No. 285 Squadron

Role

The role of No. 285 Squadron is to provide aircrew and ground support training for Air Lift Group units located at RAAF Richmond.

What work is undertaken

The primary task undertaken by the unit is to provide training in any of the 97 different courses required by Air Lift Group. The Squadron typically conducts over two hundred courses each year which range from 2 days to 16 weeks in length.

Types of mustering/specialisations

The majority of personnel come from the aircraft related musterings within the transport stream, those being Pilot, Navigator, Flight Engineer, Loadmaster, Crew Attendant, Avionics Technician and Aircraft Technician, all of whom are involved in course instruction and development.

The instructors are supported by a small number of Administration, Logistics, and Computer Support personnel.

Equipment

To assist with training, 285SQN manages three Level 5 Full Flight Simulators that replicate the operation of the C130H, C130J and B707 aircraft. 285SQN also maintains three decommissioned C130E static training aircraft.

History

No. 285 Squadron is a relatively new unit having been formed on 24 August 1999. The unit was formed by the amalgamation of 33SQN, 36SQN and 37SQN training flights and the 503 Wing Field training flight to form a centre of excellence for Air Lift Group training.

Location

No. 285 Squadron is located in Western Sydney at RAAF Base Richmond. Our address is

285SQN
Percival Street
RAAF Base
Richmond NSW 2755