22 January 2007
When it comes to dropping humanitarian, aid, equipment or troops from an aircraft, it’s all about precision and teamwork says Air Force navigator Flying Officer James Lawrence.
With that in mind he and about 250 other aircrew, maintainers and support personnel are honing their skills to ensure their low-level flying is up to scratch, and that they are able to deliver their loads exactly where and when they are required.
Exercise Skytrain is an RNZAF 40 Squadron exercise focusing on tactical low-level flying. An RNZAF Iroquois is providing helicopter support, and the RNZAF contingent is being helped by soldiers from the New Zealand Army.
Aircraft from New Caledonia are also taking part in the exercise, which is based out of Napier Airport.
As navigator Flying Officer Lawrence programmes all the aircraft’s electronic systems, which include an inertial navigation system, GPS, and computerised map. Along with the co-pilot, he directs the aircraft to where it has to be, and where loads are to be dropped. During low-level sorties he calls the time when the load is to be dropped. If all goes to plan the load will land on the drop zone within seconds of the planned time.
In a military environment being in the right place at exactly the right time is paramount, says Flying Officer Lawrence. "Other people are depending on you, and lives could be at stake, so accuracy, timeliness, and crew coordination are very important.”
The main attributes the crew requires are map reading skills, accurate time keeping and precision when it comes to dropping the parachute load. The team includes an engineer, and two loadmasters who rig the load, drop it, and ensure safety procedures are met at the read of the aircraft. The aircraft travels at 350km per hour, and because everything is happening so quickly the crew must have good situational awareness
On exercise a variety of practice loads are dropped, ranging from large drums strapped to a pallet, to tractor tyres and old military vehicles.
Flying Officer Lawrence, pictured above right, says he enjoys the low-level flying the most. “It’s harder work than what we call strategic tasking, which is flying, for example, from New Zealand to Australia. All flying is great, but low-level work is much more challenging and fun.It’s a good feeling when you achieve what you set out to do.”
ENDS
Media Participation
Media are welcome to participate in flying operations, observe equipment drops and talk to defence personnel. Access to the camp will be controlled and media wishing to attend should contact Squadron Leader Glenn Davis, Air Force Public Relations, 021 420 899.