Pitch Black 2010
29 July 2010 Crash Response Teams at RAAF Base Darwin were tested when Pilot Officer Michael Keightley, an F/A-18 Hornet Pilot from No. 3 Squadron RAAF Williamtown, NSW simulated an ejection from his aircraft as part of a Search and Rescue scenario during Exercise Pitch Black. Pilot Officer Keightley’s combat survival training was put into practice as he attempted to alert fellow Hornet pilots returning from an exercise sortie to his ‘crash’ location within the Kangaroo Flats Field Training Area, Northern Territory. The ‘rescue’ was a team effort with the Australian Hornet pilots handing over to a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules until an Aeromedical Evacuation Team could arrive via the RAAF Search and Rescue helicopter. Search and Rescue exercise scenarios provide RAAF pilots with essential training in the event of a real aircraft crash. Aeromedical Evacuation Teams and the Search and Rescue crews are also tested on their quick response times and provision of medical assistance at the accident site. |
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| 20100727raaf8540652_0029 Pilot Officer Michael Keightley, an F/A-18 Hornet pilot from No. 3 Squadron looking for a aircraft during a Search and Rescue Exercise at Pitch Black 2010. (Date taken: 27 July 2010) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20100727raaf8540652_0053 No. 3 Expeditionary Health Squadron Detachment Darwin Medical Officer, Flight Lieutenant Hamish Scott checking the pulse of No. 3 Squadron, Pilot Officer Michael Keightley during a Search and Rescue Exercise at Pitch Black 2010. (Date taken: 27 July 2010) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20100727raaf8540652_0074 The Lloyds Search and Rescue Helicopter crew carrying the 'wounded' pilot back to the helicopter in preparation to transport him back to RAAF Base Darwin during a Search and Rescue Exercise at Pitch Black 2010. (Date taken: 27 July 2010) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20100727raaf8540652_0078 Lloyds Search and Rescue Helicopter taking off from the landing zone at the Kangaroo Flats Field Training Area, Northern Territory during an Search and Rescue Exercise at Pitch Black 2010. (Date taken: 27 July 2010) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20100727raaf8540652_0086 Lloyds Search and Rescue Helicopter taking off from the landing zone at Kangaroo Flats Field Training Area during a Search and Rescue Exercise at Pitch Black 2010. (Date taken: 27 July 2010) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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