Iroquois reach 500 hour milestone in Timor Leste

Nov 2007, TG MANU 3, Timor-Leste. From left: FGOFF Bradley, SGT Creegan, SQNLDR Cree, FLTLT Costley, FGOFF Sanson, FLTLT Smillie.

16 November 2007

3 Squadron has just completed 500 flight hours in support of operations in Timor Leste. Detachment Commander Squadron Leader Nick Cree said that the 500hrs mark was a significant milestone for the task group.

The mark was reached during a two-ship flight inserting Australian troops to remote outposts. Typically, 90 percent of the Iroquois tasking is in support of the Battle Group operations.

3 Squadron operate two Iroquois based in Dili, alongside Australian and Civilian helicopters as part of the TLAG (Timor Leste Aviation Group). The first aircraft deployed to Timor Leste April 07, it is supported by 31 aircrew, maintenance and support staff.

For a number of 3 Squadron personnel this is their second deployment to Timor. “The facilities have changed a lot over the last 5 years, but the flying remains very similar” said SQNLDR Cree.

Currently personnel deploy for 3 month rotations, with the aircraft receiving all scheduled and line maintenance in theatre. “Most of the hard work in setting up the facilities here were completed by rotations one and two; it was very easy to arrive in theatre and hit the ground running”, said SQNLDR Cree.

Flying Officer Kane Sanson is enjoying his first deployment with 3 Squadron. “The tasking varies from day-to-day; from Aero-medical Evacuation to VIP Air Transport and Troop insertions. That combined with the unfamiliar tropical environment makes the flying here very interesting”.

The RNZAF detachment have a mandate to remain in Timor Leste until at least April 2008.

Ends

Current Statistics:

As at 12 November 2007, 3 Squadron Detachment in East Timor has clocked up the following numbers:

522.6 flight hours

18719 kgs of freight

1924 passengers

14 Aero-medical Evacuations

3 rotations

94 personnel

2 Airframes

Return to the Feature Summary