Up to four RNZAF Iroquois will take part in a night flying exercise over the coming weeks, designed to train aircrew in conducting night vision goggle (NVG) operations, and train ground crew in night time aircraft maintenance.
Exercise PEKAPEKA 11 will see the Iroquois pilots and support personnel from No.3 Squadron operate out of RNZAF Ohakea and train around the Waiouru, Taihape, Turangi and Kaimanawa Ranges between May 16 and 27. Operations are set to start from midday to 0200 hours on some nights, with the Kapiti and Wanganui areas to be used as alternative training zones in case of bad weather.
“Flying at night provides a different set of challenges than flying during the day, and we need to ensure our crews are trained to operate effectively at any hour,” RNZAF Detachment Commander Squadron Leader Oliver Bint said. “This is especially the case given the varied nature of the tasks No. 3 Squadron is on standby to support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Such tasks include counter-terrorism response, search and rescue, and support to any Civil Defence or disaster relief operations.”
