Tactical Flying by - #212 - RNZAF
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No. 3 Squadron Newest Pilots, Training
# 2 12
in the Loadmasters with the
Solomons Graduate SAS
APR|19
Tactical
Flying by
Moonlight
Contents
04 08 News
20
Regulars
03
Joint Amphibious Tactical Nanogirl’s Air Force Honour First Word
Exercise Training
22 18
Checking out our Our Heritage/Our Future
Parachute Kit
24
28 #FacesOfYourForce
Air Power
33
30 Notices/Quiz
Opportunity Knocked
34
for Airman
Photo of the Month
32
Why Do We?
06 14 Our mission
The RNZAF will provide New Zealand
Published by
Defence Public Affairs
Providing Election New Heights in with relevant, responsive and effective
Air Power to meet its security
HQ NZ Defence Force
Wellington, New Zealand
Support in the Aeromedical Exercise interests. Air Force News is the official
magazine of the Royal New Zealand Editor
Solomons Air Force (RNZAF) —established Rebecca Quilliam
to inform, educate and entertain its Email: airforcenews@nzdf.mil.nz
personnel and friends.
16 COVER:
Design and Layout
Defence Public Affairs
Printed by
New Graduates NVG capability
Bluestar
Private Bag 39996, Wellington
Celebrate Photographer:
CPL Sean Spivey
Distribution
Email: airforcenews@nzdf.mil.nz
21
Editorial contributions and ideas
are welcomed. They can be emailed
directly to the Editor and do not need
to be forwarded through normal
command chains.
Future Looking
Contributions need to include
Air Force • writer’s name, rank and unit
• photos provided separate from the
text – at least 300dpi.
Contribution deadline for the
26
May issue 12 April, 2019
Air Force News will hold the copyright
for submitted articles or photographs
it publishes. Articles and photographs
Celebrating published in Air Force News cannot
be published elsewhere without
Success permission.
ISSN 1175–2327
NZAirForce
NZDefenceForce
2 | Air Force News #212
FIRST WORD |
First
Word
T
he tragedy in Christchurch on requirement and there were multiple
the 15th of March has been aircraft of each type made available.
rightly described as a nation- Even aircraft that do not have a formal
defining event. Like the rest of the national contingency requirement like
Nation, the RNZAF community has the KA350, were made available within
been impacted in many ways, both at 60 minutes and were gratefully utilised.
personal and professional levels. The The ability to provide this excellent
NZDF responded immediately to this level of support can be attributable to
tragedy and the RNZAF’s immediate you all; in your individual and collective
and continuing contribution has been capacities whether flying, directly
unassuming but impressive. supporting operations or enabling these
critical missions. There were many
This article is actually a rewrite of my
other activities that required NZDF
original First Word – so the Second
support which have been provided
Word (and my last word!). The intent of
without fanfare but with urgency and
this article was to discuss ‘The Strategic
professionalism.
Defence Policy Statement 2018’ which
sets out the Government’s policy Our contribution has also been on a
objectives for the New Zealand Defence personal level. One of our number,
Force. This Statement was released WGCDR Faaryaz Ali who is CO
early in the new Government’s term and Maintenance Wing, has been deeply
sets out the framework of principles and affected by the horrific attack on the
b D ep u ty C hief of Air Force expectations for the NZDF. Muslim Community in Christchurch.
y Ai r Co m m odore MAR K B RU NTO N Faaryaz is a committed Muslim and
One of the key themes was recognising
was in Christchurch for the week after
the NZDF’s contribution in a wider
the tragedy supporting the community.
context than just pure military outcomes.
He is a great example of how we can
Reference to ‘overall wellbeing’ and
“Our military air ‘resilience of New Zealand’ provides
contribute as members of the NZDF and
the wider community to the wellbeing of
an additional lens and focus to our
operations, whether contribution to New Zealand.
New Zealand.
conducted in Community, Nation and World is the
In Faaryaz’s own words:
New Zealand, the
framing statement introduced in the ‘I’m wearing my long sleeve blues for the
policy. This is a nice fit to the service the funeral services, as due to the nature
Pacific or further RNZAF has traditionally provided but of the services being held, SD’s are
also a challenge and focus for our future not practical for praying in the dirt. I’m
afield, are generally outputs. keen to show the community they have
conducted in As I reflect on this theme, the service the
NZDF support, but another major reason
I chose to wear my uniform is that in
providing a service RNZAF has provided to New Zealand
over the last few weeks to support
a small way it hopefully contributes to
to other parties; it’s
confidence in their security, seeing some
agencies through the Christchurch
in their prayer ranks in uniform. I now
tragedy is an exemplar on supporting
what we do.” the community, nation and world and
appreciate the Air Force badge on the
sleeves…almost everyone has been able
contributing to our great nation’s
to identify me as Air Force’.
wellbeing and resilience.
As I conclude my service as the Deputy
In the 48 hours after 15 March, the
Chief, it is statements like that and the
RNZAF transported 332 passengers
service we provide to our community,
and significant freight in B757, C-130 and
nation and world, in all its forms and
KA350 flights to Christchurch.
an on-going basis that makes me
All of the RNZAF’s national readiness immensely proud of being a member of
times were met, in most cases aircraft the RNZAF and NZDF.
were ready to move well within the
Air Force News #212 | 3
| EXERCISES
Tri-Service The New Zealand Defence Force recently conducted
a week-long exercise practising deployment
Amphibious methods used by New Zealand Special Operations
Forces (NZSOF) in the conduct of their operations.
Training “a
balancing act”
V
arious deployment methods Air Force Movements Operator Corporal
were used with the support Mike Dunstan said it was a “balancing
of the Royal New Zealand Air act” to ensure the boats and equipment
Force, Royal New Zealand Navy and were set up correctly and weighted
New Zealand Army. just right so they would fly correctly
underneath their parachutes. The force
NZDF platforms included two C-130
then boarded the NH90 helicopter
Hercules, an NH90 helicopter and
and flew from Canterbury in order to
the RNZN’s strategic sealift ship
conduct “Helocast Drills” (jumping from
HMNZS Canterbury.
helicopters) into the sea. They were then
An NZSOF officer, who we cannot picked up by rigid hull inflatable boat and
name for security reasons said it was carried on with their task.
an exercise in interoperability.
The exercise concluded with NH90s
“It required detailed planning and flying low toward Canterbury, to deploy
control in its execution in order to assault teams by fast-roping onto the
coordinate the various assets to ship while underway.
deliver troops to precise locations on
Ship Amphibious Load Team Warrant
precise timings and operate as a single
Officer Class 2 Tony Adams said
task force, ensuring soldiers could
everyone had to be on point as an
flow seamlessly between the land, sea
endless stream of flights and various
and air.”
craft and their crews were moving to and
The exercise started with two C-130 from the ship at what seemed to be the
ABOVE:
Hercules disembarking boats and same time.
Troops parachuting out soldiers simultaneously via parachute
“However, our training and processes
of a C-130 Hercules into the sea, whose crew then
proved to be sound. We were moving
OPPOSITE:
prepared their boats to navigate
people safely and without delay.”
Troops jumping from an across the sea to marry up with and
NH90 helicopter embark on HMNZS Canterbury.
4 | Air Force News #212
EXERCISES |
“Had the load
failed the soldiers
would have been
stranded in the
middle of the
sea, resulting in
mission failure.”
– Corporal Mike Dunstan
Air Force News #212 | 5
| operations
NH90 Providing Election
Support in the Solomon Islands
Two NH90 helicopters
T
he aircraft and personnel were transport election officials, ballot boxes
flown to the Solomon Islands’ and other election material.
and more than 50 NZDF capital, Honiara, on a Royal “By providing this support we are helping
Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster
personnel have been aircraft, as part of a combined operation
authorities ensure voting material is
delivered across the country before
transporting election with Australia, in response to a request Election Day.”
from the Solomon Islands Electoral
officials, police and voting Commission. Acting Commander Joint Forces
New Zealand Brigadier Jim Bliss said
material to several remote The general election, that took place the operation also supported the
earlier this month was the first since the
communities in Solomon Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon
New Zealand Government’s goal of
deepening defence engagement with
Islands in support of the Islands concluded in 2017. our Pacific neighbours.
country’s general election. RNZAF Squadron Leader Michael Adair
said two NH90 helicopters had been
The combined New Zealand-Australian
operation helped transport officials and
providing back-up transport support as election materials to about 1200 polling
part of a Combined Task Group led by stations spread across six main islands
the Australian Defence Force. and a number of the 900 smaller islands
Since arriving in Honiara in mid-March, that comprise the Solomon Islands.
the helicopters had flown election “Helicopter transport capability is
officials to several remote communities, critical because the polling stations
Squadron Leader Adair said. These are spread out across an archipelago,”
included Taro Island, which is 500km Brigadier Bliss said.
northwest of the capital Honiara, Gizo,
the second-largest town in Solomon In January the NZDF, via a C-130
Islands, about 380km northwest of Hercules, delivered about two tonnes
Honiara, and Munda, a town on the of voting equipment provided by the
island of Munda, 320km northwest Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
of the capital. to the Solomon Islands Electoral
Commission. The New Zealand
“Together with the Australian Defence Government has announced that it would
Force’s MRH90 helicopters, we have also send election observers.
been flying to outlying islands to
6 | Air Force News #212
O P E R AT I O N S |
“The NH90 is ideally
suited to provide
logistic support
because of their
ability to land in
remote locations
and fly for 2.8 hours
without refuelling,”
– Squadron Leader
Michael Adair
Air Force News #212 | 7
F E AT U R E |
TRAINING in
Tough THEATRES
BY ED ITO R
R EB ECCA Q U i lliam
Flying and landing a C-130 Hercules in blackout
conditions either in the battlefield or on a
runway damaged by a natural disaster is just
one of the scenarios No. 40 Squadron crews have
been recently training for.
If that wasn’t challenging enough, they’ve also thrown in tactical flying
and airdrops. Air Force News tagged along for the ride and found out it
wasn’t smooth flying.
F
lying long distances 100m “The more light there is, the better Air Warfare Officer (AWO) Flight
above the ground along the the magnification works, so on a clear Lieutenant Adam Palmer’s main focus
picturesque South Island night, with a full moon and starlight, it’s was around the “Calculated Release
coastline in a nearly windowless almost like us standing in daylight. The Point” for loads dropped out the back
aircraft, with the pilots throwing in a problem is that the brighter it is, the of the plane.
few steep climbs and sudden drops is easier it is to see normally. When there “Anything that comes out of the aircraft
an unsettling experience. is very little light there is a degraded is pretty much the responsibility of
optical picture – so it’s finding a the AWO. I’ll take into account the
However, the training is vital for the
balance between the two.” load weight, the height, the speed and
aircrew who could find themselves
in a theatre of war and are required Safety and Surface personnel ensure figure out the most accurate position to
to take tactical flying measures – the equipment is stored safely and release it from the aircraft so it lands in
no matter how queasy stomachs correctly. Because of the security the desired position.”
become. aspect of the NVG equipment, they are The weight of the load dictates the
kept in a locked case, in a locked room. size of parachute to use as they have
The two-week exercise, based out of
Base Woodbourne, also incorporated Last year Hercules crew took NVG different rates of fall, he said.
Night Vision Goggle (NVG) work and equipment to Tonga after it was hit by Airdrops are capability the Air Force
airdropping loads onto a specific Tropical Cyclone Gita and the status of has used many times, the most recent
mark. The training focused on flying the airfield lights was unknown. in New Zealand was after the Kaikoura
into areas a conventional aircraft earthquake, when a Hercules was
Working out of Woodbourne provided
would avoid, such as battlefields or required to drop loads of water to
the crew with a number of challenges,
countries hit by a natural disaster residents because the roads were
including more planning opportunities
where power to airports could be out impassable.
because they were flying in an unfamiliar
or roads too damaged for supplies to
environment, FLTLT Brown said. “In a wartime scenario it’s about being
reach residents.
“The mountains and the terrain provide able to resupply troops on the ground,”
Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT) Alastair FLTLT Palmer said.
a more complicated environment for the
Brown said the NVG worked by taking
crew members – they need to contend Loadmaster Flight Sergeant (F/S) Dave
ambient light and magnifying it into
with more wind, more updrafts and Cresswell said airdrops had also been
the equipment.
downdrafts, clouds that are socking used for mail, construction equipment
around the hills – it just increases the and stores for remote areas including
difficulty of the task for us.” Raoul and Chatham Islands.
10 | Air Force News #212F E AT U R E |
“ The scenery and terrain is awesome
for the crews – we can tick off mountain
flying techniques and low level flying
techniques are easier to achieve down
here compared to Auckland.”
– Flight Lieutenant Alastair Brown
“Our training has to be at the
highest end, so when we get tasked
to do these kinds of things, we
are as effective as possible.”
Loads can be nearly 10m in length and
can weigh up to nearly 20,000kg.
Putting the loads together were
personnel from 5 Movements
Company. They worked alongside
Air Force logistics staff during
the exercise.
Leading Aircraftman Hayley Hutana
said the role involved “marshalling,
loading and unloading once the
aircraft has landed”. “It’s a vital
part of ground safety.”
Air Force News #211 | 11“We spend a lot of time
showing the guys here
how to adjust their
goggles before their flight
because if that is wrong,
then distance judgement
can be affected – you can
be out maybe 60 or 70
feet and if you’re flying in
a confined environment,
that’s important.”
– Baz Belzile
Flying by T
he day-long Night Vision Goggle Depth perception can also be
Ground Training course is run challenging, but is a skill users are able
by Baz Belzile, who said the to acquire with time, Mr Belzile said.
Moonlight point of the training is to give aircrew
a basic NVG understanding prior
“With NVGs, people use monocular
vision, rather than binocular vision.”
to starting the night phase of flight
training. The students also receive Much of the training is based on
Before pilots and practical training in AMU’s Virtual previous incidents or accidents, Mr
Belzile said. “It’s unfortunate, but you
Terrain Image Generation System that
aircrew can take to the ensures students are taken “from the do take a lot from lessons learned.”
skies wearing Night known to the unknown” in a controlled
environment.
The aircrew learn about detecting
different types of weather, which may
Vision Goggles (NVG), “We not only teach the advantages, not be easily detected through the
they all need to take but also the limitation of NVGs. People goggles. They are taught how to look
outside the goggles, which Mr Belzile
think they see everything - there’s
part in training at Base initially a wow factor when people calls “composite scan”.
Auckland’s Aviation put them on, but then they learn very
quickly there are limits to them.”
“They’ll pick up heavy rain and thick
clouds, but when you get into mist,
Medicine Unit (AMU). Those limitations include reduced light fog and thin clouds, the aircrew
visual acuity, reduced field of view from might be well in to it before they pick
about 180 degrees to 40 degrees and up they are in bad weather. So we
a lack of depth perception. teach the helicopter loadmasters to
alert the pilots if they see that type of
“Most of us see reds, greens and blues
weather ahead and that prompts the
and a combination of those colours
pilots to look outside their NVGs.”
make up the other colours that we see.
The NVGs work inside the visual field of Goggles need energy to work – if
the electromagnetic spectrum but also there is no light source, they don’t
into the infra-red, which is invisible.” work, he said.
“Your best light source out there at
night is obviously the moon and stars.”
12 | Air Force News #212F E AT U R E |
Fuel – Anytime, Anywhere
From war zones to nations devastated by a natural disaster, the Air Force
ensures it can always get its hands on fuel with its Deployable Bulk Fuel
Installation (DBFI) unit.
T
he capability means the Defence The current iteration came out of
Force can deploy fuel to any area Southern Katipo 15 when the team
B y the
that does not have that type of aligned the equipment with the latest
infrastructure support. This makes it a industry standards, SGT Holmden said. N u mbers :
perfect fit for use in the tactical flying A lot of effort has gone into ensuring
exercise as the teams are specifically
training for those environments.
the structure is as environmentally
sound as well as being as safe as
1,500
Litres / minute flow rate
“In a Pacific Island that had been practically possible.
damaged by a natural disaster or
somewhere where fuel stock had been
“Because fuel is hazardous to plant
and animal life, we try to contain as
124,000
compromised, we have the ability to set Litre capacity
much as possible. The tanks are in
this up and get our flying operations up
as soon as possible,” aviation refueller
Sergeant (SGT) Mike Holmden said.
their own self-contained bunds. So if
the tanks gave up and let go, all that 12
fuel would be contained and would Pallets on an aircraft or
The unit was set up at Base not leak into the environment. The drip five truck loads to transport
Woodbourne for the duration of the trays at each joint outside has its own
tactical flying exercise. secondary containment, so if there
are any minor leaks the drip tray can
8
The rubber tanks work in any Hours for a 10 man team to
capture them.”
environment – from the heat of the have it operational
Middle East to the frigid temperatures The fuel that was being used for the
in Antarctica. exercise had been trucked out of
Lyttelton, SGT Holmden said.
The tanks have been in use by the
Air Force since the 1980s and the NZ “If we were overseas, we would try to
Army has a similar set-up for diesel. source the fuel from local operators,
It has been deployed in Bougainville, which in turn puts money back into
Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste and their economy. But we can download
exercises in Fiji. fuel out of the Hercules if we really
needed to.”
Air Force News #212 | 13| MEDIC
New Heights T
wo training flights involving a “When training for aeromedical
specialist trained medical team evacuations of patients by helicopter,
consisting of a nurse, a doctor and we evaluate a number of aspects such
Reached in three medics were held recently as part
of Exercise Starlight Ligatures. During
as teamwork, communication and
coordination among the team, while
Aeromedical
the event, six personnel role-playing as ensuring the safety and continuity of
casualties were transported in an care of patients,” MAJ Greenhough said.
NH90 helicopter.
Exercise
Joint Support Component Commander
“The exercise is part of a number of Group Captain Peter Franken said
activities to maintain currency and although the NZDF did not have a
prepare the team,” said Major (MAJ) dedicated air ambulance, it had been
Dave Greenhough, the Interim Rotary developing an aeromedical evacuation
The Air Force has Wing Aeromedical Evacuation Lead. capability using NH90s.
successfully simulated The NH90 used for the exercise was
reconfigured to function as an air
“It will also enhance our Defence Force’s
response to humanitarian assistance and
evacuating injured ambulance, equipped with essential disaster relief emergencies.”
medical equipment and supplies, he said.
patients to help develop Lieutenant Dan Hirst said as part of the
Once airborne, the patients’ vital signs exercise, eight Force Health Protection
its helicopter aeromedical were monitored and patient care staff had also been working with the
evacuation capability. continued throughout the 15-minute
flight from RNZAF Base Ohakea to
local Public Health Unit to practise
their skills in assessing drinking water
Languards Bluff in Whanganui. quality, soil quality, waste management,
sanitation and food safety.
14 | Air Force News #212“The capability to transport
our servicemen and women
from the point of injury to
the next level of care is vital
to enhancing their medical
outcomes and will provide
critical support to real-world
operations.”
– Group Captain Peter Franken
“When we deploy on operations or “Realistic simulation replicates the From then until the late 1990s the
exercises in New Zealand or overseas, challenging environment and the Air Force was heavily involved in
we ensure that environmental health difficulties aeromedical evacuation New Zealand supporting domestic
threats are dealt with so that our teams face. civilian transport, inter-hospital, point
personnel remain healthy to achieve their “Working in the actual environment of injury and Search and Rescue. Now
mission,” he said. with the individuals and equipment you due to increased demand New Zealand
would really use prepares our people. civilian services have largely taken over
Appropriate training teaches
However our health clinicians also need this role.
aeromedical evacuation teams how
to work well under pressure, realistic to encounter these problems for real.” Before the dawning of the civilian
scenarios bring out the best in the Historically the Air Force has played a services our military aviation evacuation
individual and team. These conditions pivotal role in aeromedical evacuation clinicians were flying all the time at
must be trained and prepared for, which both domestically and abroad. In 1922 home. Domestic work prepared them
is only achieved with real flying time. George Bolt flew surgeon Carrick to be permanently ready to deploy and
Robertson to an urgent call in the work in that role.
These training flights are a simulated high
level of care for an increasing dependency Waikato. In the 1940s Douglas Dakota To prepare for the role today we need
up to the transport of a mechanically flights repatriated casualties from battle our clinicians flying again so they
ventilated patient from the R2. zones such as the Guadalcanal and are fully prepared in peace and war.
the occupation of Japan. In the 1950s Travelling full circle it is time to capitalise
Officer in Charge of the Aviation
the Bristol Freighter carried casualties on the opportunities to work with the
Medicine Unit Gus Cabre said mistakes
from Malaya. civilian sector and get our aviation
could be easily made during complicated
evacuation clinicians in the air.
situations.
Air Force News #212 | 15| grad u ation
Pilots and
Helicopter
Loadmasters
Graduate
Seven new pilots and
three new helicopter
loadmasters have
graduated at
Base Ohakea. The
graduates received
their brevets from the
Chief of Air Force Air
Vice-Marshal (AVM)
Andrew Clark in
front of proud family,
friends and fellow Air
I
n his speech AVM Clark congratulated and seeing the Texan flying, but it’s good to
the graduates on their hard work and move on with exciting challenges ahead.”
Force personnel. commitment and for demonstrating
Pilot Officer James Robertson-Bickers
that they possessed the necessary
received the Wigram Trophy.
ethos to perform their duties.
All the new pilots will either be posted
“You can wear your brevets with a sense
to the RNZAF rotary wing fleet and learn
of accomplishment and as a reminder of
the skills of flying helicopters on the
the high standard you have achieved and
A109 Light Utility Helicopter at
are now committed to maintain.
No. 3 Squadron, or, will fly RNZAF fixed-
“From here on, your careers will continue wing aircraft and will learn this skill at
to be demanding, rewarding and at No. 42 Squadron on the Beechcraft
times exhilarating. They may also be King Air 350.
dangerous.”
The helicopter pilots will then go on to
Managing risk was a core part of the fly the NH90 Medium Utility helicopter or
grad u ates : military aviation profession, he said. SH-2G(I) Seasprite helicopters at No. 3
or No. 6 Squadron respectively, whilst
1 7 / 2 P i lots course “Sometimes the challenge you encounter
the fixed-wing pilots will go on fly either
will be uncomfortable, inconvenient and
FGOFF Jason Anderson the C-130H(NZ) Hercules or Boeing
will require self-sacrifice. That’s why
PLTOFF Hayley Vincent 757-2K2 at No. 40 Squadron, or the
we also draw on our military values of
P-3K2 Orion at No. 5 Squadron at Base
PLTOFF Brandon Marr courage, commitment and comradeship.”
Auckland.
FGOFF Cody Hughes The Royal New Zealand Air Force
The helicopter loadmasters will now be
SLT Kent Wheeler Sword of Honour was awarded to Flying
streamed into working as air crew for
Officer (FGOFF) Jason Anderson as the
FGOFF J. Robertson-Bickers either the A109 or NH90 aircraft at No. 3
graduate who achieved a distinguished
FGOFF Benjamin Johnson Squadron at Base Ohakea.
pass in all phases of the course. He was
also awarded the De Lange Trophy. Acting Corporal Drew Manning said
1 8 / 2 H el i copter being a helicopter loadmaster “is not
bas i c course The new pilot will be starting his career
your average job”.
in the rotary wing flying helicopters.
A/CPL Drew Manning
“I’m looking forward to getting out there
A/CPL Alex Shepherd “I was looking for an exciting day-to-day
and into it every day and just knowing
role and helicopters tick that box,” he said.
A/CPL Adam Brown that you’re working towards something
“Graduation has been a long time coming that’s going to help the country and the
and there was a bit of nostalgia driving in Defence Force – it’s a really fulfilling job.”
16 | Air Force News #212Skyhawk
Dedication
There was a double
celebration at Base
Ohakea on graduation
C
hief of Air Force Air Vice- They were a stunning breath of fresh
day, with a rebuilt Marshal (AVM) Andrew Clark air for the combat capability and were
Mcdonnell Douglas and Wing Commander (rtd) John homed primarily with No. 75 Squadron.
Scrimshaw, who trained in the aircraft
TA-4K Skyhawk when they were bought in 1970, unveiled
Considered a “multi-role” platform, the
aircraft was capable of conducting
NZ6257 taking pride a plaque at the dedication ceremony. fighter ground attack, air-to-air and
The air combat force had been a central maritime strike operations.
of place outside the aspect of the Air Force, AVM Clark told In the late 1980s, the fleet underwent
Officer’s Mess. guests at the service. a significant upgrade, “Project Kahu”,
“About half of the period we had an which dramatically improved their
air combat force, we operated the capability and vastly extended their
Skyhawks. For a long time the air combat working lives.
force was a huge part of the Air Force.” The Skyhawks were withdrawn from
It was a “fitting tribute” to have one of the service following the disbandment of the
aircraft displayed at the base, he said. air combat force in 2001.
The Air Force purchased 10 A-4K and four
TA-4K Skyhawks from the United States.
The numbers increased in 1984 when an
extra 10 surplus Skyhawks were bought
from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
Air Force News #212 | 17Calling for help
This month Air Force News compares the evolution of emergency beacons.
All aircraft need to have lifesaving equipment on board in case of
emergencies and we see the interesting developments over time with the
devices used to call for help.
‘Gibson Girl’ emergency transmitter
YEAR: 1944
Survival in the event of an emergency has always been a concern for air crew flying over water. During
World War II, the US produced an emergency radio transmitter, based on a captured German design,
to assist rescue efforts at sea. Officially called the SCR-578, it was commonly known as the ‘Gibson
Girl’ (a reference to the personification of feminine beauty in the late 19th and early 20th centuries)
on account of its hourglass shape. The Gibson Girl was designed to be used in a lifeboat, with its
distinctive curved shape enabling the user to hold it steady between their thighs. It was powered by a
crank handle generator, which produced a distress signal, in Morse Code. These radios were carried in
RNZAF aircraft through until the 1980s.
From the collection of the Air Force Museum of New Zealand
18 | Air Force News #212NOW AND THEN |
MR509/2 Personal Locator Beacon
YEAR: 2014
The primary equipment employed by the RNZAF to aid in search and rescue missions for downed
or distressed aircrew, the MR509/2 PLB is carried by all aircrew and fitted to rescue equipment
such as life rafts. It provides a quick and easy means for personnel to beckon for help, whether
downed in the sea or stranded on a mountain. It is GPS equipped to facilitate accurate location,
and moreover it enables two-way communication with rescue services providing that reassurance
that you’ve been found and that help is on the way. Even if you are unable to activate the PLB
yourself it will automatically activate in water.
Air Force News #212 | 19| NANOGIRL
Nanogirl Joins
the RNZAF
b Sq uadron Leader
y R ebecca ‘G eorge’ Magdalinos
At a commissioning
ceremony held recently
Chief of Air Force Air
Vice-Marshal (AVM)
Andrew Clark appointed
Dr Michelle Dickinson
(MNZM) to the honorary
rank of Wing Commander
in the Royal New Zealand
Air Force.
D
r Dickinson has deep roots with AVM Clark said the appointment was
the Air Force growing up on made in recognition of the significant
various bases around the United contribution to the RNZAF Dr Dickinson
Kingdom and suggests this led her into has provided over several years,
the world of engineering and science particularly as part of the RNZAF STEM
from a young age. investment/outreach programmes.
Known around the world as ‘Nanogirl’ It is also an acknowledgment of
“Dr Dickinson is a Dr Dickinson and the Nanogirl Labs team the shared values across the two
significant role model, are passionate advocates for making organisations and planned collaborative
activity going forward.
Science, Technology, Engineering and
we’re really proud to Maths (STEM) accessible to all children The RNZAF has a goal of attracting
work alongside her and a topic of conversation in every
household.
diverse talent in greater numbers to our
organisation and presently has several
and the Nanogirl Labs With accolades including membership STEM and aviation orientated outreach
team doing our part of the New Zealand Order of Merit, programmes offered to the community.
Dr Dickenson is a recipient of the
to ensure equality of Women of Influence award (Science
Wing Commander Dickinson will be
hosted at RNZAF Base Whenuapai and
opportunity in the and Innovation), the Sir Peter Blake
Leadership award, the Prime Minister’s
joins six other honorary officers, holding
the title for a period of three years.
STEM space for Kiwi Science Media Communication Prize
and the New Zealand Association of
children right across Scientists Science Communication
New Zealand.”
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
award. She is also the author of two Squadron Leader
highly successful books No 8 Recharged Rebecca ‘George’ Magdalinos,
– Air Vice-Marshal Andrew Clark and The Kitchen Science Cookbook. Dr Michelle Dickinson
20 | Air Force News #212MIXED REALITY |
Mixed Reality a In a small facility tucked away in a corner of Devonport
Naval Base, a group of dedicated researchers are
Future Reality investigating how our future Air Force leaders could
be using mixed reality during operational planning.
b editor
T
y rebecca qu illiam
he work, being undertaken at The technology uses an ADS-B
Defence Technology Agency, (Automatic Dependent Surveillance –
involves a holographic map with Broadcast) receiver and antenna to track
real time display of nearby aircraft, seen aircraft automatically broadcasting their
through specialised goggles. identity, altitude, and position.
Research scientist Iain Gillies, who Research scientist Paul Garnham said
developed the software for the by 2021 all New Zealand general aviation
Microsoft HoloLens, said it was known aircraft flying in controlled airspace will
as “mixed reality” because the user need to be ADS-B-capable.
could see the hologram over the Some aircraft, including the new King Air
outside environment, meaning they KA350s already have that technology,
were still aware of the real world. but all Air Force aircraft will need to be
“This one here could be used in a upgraded and the Ministry of Defence
Command and Control situation. This has initiated a project to do just that.
application could be used in planning The range of the detection is line of
missions and airspace coordination – sight, which means the detection range
“ It’s neat technology especially if you want an understanding
of where everyone is going to be in
is dependent on the antenna’s location
and height.
and we just need to each area of operations. That can all be
“We’ve got one on Mt Victoria, Auckland,
visualised on the map quite well.
find out the best space “When a map is three dimensional, it
and we can see aircraft at altitudes
to use it.” gives far more than what is used at the
of 30,000ft above Whanganui,” Mr
Garnham said.
moment with a 2D screen,” he said.
– Iain Gillies
Air Force News #212 | 21| A ll geared u p
Flying High
Our parachute team is kitted out in
advanced specialist equipment.
Every item is designed with the
absolute safety of the wearer
in mind. The same gear is
also used by our Kiwi Blue
parachute team, which has
entertained audiences
around the country – most
recently at the Wings over
Wairarapa airshow.
Kiwi Blue Jump Suit
The suit, built by Toni Suits
in the USA, is specifically
designed to match the
harness and main canopy Parachute
of the Javelin Parachute The Javelin Parachute
System. It also has System is used by
grippers on the upper arms the Parachute Jump
to allow for linked exits and Instructors in all training
formation flying. and Kiwi Blue descents.
It is a combination of the
following parts:
• Javelin Odyssey
Harness Container
• Sabre 2 Main canopy
• PD Optimum Reserve
Canopy
• Expert CYPRES AAD
22 | Air Force News #212all geared u p |
Parachute Safety
Mechanism
The CYPRES
(Cybernetic Parachute
Release System) is
designed to activate the
reserve parachute at a
pre-set altitude if the
rate of descent is over a
certain threshold.
G3 helmet
The G3 is a full face skydiving
helmet. It is designed to
give an unbeatable field
of vision and enhanced
communication. Special
technology makes sure the
visor will stay in place in even
the most extreme situations.
Flag
ALFA Altimeter The parachutist display flag assembly is
utilised by the Kiwi Blue parachute team.
The ALFA is a visual Altimeter which Audible Altimeter (Dytter) The team flys the New Zealand National
gives accurate and reliable altitude
Flag and the RNZAF Ensign. The flags
information. It is worn on the jumper’s The Solo is an audible Altimeter that is are designed to increase the visual
left wrist and together with the located in the helmet It is an additional impact and footprint of the RNZAF and
audible Altimeter, makes the perfect means of altitude awareness. It has New Zealand.
altitude awareness system. three freefall warning altitudes to help
keep track of where the parachutist is
in the sky.
Air Force News #212 | 23| # facesofyo u rforce
Work “M
ost of my time is instructing “People talk about MH370 and it’s an
on the P-3K2 Orion. I interesting story, but it’s also a massive
also provide additional mystery.
Flexibility Key supervision and management of the
pilots and crews on the unit,” he said.
“We didn’t think for a second we were
even going to get to the search site,
for Reservist SQNLDR Hogan became a reservist
around five years ago, after almost 17
because we thought it would turn up
and then when we got there, we thought
years in the regular force spending three we would be able to find it, but then we
years initially as an avionics technician didn’t. And we didn’t find it the next day
b editor and then 14 years as a pilot. and the next day and we were really
y rebecca qu i lliam
scratching our heads.
“When I left there were aspects of the
job that I enjoyed, in particular the flying “We were working really hard. There
is quite different and working more was also massive media presence – I
A flexible working closely with the people and crews.” was doing radio interviews every day
arrangement at Air New “I also really like the Orions, I’ve flown in
and was on the news shows. Then new
information came in and we moved down
Zealand has ensured them for the better part of 14 years – it’s
like an old car that you really love.”
to the Southern Indian Ocean out of
that pilot and reservist, Having an experienced reservist return
Perth and again we thought we would
find it, and then we didn’t – no one did.
Squadron Leader to work on a regular basis is beneficial It’s a real mystery and it still bugs me.”
in a job that relies heavily on experience
(SQNLDR) Marcus Hogan, to not only to keep personnel safe, but
SQNLDR Hogan will soon be scaling
back his reserve work as he is due a
has been able to spend make the aircraft effective as a platform.
promotion at Air New Zealand and will
Working with the P-3K2 Orion meant
a quarter of his time working with a big team, a complicated,
become a Captain on the Airbus A320.
“But I’ll maybe stay involved in some
working as an instructor at demanding military role and from a
capacity and will stay on the reserve.
team perspective, “there’s nothing
No. 5 Squadron. harder than getting a group of between
Who knows what will happen with the
Orion exiting service and the Poseidon
10–15 individuals to work together to
coming into service though – it’ll be easy
accomplish some pretty amazing tasks”,
to come back.”
he said.
One amazing task he was involved in
was the search for the missing Malaysia
Airlines flight MH370 a Boeing 777,
which is coincidentally what he currently
flies for Air New Zealand.
24 | Air Force News #212# facesofyo u rforce |
Airman “W
e conduct phone checks The calls are scripted and the messages
with the North Korean side are relayed in English and Korean.
twice a day and I regularly
Regular Caller
FLTLT Garnett is based at Camp Bonifas,
pass on or receive messages from them a UN Command military post 400 metres
via the hotline,” said Flight Lieutenant south of the southern boundary of
on North
(FLTLT) Daniel Garnett, who is the the Demilitarized Zone. He is part of a
Assistant Joint Duty Officer in the United six-member team that monitors the 1953
Nations Command Military Armistice
Korea Hotline
Korean Armistice Agreement between
Commission Secretariat (UNCMAC-S). North and South Korea at the Joint
“Our team talks to them all the time, Security Area in the zone.
though we send a lot more messages As part of his role, he helps supervise
than we receive,” he said. access to the Joint Security Area at
At least twice a day, an Regarded as a bellwether of inter-Korean Panmunjom.
Air Force officer serving relations, the hotline at Panmunjom, the “New Zealand gets an incredible degree
truce village inside the Demilitarized of exposure through this mission, since
at the heavily militarised Zone (DMZ), was reactivated in mid-2018 we fill several roles in the UNCMAC-S and
following the warming relations between
border between North the once-hostile neighbours.
interact with a wide range of stakeholders.
It is very rewarding,” he said.
and South Korea calls the Before that North Korea had not In the latest sign of increasingly warm
North on a hotline. answered the hotline for more than relations, FLTLT Garnett said all
five years, in retaliation for the United weapons had been removed and all
Nations sanctions imposed on guard towers abandoned in the Joint
Pyongyang following a nuclear test on Security Area, the point along the
February 2013. 250-kilometre-long Demilitarized Zone,
“ We know each Since he was posted to South Korea where South and North Korean soldiers
last October, FLTLT Garnett said he used to stand face to face armed with
other’s names, had passed on messages informing automatic rifles.
some are friendlier North Korea of the use of helicopters in
the Demilitarized Zone, repatriation of
“Only 30 security personnel remain and
than others – one
we share security footage with the North
remains of North Korean troops killed Koreans. It is truly remarkable,” he said.
greeted me with
during the Korean War, and meetings
and routine building maintenance at the
‘Happy New Year’ border.
in January.”
Air Force News #212 | 25| TOP CLASS
Airmen Top T
his is only the second time This engagement has resulted in the
RNZAF Intelligence Officers have RNZAF securing slots on training
attended the BIOC, with the first courses in both Canada and the United
Canadian student graduating early last year.
The students’ Commanding Office, Wing
Kingdom, and while Australia remains
our closest partner, this has presented a
Course
great opportunity for wider networking
Commander (WGCDR) Rachel James,
and junior officer development.
said that they felt fortunate to have had the
opportunity to be taught by the Canadian RNZAF Intelligence Specialists
Armed Forces on BIOC. (non-commissioned personnel) have
Two RNZAF conducted training courses in Canada
“They tell me the course was challenging,
Intelligence Officers but the staff were resoundingly
for a number of years with similar
excellent results.
knowledgeable and caring. Although the
recently graduated result was pleasing, they will be most In 2018, with the Chief of Defence
from the Canadian grateful for the connections they’ve Intelligence’s support, the RNZAF
made with course mates. For them the embedded an NCO instructor into one of
Armed Forces (CAF) experience lived up to the hype. “While the specialist schools, in order to grow
Basic Intelligence the course was long and challenging, the some capacity with a view to bringing
chance to build relationships with their portions of intelligence training back
Officer Course Canadian course mates and learn from to New Zealand – an aim of the Joint
their highly experienced instructors was Intelligence Programme. Other initiatives
(BIOC) in Kingston, definitely worth the trip. Both of them are currently being scoped which could
representing us topping the course was the cherry on top.. see additional RNZAF Intelligence
Specialists in Canada later in 2019.
proudly by finishing Prior to 2017, Intelligence Officer training
had been conducted primarily through
first and second on the the Australian Defence Force, however
high demand for Australian training has
course - from a total of challenged their capacity to support
20 students. RNZAF training and Trade Leaders
have had to look to other Five Eyes
partners for complementary training
opportunities.
26 | Air Force News #212recognising excellence |
NZDF
We were hearing
that our people
were sometimes
Awarded Top reluctant to ask
for help.”
Health Prize The traits
that make us
a successful
fighting force
– being strong,
The New Zealand Defence self-reliant and
Force’s Integrated in control –
could also make
Wellness and Mental us vulnerable
because it makes
Health team has won it harder to ask
the Health Safety and for help, Colonel
Bennett said.
Wellbeing Award at “So this was
the Human Resources and still is our
challenge –
Institute of New Zealand to decrease
(HRINZ) Awards, held at mental ill health
and increase
Sky City in Auckland. help-seeking
behaviour.”
H
RINZ holds the awards
The team’s focus
annually to recognise excellence
was to shift from a
within the New Zealand human
treatment-focused
resources community.
model of care to
The award recognises excellence and a comprehensive
outstanding achievements in the health, health and
safety and wellbeing of employees in wellness model
their workplace. that placed
“The programme has turned strategy
Chief Mental Health Officer Colonel importance on mental, physical, social
into tangible outputs – new policies,
Clare Bennett said the team’s initiative and spiritual health.
practices, projects, and accessible tools
was a programme focused on improving The team also developed a range of and resources, and a strong focus on
the mental health and wellbeing of our resources to equip people with the how leadership influences the culture for
personnel. information and tools to recognise and positive mental wellbeing.”
“We are a subset of the New Zealand manage wellbeing challenges, and to
The result had been improved mental
population, with similar rates of mental know when it was time to seek help and
health and wellbeing, and an increase in
ill-health as everyday New Zealanders,” how to find help.
help-seeking behaviour, she said.
Colonel Bennett said. “Plus, the nature of “These tools have been shared across
“NZDF is still at the beginning of its
our work and military lifestyle can place the Government sector and many other
health and wellbeing journey, but we are
unique demands on our personnel and organisations,” Colonel Bennett said.
celebrating the progress that has been
their families.
made so far.”
Long-distance
flying is in our DNA
Reach
The ability to project military power over long distances
largely unconstrained by physical barriers
Air Power in Action| A
L ogistics
IR POWER
Air Power –
Intelligence,
Surveillance &
Reconnaissance
The first use of air
D
etails of the unfolding battle of other nations. In the same manner,
was reported to commanders, sea lanes and maritime areas are
power was to observe enhancing their situational monitored for illegal activities, to ensure
awareness and informing their decisions. international sanctions are upheld, or to
the battlefield from the Until 1911, this role was usually performed support government agencies.
air; the advantage of using manned balloons but in October of
For example, No 5 Squadron RNZAF has
that year the first reconnaissance flight
height allowing more to using powered aircraft was undertaken
recently conducted surveillance missions
in New Zealand waters, and around the
be seen than is possible by the Italians during the Italo-Turkish
War in Libya. Later, during WWI, scouting
world, for the following purposes:
from the ground. aircraft were regularly reconnoitring the • Identify illegal fishing activities
battlefronts of Europe. in the Ross Sea.
Reconnaissance, and its companions • Monitor UN sanctions against
surveillance and intelligence, remain North Korea.
fundamental to air power, and to the • Carrying out a census of
conduct of warfare itself. Collectively, southern right whales in New
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands.
Reconnaissance (ISR) has far wider
• Cyclone and earthquake
applicability than just on the battlefield
damage reconnaissance.
and is central to a country’s ability to
understand what is happening within its • Identify acts of piracy, and
This article is part of an occasional people and drug trafficking in
borders, and outlying maritime region.
series of articles produced by the the Middle East.
Air Power Development Centre to help ISR aircraft are routinely deployed into
international waters to monitor sea lines • Various search and rescue
demystify the concepts of air power, so missions in the Pacific.
of communication, more commonly
we can all understand how air forces referred to as sea lanes, in order to
use air capabilities to influence the ensure that international trade is not
course of events. impeded by pirates or arbitrary actions
28 | Air Force News #212S u pporting o u r
A I regions
R POWER |
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
Catalina
Short Sunderland
P-8A Poseidon
P-3K2 Orion
When required, other Air Force However, we may see aircraft based details such as weather, cultural, and
squadrons also undertake surveillance surveillance of the EEZ being geographical aspects relevant to the
and reconnaissance missions such supplemented with Earth observation situation.
as a No. 40 Squadron C-130 aircraft satellites. The strategic role of ISR is to enable
dispatched to look at forest fires on Reconnaissance is slightly different. decision superiority by providing
the Chatham Islands, a No. 3 Squadron It is a specific mission undertaken to key pieces of data, information, and
NH90 helicopter conducting aerial obtain, by visual observation or other intelligence that assists the Air Force,
patrols of Fiordland, and a No. 42 detection methods, information about NZDF, and New Zealand Government
Squadron B200 King Air aircraft the activities and resources of an in achieving its objectives. ISR’s
deployed to assess cyclone damage in adversary, or potential adversary, or tactical role is to provide battlespace
the Pacific. to secure geographical data about a awareness, and information superiority,
But, what do we mean by the terms particular area. While surveillance may and therefore, decision superiority to
Intelligence, Surveillance, and detect something amiss in an area, military commanders. Basically, ISR
Reconnaissance? First we will start with reconnaissance is about understanding involves getting the right information to
surveillance, which is the systematic what is going on. Further, in terms of the right people, in the right format, at
observation of air, surface or subsurface disaster relief, reconnaissance is vital the right time.
areas, and places, by visual, aural, to understand the effects of a cyclone, By providing the best possible
electronic, photographic, or other earthquake, or tsunami. From the intelligence to the military commander,
means. Simply put, surveillance is a information gained, appropriate support they can plan and make the best
wide-area search carried out over a long can be provided to the communities operational decisions. Air and satellite
period of time and is about monitoring requiring assistance. based ISR is used to achieve an early
and collecting information about an Intelligence is the product resulting from awareness of potential crisis points and
area of observation, and looking for the processing of information gained enhance the quality of political and high-
abnormalities and potential threats within during surveillance and reconnaissance level military understanding that leads to
that area. In terms of New Zealand’s missions. It provides national informed decision-making.
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), leadership, or military commanders, an
airborne surveillance is carried out understanding of what is happening in
regularly and will continue well into an area of concern, including supporting
the future.
Air Force News #212 | 29| OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
Show Wing Commander Dave Brenssell has some advice
to Limited Service Volunteers (LSV): Work hard, show
Ability and ability and the opportunities will come.
Opportunity
W
GCDR Brenssell should know “I’ve developed to be a senior officer
Will Knock – he was one of those recruits,
on the first-ever Air Force LSV
now, and a leader, but probably the
genesis of that was back then because
course in 1984. I had the time and the capacity to have
a bit of a think about it, so I was able
b S enior comm u nications advisor He did it because he wanted to join the
to achieve quickly when I got into the
y SHARON LU N DY Air Force after finishing college but there
organisation.”
were no intakes until later in the year.
The then Labour Department mentioned The opportunity WGCDR Brenssell had
the LSV course and 35 years later he’s will be available to more young people
still serving. with the doubling of the programme
to 1600 by next year. A 160-bed $11
“It really boils down to two things and
million purpose-built facility will open
when I talk to younger people I tell them,
at Whenuapai in June and will offer five
it’s about ability and opportunity. It’s a bit
courses a year, while the existing facility
of a chicken and egg-type scenario – you
at Burnham Military Camp will continue
demonstrate the ability and you’ll get an
to cater for five intakes of 120 each year.
opportunity,” he said.
As well, a 90-bed facility at Trentham in
Above left:
“It was a simple piece of advice given to Upper Hutt will offer four courses a year.
Wing Commander Dave me when I was young, and it’s paid off.”
LSV is a Ministry of Social Development
Brenssell at a recent
Doing the LSV course didn’t exempt him course, run in partnership with the New
commemoration
from doing any part of his recruit training Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), and
Above right but it did give him an insight into, and currently runs for six weeks, rather than
& opposite page:
preparation for, military life. the 20 weeks when WGCDR Brenssell
Wing Commander Dave
Brenssell at the first LSV enrolled.
course, 1984
30 | Air Force News #212OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS |
The huge growth in the scheme’s The importance of getting the right WGCDR Brenssell encouraged
capacity is also opening up opportunities people, and the value they add, has been personnel wanting to give back to
for NZDF personnel interested in training recognised with the move to make those “New Zealand Inc” to consider
youth who are ready to get more out of trainers Youth Development Specialists. the trade.
their lives.
“Over the years we’ve relied on people “You’re not there to change people’s
Assistant Chief of Defence posting in from all over the services, and lives. You’re there to assist them, and
Reserves Youth and Sports Captain that’s fine and we want that to continue find them a different perspective.
Simon Rooke said 52 extra trainers and to some degree,” CAPT Rooke said. I don’t think you should be going
staff were needed, mainly in Auckland there thinking ‘I’m going to change
“But what we’re doing now is putting all
(Whenuapai) and Wellington (Trentham), somebody’s life’, ‘I’m going to be a
the brickwork together to make sure
to add to the current 98 Youth saviour’. It’s not like that. It’s about
those people are of a standard required
Development Unit personnel. your skills being available to other
by legislation, that the training they have
“We’re working to form our training to do is better understood and able to people so they can look at you from
teams, get them into location and ensure be delivered, and that it’s a much more a values perspective … and being a
they are fully prepared to provide the rewarding career pathway for individuals sounding board.
unique training required to support the who commit to it. “I suspect the biggest job you will do
LSV programme,” he said. in a job like that will be listen, because
“We want to set this towards a
“There are some unique skills sets professional trade group who are youth if you can’t listen then you’re probably
Youth Development staff require. Our development people.” missing the point.”
instructors really enjoy the variety and
reward the role offers, and we’re always
ready to welcome anyone who would like
to make a positive contribution to LSV
by joining the YDU team in Auckland,
Wellington, or Christchurch.”
Air Force News #212 | 31You can also read
