IN response to questions about whether there are more of its aircraft flying over the northern suburbs the Department of Defence says its aircraft operations in the area are consistent with previous years.
A Defence spokeswoman said at times, some Defence activities required increased flying operations for short periods but did not give any detail about those times and whether they were recent.
She said Republic of Singapore Air Force aircraft based at Pearce air base also used the training area airspace.
Pearce air base is one of the busiest Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bases in the country in terms of total aircraft movements and is home to the No 2 Flying Training School and No 79 Squadron.
Also based at Pearce air base are:
- Pilatus PC-21 training aircraft
- Hawk 127 fighter trainer aircraft
- No 453 Squadron Pearce flight air traffic control
- No 25 (City of Perth) Squadron airbase operations
- No 3 Security Forces Squadron Detachment Pearce
- No 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron Detachment Pearce
- Republic of Singapore’s No 130 Squadron
- Republic of Singapore Air Force (No 130 Squadron) trainer aircraft.
Although its primary role is pilot training, Pearce remains the only permanent RAAF base on the west coast and thus has a significant logistics role.
Defence aircraft pass over areas in the Shire of Gingin and Wanneroo suburbs enroute to training areas.
The Gingin satellite airfield is regularly used by Defence aircraft for airfield approach training with that activity primarily contained within a 5km to 7km radius.
Defence aircraft sorties are planned to avoid populated areas where possible but where overflight is required (generally for transit to training areas), it is conducted at higher altitudes to minimise the noise impact.
Muchea air weapons range is used rarely and instances of live bombing at Muchea by Defence aircraft would average once every two years.
Lancelin and Bindoon are also used rarely, averaging two to three times a year.
This is usually to support other Australian Defence Force (ADF) units including through low flying and live and simulated bombing operations.
The inert weapons used are BDU-33 practice bombs.
On its Defence Aircraft Noise website Defence says the RAAF protects Australia’s interests, and its ability to respond quickly is a result of its high training standards.
“No one can predict when or where Air Force will need to respond, so pilots and crews need experience in a range of environments,’’ the website says.
“This includes day and night flying, high and low altitude flying (below 500 feet or 150m), and bombing and strafing practice.
“Although some training is conducted using flying simulators, nothing replaces actual experience for our pilots and crews.’’
“Our pilots and crews operate their aircraft in a way that minimises aircraft noise, and we freely distribute information about aircraft noise, such as Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) maps.
According to the Military Aircraft Noise Enquiries and Complaints page a military aircraft noise enquiry or complaint can be submitted anytime:
- Online or
- By calling 1300 333 362 and asking for your closest base with aircraft or
- By mail to:
- Staff Officer Aircraft Noise Management
R8-03-030
Russell Dr
Russell
ACT 2601
- Staff Officer Aircraft Noise Management
When you submit a military aircraft noise enquiry or complaint you need to include your name and contact details, your location, a date and time of the aircraft noise event and a clear explanation of the event.
