Media release
12 July 2010
For immediate release
Exercise HELICON LUK to begin
…Residents not to be alarmed
The annual Exercise HELICON LUK, - high density, high altitude helicopter training for Australian Army Aviation, will begin on 13 July to 28 July 2010.
Four Australian Defence Force (ADF) helicopters will arrive in Port Moresby 13 July 2010 at approximately 2pm on their way to Madang Province for the exercise.
Head of Australian Defence Staff in Papua New Guinea, Colonel Mark Shephard, said residents of Port Moresby should not be alarmed by the presence of the helicopters.
“The Australian High Commission and the ADF recognises that some residents may be concerned if they observe these military helicopter flights without prior notification. These activities are occurring with the full knowledge and support of PNG authorities,” Colonel Shephard said.
He said the ADF greatly appreciates the opportunity to undertake bilateral training with the PNGDF’s Air Transport Wing. Their experience and local knowledge has been invaluable.
Exercise HELICON LUK helps Australian Army helicopter pilots maintain their flying skills and build links between Australian and PNG Defence Force aviators, which have proven essential during recent humanitarian assistance operations. The majority of Exercise Helicon Luk takes place in the Madang, Wewak and Highlands Provinces, where the steep mountains and valleys provide challenging flying training.