Australian Defence Force (ADF) helicopters and personnel will be conducting training in and around the Papua New Guinea Central Highlands over the next few weeks.
The training, which involves four CH-47F Chinook helicopters from the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment, will be conducted throughout the day within the Owen-Stanley Ranges.
Areas where the Chinooks will operate include the Aitape, Ononge and Tapini valleys, around Myola Lake, the Kokoda Gap and also in the vicinity of Kosipie Village.
Members of the public in those areas may notice the helicopters landing on high peaks or in open areas around isolated villages.
The pilots and crew of these helicopters are undertaking training to qualify for high-density altitude flying, skills which enables them to respond to humanitarian disasters.
The steep peaks and deep valleys of the Owen-Stanley Ranges offer opportunities for the pilots to test their skills at altitude that are not available in North Queensland.
At the completion of the high-density altitude training, ADF helicopters and personnel will travel north to take part in Exercise Wantok Warrior, an annual joint exercise conducted by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and the ADF.
During this exercise in Lae, the helicopters will be used to carry PNGDF and ADF infantry soldiers conducting combined air assaults, as well as assist in transporting equipment and troop movements.
There is no live ammunition being used during the exercise and all aircraft activities are being conducted within strict safety and operational guidelines.
The flying activity schedule is subject to change, due to short notice cancellation, including for bad weather and other aviation considerations.
Safety, noise management and the environment are vital considerations that went into the planning and conduct of the ADF flying activities.
The ADF thanks the PNG public for their patience and cooperation while this essential training is conducted.
