Army Aviation to establish Non-Defence Training Area (NDTA) near Townsville
The arrival of a fearsome new fleet of Apache attack helicopters will make Townsville the largest Army Aviation site in Australia and require a vast new training area.
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The imminent arrival of a fearsome new fleet of Apache attack helicopters will make Townsville the largest Army Aviation location in Australia, with landholders recruited for use of their ground in a vast new training area.
The Department of Defence said on Friday that graziers and landowners were helping Army Aviation establish the proposed Non-Defence Training Area (NDTA), which would extend more than 60 kilometres to the south and south-west of Townsville city.
Army Aviation Training Centre instructor Major Luke Crow said it needed to expand the current training area given the growing number of aircraft based in Townsville, including the arrival of the AH-64 Apache in 2025.
“We are preparing to be the largest Army Aviation location in the country,” he said.
“The Townsville community has been very supportive, with five landowners already agreeing to host seven helicopter landing pads,” he said.
“It’s a step by step process and we are seeking approval ahead of time.”
Within the training area, rotary-wing crews will practice landings and take-offs, operating in confined spaces and carrying exterior loads.
A similar arrangement with about 50 private landowners is in place at Oakey west of Brisbane where Army aviators have access to train on 350,000 hectares.
Described as ‘flying neighbourly’, the access agreements are based on mutual goodwill and direct lines of communication between landowners and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Army Training Area Engagement Officer Corrie Van Rythoven said involving the community, keeping them informed and being flexible was key.
“It’s about building a relationship,” he said, “We can’t do what we do without the support of the community.”
Among the first to allow Army Aviation units access to their property were the Smith family who owned and operated commercial airstrip Donnington Airpark at Woodstock, 40 kilometres to the south of RAAF Base Townsville.
The Smith family cited strong ties to the military and a long history of hosting air shows as part of the motivation for welcoming the Chinooks and Apaches.
“This place was always designed as a satellite airfield for Townsville so we’re pleased to see it get used, and variety is the spice of life,” Airpark operations manager Christian Smith said.
He said as long as landowners in the area knew about the helicopter visits it was a worthwhile venture.
“It’d be good if they keep local people involved and informed,” he said.
“Getting a heads-up that the choppers will be around, being forewarned that’s great.”
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Originally published as Army Aviation to establish Non-Defence Training Area (NDTA) near Townsville
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