RAAF Base Williamtown Hawk Lead-In Fighter aircraft have returned to the Salt Ash Air Weapons Range to conduct training for fighter jet aircrew.

No. 76 Squadron aircraft have scheduled three weeks of operations on the range, beginning on Monday 7 February, through to Friday 25 February 2022.

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Operations are scheduled on weekdays only and between 9am to 5pm.

Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Tim Alsop said residents living in East Medowie, Salt Ash and Lemon Tree Passage can expect the range to be used consistently throughout this period.

“Air Force has a responsibility to ensure personnel are ready and able to deploy at short notice and this involves necessary air to ground training, which is conducted at Salt Ash Air Weapons Range,” Air Commodore Alsop said.

“PC-21 aircraft also operate intermittently on the range in support of No. 4 Squadron combat control and joint terminal attack training.

“There is currently no programmed training scheduled for F-35A Lightning II aircraft on Salt Ash Air Weapons Range.

“We will advise if the program changes.”

Air Commodore Alsop said every effort was made to minimise any inconvenience to residents during Salt Ash Air Weapons Range training and advised the range schedule could change at short notice due to weather or operational considerations.

“Aircrew always minimise their use of the range and once proficiency has been attained they move onto the next stage of their course,” Air Commodore Alsop said.

Members of the community seeking further information are invited to call 1800 033 200, or refer to https://www.airforce.gov.au/operations/flying-operations or https://aircraftnoisemap.airforce.gov.au/assets/site.html?806#base/1.