Pilots fly into Sunset

Detachment Commander Squadron Leader John Braumann and student pilot Flying Officer David Marsh prepare for a sortie during Exercise Capricorn Sunset. Photo by CPO Malcolm Black

Perth is renowned for its enviable Mediterranean climate, however there comes a time when warmer days and clearer skies in winter or cooler days in summer are sought by No. 2 Flying Training School to enhance the flying tempo of pilot training.

Fortunately, the size of Wetern Australia means that a perfect flying climate can always be found.

The most recent deployment, Exercise Capricorn Sunset, was a two-week push by 2FTS in support of No. 193 pilots course to RAAF Base Learmonth, located 30km south of Exmouth in WA’s Pilbara region.

Deploying to a bare base is no easy matter, requiring a significant support contingent, including many civilian contractors.

Detachment Commander for the pilots course was Squadron Leader John Braumann, A Flight Commander at 2FTS.

His principle aim was to see the formation phase of the Advanced Pilots course covered while in Learmonth.

“The uncomplicated airspace, good weather and ease of controlling the flying program allows us to move quickly through this phase of training,” he said.

“Removing students from the comfort zone that they have begun to develop at Pearce also allows the further development of captaincy skills. It provides a great foundation for future operational deployments that they will experience once they’re at operational squadrons”.

For students, the deployment meant distractions of domesticity were removed and this led to a greater focus on flying. Flying Officer Mathew Doyle believed that less distractions and greater access to the instructors resulted in a higher rate of effort by students.

To ensure SAR services at Pearce were not compromised, a CHC crew of four worked together. Joining Pearce’s air crewman George Casey and rescue crewman Luke Vanson were pilots John Barnard from Adelaide and Tim Joyce from Queensland.

Travelling to Learmonth in support of 2FTS were contractors CHC Australia providing SAR coverage, Airflite which maintained the eight PC-9 aircraft, Transfield which provided firefighting coverage and a refueller, SSL Catering and Group 4 which provided front-gate security. HSF PEA provided medical coverage and 44WG DET-PEA provided operations support.

SQNLDR Braumann believed the contribution by contractors to the deployment was significant to its success.

“The contractors that support the deployment are very cooperative and interface well with our requirements. Because there is good level of consistency over time, in the staffing of contractor support, we achieve high levels of efficiency with our operations,” he said.

• By FLGOFF Nigel Harrington

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