iscover
WAIT CONTINUES FOR PAIR OF NSW RURAL FIRE SERVICE BLACK HAWKS
Two ex-Army Black Hawk helicopters gifted to the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) seven years ago have reportedly yet to become operational and could not currently fly civilian firefighters if they were.
As reported in the Sydney Morning Herald, the S-70A Black Hawks have not yet been approved by CASA to carry non-military passengers, meaning they could not be used to fly firefighters and other emergency personnel to disaster zones and could only be used as water bombers.
The helicopters were only handed over to the RFS in 2023 due to “operational requirements”, despite the announcement having been made by the Turnbull Government in 2018.
According to an RFS spokesperson, the project is “progressing well, and the work to operationalise the gifted Black Hawks is underway”.
“The first step in this process was registering the aircraft on the civilian register. This registration is expected to be completed shortly, allowing the RFS to move forward with firebombing operations,” the spokesperson said.
“A key factor in the decision to proceed with the Black Hawk project was a verbal agreement from CASA to work with the RFS in obtaining the necessary certifications. This assurance provided confidence that the aircraft could be integrated into operations in a way that meets all regulatory requirements.
“The RFS remains committed to working closely with CASA to achieve full certification for all mission profiles currently undertaken by our existing aircraft, including firefighter transportation and rescue operations.”
A CASA spokesperson told the Herald that the helicopters, designed for military use, do not currently meet safety standards to carry civilian passengers.
Global leader in aviation accident investigation training to deliver courses in Australia with local partner MEMKO
“This is consistent with the approach taken in the United States, where the Black Hawk is manufactured and certified,” the spokesperson said.
“We are currently working with the NSW Rural Fire Service on their application to use the Black Hawk for specialist firefighting operations not involving transport of firefighters.
“Anything beyond that would require significant work and regulatory change to ensure safety standards are appropriate.”
Speaking in 2018, then-NSW Police and Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant said the two Black Hawks, which have a cruising speed of 140kt, would be based in Sydney and boost the state’s ability to respond to life-and-death emergencies.
The NSW 2018/19 state budget included $6.5 million to retrofit the two Black Hawks to RFS specifications.
“These Black Hawks will give personnel around-the-clock access to remote locations and give them further flexibility and mobile support to provide the best protection we can give residents across NSW,” said Grant.
“These ex-war machines will provide swift, effective and lifesaving defensive capacity for the state to combat fires, floods and all manner of emergency situations.”
