In late September, Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment flew four of its CH-47F Chinooks to Papua New Guinea to take part in military exercises, including combined operations with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF). 

Among the unit’s priorities was Exercise Helicon Luk, to qualify the unit’s pilots and aircrew on high-density altitude flying amid the soaring peaks of the Owen Stanley Range. 

Every pilot is required to do three training flights around PNG’s Central Highlands under instruction before a fourth and final qualifying flight. Aircrew obtain their qualification with just one flight.

Pilot Captain Lloyd Struber said the qualification was necessary for the unit to operate in all conditions and terrain.

“The aircraft behaves differently at higher-density altitudes because the air is thinner; you’re using more power but creating less lift,” Captain Struber said.

“And if we’re to go out the door on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, Defence Aid to the Civil Community, or combat missions, we have to be able to fly everywhere. 

“Last year there was a landslide in PNG and we were online for that, planning for several days to bring the helicopters over and help out. Disasters happen at high altitude.”

'In PNG, the terrain, the mountains and the valleys are so much bigger.'

The starting point for high-altitude flying is 7000 feet (2134 metres). The razor-sharp ridges and deep valleys of the Central Highlands allowed Task Unit Brahman pilots to regularly operate at heights of more than 9000 feet (2743 metres). 

In Townsville, the highest landing opportunity is only 1700 feet (518 metres).

“In PNG, the terrain, the mountains and the valleys are so much bigger,” Captain Struber said.

“When the afternoon storms roll in, there’s so much more vertical development with those rain clouds rolling over the Owen Stanley Range.”

Task Unit Brahman’s PNG deployment from September 26 to October 14 culminates in Exercise Wantok Warrior, an annual exercise involving PNGDF and Australian infantry soldiers rehearsing air assaults, equipment airlift and troop transport at training sites around Lae and the central interior.

Captain Struber said the task unit always looked forward to integrating the Chinook’s capability with the PNGDF’s training goals, and building on the interoperability developed during previous combined exercises. 

“The PNGDF brings a lot of energy. They’re always very excited to work with us and we’re excited to work with them,” Captain Struber said. 

“They’ll have their scheme of manoeuvre for where they need to be inserted and at what time, and we facilitate that. They’re always very happy to jump in and have a crack.” 

The 100 personnel on this year’s iteration of Helicon Luk also included members of 6th Aviation Brigade, 16th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Health Battalion and the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment.