15 February 2011
Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules aircrew from No. 40 Squadron will be conducting their combat qualification exercise (TACEX) around the South Island from 14 – 25 February.
The exercise trains aircrew in C-130 tactical operations and will include mountain flying, live airdrop operations involving heavy equipment and container delivery systems and combat off-load procedures.
Based out of the Air Force’s Air Movements terminal in Christchurch, flights will take place around the Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains, Wanaka and along the West Coast.
C-130 Hercules Flight Commander Squadron Leader Andy Scott said the type of flying done during TACEX is to ensure aircrews are familiar with the type of operations that are often used in operations, including overseas deployments.
“Flying at 250ft above ground level means there are a number of challenges the aircrew face when tactical flying. With the training on exercises such as TACEX, it means crews are able to perform with confidence when it comes to flying in combat situations or disaster relief.”
NZDF
