RAAF outlines Salt Ash Air Weapons Range flying program July to December 2022

RAAF Base Williamtown Hawk Lead-In Fighter aircraft return to the Salt Ash Air Weapons Range (SAAWR) to conduct training for fighter jet aircrew as from Monday 25 July to Friday 19 August 2022.

Operations are scheduled on week days only and between 9am to 5pm.

Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Tim Alsop said residents living in East Medowie, Salt Ash and Lemon Tree Passage can expect the range to be used consistently throughout this period.

“Aircrew always minimise their use of the range; once proficiency has been attained, they move onto the next stage of their course.’’

“Air Force has a responsibility to ensure personnel are ready and able to deploy at short notice and this involves necessary air to ground training that is employed at SAAWR,’’ he said.

A fourth week may be scheduled if weather conditions restrict training objectives, AIRCDRE Alsop advised.

“There is currently no programed training scheduled for F-35A Lightning II aircraft on SAAWR. We will advise if the program changes.”

Pilatus PC-21 aircraft from No. 4 Squadron will also use the range intermittently, as well as Combat Controllers who will conduct blank firing training activities from the ground".

AIRCDRE Alsop said every effort was made to minimise any inconvenience to residents during SAAWR training and advised the range schedule could change at short notice due to weather or operational considerations.

Members of the community seeking further information are invited to call 1800 033 200, or refer to the Aircraft Noise site

Imagery of Hawk Lead-in Fighter aircraft can be found on the Defence Image Gallery.

For more information, visit the Defence Aircraft Noise website or call 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362).