RNZAF C-130H Hercules was a regular sight in Central Otago and Lake Districts during Exercise Skytrain,

TORY Southern landscapes have been the training grounds for No.40 Squadron during a nine-day air drop exercise aimed at honing skills for the real thing.

A C-130 Hercules was a regular sight in Central Otago and Lake Districts during Exercise Skytrain, which focussed on tactical low-level flying and delivering and picking up loads in scenarios where areas could be under threat.

The flying techniques practised are essential in keeping our aircrews’ flying currency up-to-date, as well as the skills used on deployed operations.

The Hercules and our personnel from Bases Auckland, Ohakea and Woodbourne deployed to Wānaka Airport, alongside personnel from the New Zealand Army.