Post by Kenny on Aug 3, 2009 11:48:14 GMT 12
Low flying Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules will be swooping through the skies of the North Island over 3 – 14 August as part of the tactical conversion training exercise, TACEX.
The exercise will include formation flying, live airdrop operations involving heavy equipment and container delivery systems, combat off-load procedures and parachuting operations.
The biannual exercise will be based out of Air Force Base Ohakea from 3-7 August with flying taking place in the lower North Island on both sides of the ranges.
During the second week 10-14 August, flights will be conducted out of Air Force Base Whenuapai from Taupo to Kaitaia.
Commanding Officer of Number 40 Squadron, Wing Commander Darryn Webb says it is the first time in a number of years that a TACEX has be been held at Whenuapai and the exercise will see crews qualify in flying at 450 km/h at 250ft above ground level.
“Tactical flying poses a number of challenges for aircrew, but the training they learn during the exercise means when it comes to flying in combat situations or disaster relief they are ready and able.”
www.airforce.mil.nz/operations/media-releases/media-release.htm@guid=%7Bba23f029-d931-4bd6-88d2-f964e63e6023%7D.htm
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Anyone have any info on the Northland flying? Love to know if they'll be doing touchdowns and overshoots at Whangarei Airport, great places to watch/photo there.
Also the local paper says the RNZAF will be doing a flypast & parachute display this Sunday for the TV3 Telethon here in Whangarei, which so happens to be a day before Tacex, so im thinking Hercules and Kiwi Blue?
Hope to film the action for my website
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