AIRCRAFT enthusiasts were treated to a rare sight last week, with the arrival of a RAAF C-130J Super Hercules at Moree Regional Airport.
The Hercules circled over Moree before touching down at 4.45pm on Thursday, July 10.
Moree Regional Airport senior aerodrome reporting officer, Kingsley Counsell, said the aircraft departed RAAF Base Richmond early Thursday and proceeded to Tamworth Airport for touch-and-go operations.
“Following this, the aircraft conducted low-level flying training through the hills and mountainous terrain south-east of Moree,” Mr Counsell said.
At around 4.45pm, the aircraft entered Moree Regional Airport’s airspace and began preparations for landing.
The aircraft landed safely on Runway 19 and taxied to the main apron, where it parked on Bay 1, typically allocated to QantasLink Dash 8 Q400 operations.
The Hercules crew comprised Pilot in Command, First Officer, Loadmaster and instructor, who conducted flight checks on crew members.
After shutdown, the aircraft and crew remained on Bay 1, where a tour of the C-130 was offered to airport staff members.
The crew of this RAAF C-130J Super Hercules underwent night vision training operations at Moree Regional Airport on Thursday (Image: Kingsley Counsell).
“This provided an excellent engagement opportunity between Defence and civil aviation personnel,” Mr Counsell said.
In co-ordination with Moree Regional Airport personnel and Brisbane Air Traffic Control, night vision training operations were conducted.
”During the training exercise, all runway, taxiway and apron lighting was turned off,” Mr Counsell said.
The C-130 operated in “dark” mode, with all external lights and aircraft identification lights extinguished.
“The aircraft completed two touch-and-go landings on Runway 19 in complete darkness to simulate night vision goggle operations – NVG,” Mr Counsell said.
After successfully completing the exercise, RAAF C-130J Super Hercules departed Moree en route to RAAF Richmond.
Mr Counsell said co-ordination between airport management, RAAF and Brisbane ATC ensured the safe execution of the night vision operations.
”The temporary occupation of Bay 1 was managed without disruption to scheduled RPT services and no incidents or safety concerns were reported during the aircraft’s time at Moree,” he said.
The visit, part of RAAF strategic training, is one of several to Moree in the past 12 months.
“This continued collaboration with RAAF units offers strategic value and operational experience for both airport staff and Defence personnel,” Mr Counsell said.
