The roar of F/A-18 Hornets and F/A-18F Super Hornets has been heard over Gunnedah this week.
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A RAAF spokesman said the planes had been flying over rural communities in north-west NSW this week as part of a fighter combat course.
Pilots taking part in the Number 33 Fighter Combat Instructors’ Course have been flying between 10am and 3.30pm over areas including Gunnedah, Inverell, Narrabri, Coonabarabran, Baradine, Wee Waa, Warialda and Ashford since Monday, and are due to finish tomorrow.
Most aircraft are flying more than 3000 metres above sea level.
Commander of Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Steve Roberton, said the course participants were in the final stage of a five-month intensive course which included combined exercises with F/A-18F Super Hornets from the RAAF Base at Amberley, and F/A-18 Hornets from the RAAF Base at Williamtown, near Newcastle.
“Up to 18 aircraft may be involved in these exercises so residents in these areas may notice additional activity in the north-western skies,” Air Commodore Roberton said.
Air Commodore Roberton said most of the rest of the course had been carried out east of Williamtown.
“The FCI Course is air force’s means of graduating aircrew capable of the highest level of air tactics development and large force employment,” he said.
In the exercises, F/A-18 Hornet pilots, F/A-18F Super Hornet pilots, weapon system officers and intelligence officers combine forces to defeat “adversaries’” played by other experienced RAAF aircrew.
The course is also supported by the E-7A Wedgetail from 2 Squadron at Williamtown and the KC-30 Multi-
Role Tanker from 33 Squadron at Amberley.
“Air force is committed to ensuring every effort is made to minimise any inconvenience to residents, and appreciates the ongoing support from the local communities,” Air Commodore Roberton said.
For further information on RAAF Williamtown flying activities, visit www.airforce.gov.au/flyingareawilliamtown or contact the base on 1800 033 200.