26th September 2008, 07:40 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Blue Mountains
Posts: 172
|
|
From Defence today
Quote:
HERCULES FLEET RETURNS TO NORMAL FLYING OPERATIONS
The Air Force’s fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft has returned to normal flying activities.
A restriction on flying operations was imposed as a precautionary measure following an incident with a C-130H Hercules aircraft during a training flight on September 15.
The aircraft encountered a fault with its nose landing gear, and returned safely to RAAF Base Richmond. Defence immediately launched an investigation into the fault, and limited the Hercules fleet to all but essential flights.
Group Captain Gary Martin, Officer Commanding of No. 86 Wing, said “an Air Force investigation, conducted in consultation with DSTO and the aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin, has concluded that the nose landing gear failure was an isolated instance caused by a manufacturing defect that posed low risk to other aircraft in the fleet.”
“The C-130 Hercules fleet is being returned to normal flying operations,” Group Captain Martin said.
“Air Force’s response to this incident demonstrates our commitment to safety, as well as the professionalism and skill of our personnel when under pressure.”
The Air Force has a fleet of 24 C-130 Hercules, operated from RAAF Base Richmond.
These aircraft are an important part of the Australian Defence Force, providing a combat airlift capability.
|
|