various
functions on a flight deck, or in support of helicopters conducting
winching and load lifting operations at sea.
The detachment to Darwin this year was particularly exciting
as it could set the benchmark for flight deck training in the
future with the introduction of the new Armidale Class Patrol
Boats.
Because of their geographic location, the patrol boats rarely
get to see Navy helicopters, but it is vital that their personnel
maintain the skills necessary to conduct operations with both
the Fleet Air Arm and Army Aviation aircraft.
Ably supported by two AS350BA Squirrels from 723 Squadron, the
Flight Deck team was able to provide refresher training for
16 personnel and qualify an additional two Helicopter Directors
and 12 Transfer Team members from a total of seven separate
patrol boats.
A large number of these personnel was then able to put their
newly acquired or updated skills to the test during the Minor
War Vessel Concentration Period at the end of January.
The ability to conduct this sort of out-of-area training, be
it for reconstitution or initial qualification, demonstrates
the flexibility of the Flight Deck Training Unit in preparing
units for their tasks.
