High Sierra 2011
Australia’s next generation of fighter pilots are set to graduate as F/A-18 Hornet pilots as they prepare to return to RAAF Townsville in North Queensland to participate in Exercise High Sierra.
The pilots from No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales, will be put through their paces during the final phase of the six-month operational conversion course.
Exercise High Sierra will be conducted from 21 November to 8 December, representing the last three weeks of the F/A-18 operational conversion course.
The course converts fighter pilots from the Hawk Mk127 Lead-in-fighter aircraft to the F/A-18 Hornet. More than 150 Air Force personnel and up to 12 F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets will arrive at RAAF Townsville on Friday 18 November for this vital training activity, which will be conducted in the Shoalwater Bay and Townsville Field training areas. Exercise High Sierra is vital training for the next generation of Air Force fighter pilots.
They must achieve and maintain the skills needed to operate very sophisticated flight and weapons systems, for the defence of our nation and to maintain peace and security into the future.
No 2 Operational Conversion Unit
Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) has the responsibility of converting potential fighter pilots qualified to fly the Hawk 127 Lead in Fighter, into fully capable F/A-18 Hornet fighter pilots via the Operational Conversion (OPCON) course. In parallel to the OPCON course 2OCU conducts Instructor Conversion courses, Refresher courses, and also hosts international aircrew.
After each third OPCON course a Fighter Combat Instructor (FCI) course is held which is designed to push aircrew to the limit and graduate aircrew from the toughest course in the Air Force.
Media Contacts
Mr Mark Tanzer - Defence Public Affairs North Queensland - (07) 4411 1602
Mr Ben Wickham - Defence Public Affairs NSW - (02) 9359 2785
Flight Lieutenant Skye Smith - Air Combat Group Public Affairs - 0438 462 944 or acg.publicaffairs@defence.gov.au
Flying Information
Exercise High Sierra will involve day and night flying operations. There is no planned exercise flying on weekends with all weekday operations scheduled to conclude by 10:00pm.
Noise abatement procedures will be in force for essential night flying operations. Ongoing support from the community for this vital training is appreciated. Members of the community are encouraged to contact 1800 555 478 for information on flying activities.