Parachute Training School (Australian Army)
Encyclopedia
The Parachute Training School (PTS) is an Australian Army
(Army) training unit in parachuting techniques, developing parachute doctrine and techniques, trial-evaluation of parachute systems and associated equipment, located adjacent to HMAS Albatross
, Nowra, New South Wales
.
(RAAF) unit at RAAF Base Williamtown
, New South Wales
. The units first Commanding Officer/Chief Instructor was Squadron Leader C.A.V. Bourne. The instructors on the staff were both Army and RAAF personnel. The first course of trainees commenced in September 1951.
The Army assumed responsibility for parachute training on 14 May 1974 and the school was renamed Parachute Training School, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith
. The school relocated to Naval Air Station HMAS Albatross in 1986 and has continued its role there until the present.
Australian Army
The Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
(Army) training unit in parachuting techniques, developing parachute doctrine and techniques, trial-evaluation of parachute systems and associated equipment, located adjacent to HMAS Albatross
HMAS Albatross (air station)
HMAS Albatross, also known as Naval Air Station Nowra , is an airfield operated by the Royal Australian Navy , in support of the RAN's aviation branch, the Fleet Air Arm...
, Nowra, New South Wales
Nowra, New South Wales
Nowra is a city in the South Coast region of New South Wales, Australia. Located SSW and approximately by road south of the state capital of Sydney, it has an estimated population together with its twin-town of Bomaderry of 34,479. It is also the seat and commercial centre of the City of Shoalhaven...
.
History
Formed in 1951 as Parachute Training Wing as a Royal Australian Air ForceRoyal Australian Air Force
The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...
(RAAF) unit at RAAF Base Williamtown
RAAF Base Williamtown
RAAF Base Williamtown is a Royal Australian Air Force base and headquarters to Australia's Tactical Fighter group. The base is located north of the coastal city of Newcastle, New South Wales in the Local Government Area of Port Stephens. The military base shares its runway facilities with...
, New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
. The units first Commanding Officer/Chief Instructor was Squadron Leader C.A.V. Bourne. The instructors on the staff were both Army and RAAF personnel. The first course of trainees commenced in September 1951.
The Army assumed responsibility for parachute training on 14 May 1974 and the school was renamed Parachute Training School, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith
Harry Smith (Australian soldier)
Lieutenant Colonel Harry Arthur Smith SG, MC was an officer of the Australian Army. He was Officer Commanding of D Company, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment , and fought at the Battle of Long Tan in the Vietnam War....
. The school relocated to Naval Air Station HMAS Albatross in 1986 and has continued its role there until the present.
Structure
- Headquarters - co-ordinates the functions of the School.
- Training Wing - conducts all parachute training activities of the School.
- Development Wing (DEV WING) - conducts evaluation and testing of personnel parachute systems and associated equipment.
- Parachute Maintenance Wing (PMW) - stores repairs and repacks all personnel parachutes.
- Logistic Support Wing - stores, transport, medical and catering.
Aircraft used in Training
- DC3 DakotaDouglas DC-3The Douglas DC-3 is an American fixed-wing propeller-driven aircraft whose speed and range revolutionized air transport in the 1930s and 1940s. Its lasting impact on the airline industry and World War II makes it one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made...
- 1951 - 1961. - C130A HerculesC-130 HerculesThe Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
- 1962 - 1978. - DHC-4 (CC08) CaribouDe Havilland Canada DHC-4 CaribouThe de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou is a Canadian-designed and produced specialized cargo aircraft with short takeoff and landing capability...
- 1964 - 2009 - C130H HerculesC-130 HerculesThe Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
- 1978 and still in service. - Pilatus PorterPilatus PC-6|-See also:-References:* Lambert, Mark. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993–1994. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. ISBN 0 7106 1066 1.* Taylor, John W. R. Janes's All The World's Aircraft 1965–66. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, 1965....
(Army) - (Free Fall Only) - GAC NomadGAF NomadThe GAF Nomad is a twin-engine turboprop, high-winged, "short take off and landing" aircraft . It was designed and built by the Australian Government Aircraft Factories at Fishermens Bend, Melbourne. Major users of the design have included the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, the...
(Army) - (Free Fall Only) - UH-1H IroquoisUH-1 IroquoisThe Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew...
- 1974 - 1990 (Free Fall Only) - CH-47 ChinookCH-47 ChinookThe Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its top speed of 170 knots is faster than contemporary utility and attack helicopters of the 1960s...
- 1973 - 1986 - C130E HerculesC-130 HerculesThe Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
- 1995 - present