Flying schedule
- Air Force will return to the Evans Head Air Weapons Range to conduct planned training operations for fighter jet aircrew
- Monday 13 February, with 14 – 17 February as contingency dates
The Royal Australian Air Force will return to the Evans Head Air Weapons Range (EVDAWR), located south of the Evans Head township in New South Wales, on 13 February 2023 to conduct planned training operations for fighter jet aircrew.
Number Two Operational Conversion Unit have scheduled one day of operations on the range, Monday 13 February, with 14 – 17 February as contingency dates.
Air Force currently operates F/A-18F Super Hornet from RAAF Base Amberley and F-35A Lightning II aircraft from RAAF Base Williamtown over the range.
Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Peter Robinson said EVDAWR was a suitable gunnery and bombing practice area for aircrew completing their operational conversion to F-35A Lightning II aircraft.
“Fast jet military aircraft will conduct gunnery and bombing training operations with low level flying during each mission within the range airspace.
“With the right weather conditions for training, we expect to utilise the range on Monday 13 February, with the remainder of the week scheduled as a contingency,’’ AIRCDRE Robinson said.
“Residents are advised operations on the range can change due to weather or other considerations.”
AIRCDRE Robinson said aircraft would not use the range for the entire week. Training activities can involve up to two waves per day of application pattern, live strafe and may involve the use of lasers.
For safety reasons, the Southern overwater area will be closed from 10am to 5pm for the duration of training.
“Local residents should note that access to the range (land areas) remains restricted regardless of any activities being conducted. This is due to the historical use of range and the possibility of unexploded ordnance remaining at the site,’’ AIRCDRE Robinson said.
“Defence personnel display Red Flags whenever live firing activities are conducted and carry out patrols to ensure people don’t stray into the area,” he said.
“Air Force appreciates the long standing support and understanding the local community provides in relation to our fast jet operations and training.”
The Evans Head Evans Head Air Weapons Range Community Advisory Panel has been advised of these activities.
For further information please refer to the Air Force Operations website on our Flying Activity page. A copy of the overwater DPA map and GPS co-ordinates please refer to the Defence Aircraft Noise page, and go to Ops Near Me - Evans Head tab.
For F-35A images go to the Defence Image Gallery.
For more information, visit the Defence Aircraft Noise website or call 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362).