Exercise Blackbird Flies in the Mountains

30 November 2024

Exercise Blackbird 2024 in Nelson and Marlborough (photos: RNZAF)

Four NH90s, three A109 helicopters and more than 80 personnel from No. 3 Squadron are in Nelson and Marlborough honing their flying skills in mountainous terrain.

The area around Nelson and Marlborough enables the squadron to maintain mountain flying capability by providing ideal training conditions to practise, upskill and develop our personnel.

Exercise Blackbird is vital in preparing our aviators with the skills, knowledge and confidence required to conduct mountain flying missions effectively when we are called upon.

Part of the exercise involves working with the Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Primary Industries.

“The exercise is especially important when flying in mountainous terrain where there are challenging conditions, the constant need to plan for contingencies and to work together as a team.

It’s not just the aircrew who are tested – the exercise also tests maintenance, supply, engineering and various other personnel required to get the helicopters out flying and doing the job.” ~ Squadron Leader Nick Shaw.

(RNZAF)

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