// Helos Buzz the Manawatu Skies
14 Iroquois & 5 Sioux in formation flying
It was a spectacular sight over the skies of the Manawatu on the afternoon of 18 December as the RNZAF’s No. 3 Squadron flew all of its Iroquois and Sioux aircraft.
Operations Flight Commander SQNLDR Nigel ‘Coops’ Cooper said it was a rare occurrence that not one of the 19 helicopters was in for scheduled maintenance and the sight may not be seen again with the scheduled retirement of both aircraft types in the near future.
‘To enable today’s event to occur a tremendous amount of hard work was done to ensure all 19 were serviceable. This was helped by the recent return of personnel from Timor Leste backed up by the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of No. 3 Squadron and supporting units.’
No.3 Squadron’s 19-ship formation
The short flight encompassed flights over the towns surrounding the Ohakea Air Force Base where the Squadron is based as a show of thanks to the support received from the local community while also demonstrating the credibility and capability of the Air Force.
Both aircraft have been in service for well over 40 years and with the introduction into service of the NH90 and A109LUH to replace the Iroquois and Sioux respectively, the Squadron’s manpower and number of Iroquois flown will be reduced over the next few years as personnel are trained in the maintenance practices and how to fly the new aircraft.
Wait … There’s More
Two days before No.3 Squadron’s massed helicopter flight the Air Force’s other helicopter squadron took to the skies of Auckland for a show of their own strength. On 16 December Auckland-based No. 6 Squadron conducted a five-ship formation flight from RNZAF Base Auckland at Whenuapai to Devonport Naval Base and back.
No. 6 Sqn’s Seasprite five-ship formation
As Navy pilot LT Dave Longhurst observed: “five is the total number of Seasprites we have so the achievement is special because it meant 100 percent serviceability and flying in formation. This has never been achieved before and is largely attributed to some innovative maintenance techniques that allow our boys to get slightly ahead on the maintenance cycle.’
With both helicopter squadrons now up to near capacity 2009 looks like a good year for helicopter training as the Air Force looks towards the future and its acquisition of the new NH90 and A109LUH helicopters.