Training Role For Helicopters

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31018, 25 March 1966, Page 1

Training Role For Helicopters

The six Bell 47G Sioux helicopters nowbeing used by No. 3 (Battlefield Support) Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force were all required for training purposes, said the commander of the squadron (Squadron Leader G. C. Hubbard) yesterday. He had been asked whether

any might be used overseas or in any New Zealand area other than their Auckland base.

“We require them all this year to get our crews trained, but as time permits some will be used in exercises with the Army,” he said. Squadron Leader Hubbard arrived in Christchurch yesterday to demonstrate the helicopter, particularly to officers attending the major “Army 66” exercise at Burnham Mitoary Camp which will begin t£ay.

Squadron Leader Hubbard said that five pilots were being trained—three Army and two Royal New Zealand Air Force officers —and another four would begin training in May. Eventually the Army would take over the Sioux machines and the R.N.Z.A.F. would retain control of the five larger Iroquois helicopters, the first of which was expected in New Zealand about the middle of the year. The Sioux helicopter which arrived Christchurch air-

port in an R.N.Z.A.F. Hercules yesterday morning is a standard model modified to R.N.Z.A.F. requirements. It

has flown for 20 hours. After it was unloaded a crane lifted the 32ft rotor blade into position, and within 40 minutes two mechanics had it ready to be test-flown by Squadron Leader Hubbard.

The photograph shows the helicopter taking off from Christchurch Airport.