Pitch Black 2008
PITCH BLACK 2008 COMMUNITY INFORMATION
General:
There will be an additional 2000 personnel deployed to RAAF Base Darwin and a further 1000 personnel deployed to RAAF Base Tindal. Both bases are located in the Northern Territory, Australia.
Approximately 60 aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and participating Forces will operate from RAAF Base’s Darwin and Tindal.
The Delamere Air Weapons Range near Tindal will be utilised during the exercise and the public can expect to see aircraft engaged in combat aerial manoeuvres and air to air refuelling in the airspace between Darwin and Tindal. Some scenarios may also involve the use of aircraft flares as tactical decoys to practice defensive techniques.
Flares burn brightly for a short time before dissipating, much like a firework. To prevent hot flare discharges from contacting the ground, they are only allowed to be released above specified altitudes.
Importantly, exercise planning will seek to ensure that noise in sensitive areas is kept to a minimum.
Environment:
Minimising impact on the environment is a responsibility that Defence takes seriously and was taken into account when planning for Pitch Black. An Environmental Management Plan has been developed for the exercise which details mitigating actions including:
• Public information on the conduct of the exercise and areas of low flying activity;
• No flying before 8:30am or after 10:30pm and no planned exercise flying on Saturdays and Sundays. However there may be normal military flying on weekends in support of normal activities;
• Avoidance of noise sensitive areas; and
• No flares to be used during any high fire danger period.
Where can I get more information?
Members of the public and media are encouraged to contact the Exercise Pitch Black 2008 Public Information Centre on telephone number 1800 301 885 (toll free Australia wide) if they have any questions about Exercise Pitch Black activities.