PC9 Maintenance VIC

Defence > PC9 Maintenance VIC

RAAF PC9/A Maintenance Contract - VIC

The RAAF has a fleet of 65 military training aircraft (the Pilatus PC9/A) that are designated for Defence Forces pilot training. This platform is utilised to provide sufficient training and the ability to stream the defence pilots of the future into the next squadrons, be they future fighter pilots, surveillance aircraft pilots, VIP transport pilots, or military transport pilots.

Every instructor in the Air Force graduates from the Central Flying School (CFS) at RAAF East Sale in Victoria. These Pilots are then classfied as Qualified Flying Instructors (QFI) and transferred to other squadrons to conduct type training for other pilots. The ongoing operability of this platform and the quality and reliability of training that can be provided as a result is a key element in the future of the Australian Defence Forces and the national interest. 

The PC9/A has been the chosen training platform for the RAAF since 1989, and entered operations in 1990 with Pilots Course 155 being the first to use the PC9/A.

The PC9/A aircraft and its predecessors at CFS had been supported by internal Air Force maintenance operations. In 1991 the Commenwealth of Australia chose to tender the maintenance operations, attracting bids from industry to compete with the proposed internal Air Force maintenance solution. 

After much evaluation and negotiations Airflite was awarded the maintenance contract in 1994, ahead of the internal Air Force maintenance solution.

Airflite has continued to successfully maintain the contract since 1994, signing a Life of Type Contract in 2006 that cements Airflite as the PC9/A maintenance provider until the aircraft retirement. This includes accident free flying for over 200,000 flying hours combined with the operations at RAAF Pearce. 

Airflite commenced operations at the RAAF Base East Sale in May of 1994. During the early years of operation we supplied and maintained 4 B200 Beech Kingair aircraft for ADF navigation training. Currently, Airflite have 4 main areas of responsibility; these include PC9 Maintenance, PC9 Flightline Operations, PC9 Repairable Items Management and also CT4 Maintenance (BAE have subcontracted this section to Airflite). The CT4 is used for Basic Flight Training (BFT) for Instructors.

We have several projects being undertaken at any given time. These includes the scheduled Servicing of all PC9 Pilatus aircraft at East Sale, Operational Line Maintenance, structural repairs, and also overhaul and servicing of components such as the ejection seats, parachutes, survival equipment and flying clothing.

At East Sale we have a small fleet of CT4 aircraft (3-5 aircraft variable) and also 16 Pilatus PC9 aircraft. Our primary customers is Central Flying School (CFS), Pilots from CFS are trained on the PC 9 and/or CT4B as Qualified Flying Instructors. Three Flying Instructors Course (FIC) are held annually, with regular pilot conversion courses performed for FACDU, ARDU, and 2FTS aircrew (3mth course).

A key element of CFS is the ADF Aerobatic Display Team or Roulettes. This team deploys on at least 3 occasions per month for 3-5 days to attend events such as the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, AFL Grand Final, also Anzac Day, Australia Day and air shows. In support of the Roulette deployments, Manpower Required in Uniform (MRU) are utilised to perform Flightline and Ground Handler duties. These are RAAF personnel that work alongside Airflite employees, who when not deployed assist our Technicians with maintenance on the Pilatus PC9 Aircraft. Currently there are 9 MRU Staff at East Sale, including an NDT Technician. In addition to the Roulettes, solo aerobatic display flights are performed on a regular basis on weekends. Airflite Technical and Ground Support Staff support all weekend flying operations.

Individual departments include Rectifications crew, Ground Handlers, Avionic Technicians, Mechanical Technicians, Life Support Fitters, Armament Fitters, Wheel Bay, Oxy Shop, Repairable Items, Paintshop, Battery Shop, Stores and Administration. A total of 50 Staff are employed to fulfill the duties that take place within these areas, most of whom previously employed by the RAAF. Airflite East Sale has approximate years of service for a staff member averaging around 7.5 years. This is reflected in the honest and open working relationship and the friendliness amongst the employees.

Airflite is proud to be associated with the Defence Force pilots of the future, and to support such a critical element of the Australian military environment. This is evidenced by the commitment and quality of workmanship that has seen Airflite chosen to renew the contract 3 times during this period, eventually resulting in a Life of Type extension. 

Airflite has also been granted the status as Authorised Maintenance Organisation (AMO) PC9/A Aircraft and Aeronautical Products.

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