STAFF at Moree Regional Airport welcomed a special aircraft on Tuesday afternoon when an RAAF Dassault Falcon 7X arrived for refuelling en route to St George Airport in Queensland.
Moree Regional Airport senior aerodrome reporting officer, Kingsley Counsell, said arrivals like the Dassault Falcon 7X and RAAF C-130J Super Hercules last week demonstrates Moree Regional Airport’s ability to support military and VIP operations to a high standard.
“Hosting Defence aircraft raises the airport’s profile as a capable regional facility, suitable for future military, charter, and emergency response role,” Mr Counsell said.
Refuelling and use of airport services also contributes financially to airport operations and strengthens the case for ongoing funding and infrastructure investment.
“Interaction with Defence crews offers valuable exposure and learning opportunities for local airport staff, and enhances readiness for future special operations,” Mr Counsell said.
The RAAF Falcon 7X training flight departed Narrandera Airport in the Riverina district of New South Wales on Tuesday morning and proceeded to Narrabri Airport, where it conducted a number of training circuits.
The aircraft, often used as special passenger and VIP transport for RAAF and government officials and dignitaries, landed on Runway 19 at Moree Regional Airport at about 12:45pm.
Mr Counsell and aerodrome reporting officers Steven Rickards and Lesly Villa Higuita, and AirBP aircraft refueller Mark Davies, welcomed the Falcon 7X’s crew – pilot in command, an instructor, flight engineer and two cabin crew.
“Following landing, the aircraft taxied and parked on Bay 1, which is typically reserved for QantasLink Q400 operations,” Mr Counsell said.
“There was no disruption to scheduled commercial services, as the Qantas aircraft had departed earlier in the day.
“Once refuelling was complete, the crew conducted standard start-up procedures and taxied back to Runway 19,” he said.
An RAAF C-130J Super Hercules underwent night vision training operations at Moree Regional Airport last week. Moree Regional Airport senior aerodrome reporting officer, Kingsley Counsell, said: “Interaction with Defence crews offers valuable exposure and learning opportunities for local airport staff, and enhances readiness for future special operations.”
Designed and manufactured by Dassault Aviation, the 7X is powered by three P&W PW307A engines and can carry up to 14 passengers.
It has a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.9 or 685kph – 425mph.
The 7X features a high-tech wing, advanced ‘glass cockpit’ with a heads-up display and an infrared-enhanced vision system.
The aircraft also includes satellite communications for improved support for Government connectivity whilst airborne.
The RAAF’s current Special Purpose Aircraft include two Boeing Business Jets and three Dassault Falcon 7Xs.
The fleet is operated by No.34 Squadron RAAF, based at Canberra Airport.
The visiting Dassault Falcon 7X departed Moree at 2:39pm, en route to St George Airport.
“All flight operations were conducted safely and professionally, with seamless co-ordination between airport staff, the pilot in command and Brisbane Air Traffic Control,” Mr Counsell said.
