Flying activity for Exercise Pitch Black 26 will be conducted from 20 July to 6 August 2026, bringing together Royal Australian Air Force personnel and international partners.
During this period, residents in and around operating bases may notice increased aircraft movements, including both day and night flying.
Flying periods during Exercise Pitch Black 2026 from RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal are outlined below. These schedules are designed to maximise training outcomes while minimising disruption to local communities, with flying generally occurring in designated daytime and evening windows.
| Monday 20 July |
0900-1315 1530-1930 - mid afternoon |
| Tuesday 21 July |
0900-1315 1530-1900 |
| Wednesday 22 July |
0900-1230 1530-1945 |
| Thursday 23 July |
0900-1315 1600-1840 |
| Friday 24 July | 0900-1315 |
| Monday 27 – Thursday 30 July |
1300-1600 1930-2200 evening |
| Monday 3 August | 1930-2200 |
| Tuesday 4 – Thursday 6 August |
1300-1600 1930-2200 |