Friday, 20 January 2012
Precautionary suspension of Black Hawk flying operations
Army has temporarily suspended flying operations for the Black Hawk helicopters upon identifying a number of fractured
bolts during a routine maintenance check.
Acting Director General Aviation, Colonel Stephen Evans said the suspension, which commenced on 19 January, was to
ensure safety and is consistent with Army Operational Airworthiness procedures.
“The precautionary suspension will remain in place to allow an investigation into the cause of the fracture to be
completed,” Colonel Evans said.
Three Army Black Hawks are assigned to Joint Task Force 631 in Timor Leste. Emergency aero-medical evacuations for
International Stabilisation Force personnel in Timor Leste remain authorised during the temporary suspension.
The Navy Seahawk helicopters differ significantly to the Black Hawk in the affected area, and Seahawk flying operations
have not been suspended.