The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) No. 3 Squadron is conducting Exercise Blackbird, a critical training initiative aimed at honing mountain flying capabilities. The exercise, which involves four NH90 helicopters, three A109 helicopters, and over 80 personnel, is being carried out in the rugged terrain of Nelson and Marlborough. These regions provide ideal conditions for aviators to develop and enhance their skills in navigating challenging mountainous environments. The exercise focuses on equipping aircrews with the expertise and confidence required to execute mountain flying missions, a critical skill set for operations in New Zealand’s varied and often difficult topography.
The NH90s and A109s, central to RNZAF’s rotary-wing operations, are put through their paces in conditions that replicate operational challenges. The RNZAF has eight NH90 helicopters in its fleet, which are operated by No. 3 Squadron and have been in full service since 2015. The RNZAF also has five AgustaWestland A109 Light Utility Helicopters (A109LUH). From navigating narrow valleys to dealing with sudden weather changes, the exercise ensures pilots and support crews are well-prepared for any mission scenario. Additionally, the helicopters provide a range of support services to government agencies including search and rescue, police operations, disaster relief, and counter-terrorism response.
“The exercise is especially important when flying in mountainous terrain where there are challenging conditions, the constant need to plan for contingencies and to work together as a team. It’s not just the aircrew who are tested – the exercise also tests maintenance, supply, engineering and various other personnel required to get the helicopters out flying and doing the job,” Squadron Leader Nick Shaw said.
Exercise Blackbird also incorporates inter-agency cooperation, with No. 3 Squadron collaborating with the Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Primary Industries. This partnership facilitates real-world application scenarios, allowing personnel to practice joint operations in support of national objectives. Exercise Blackbird underscores the RNZAF’s commitment to maintaining readiness and operational excellence in one of the most demanding flying environments. Through rigorous training and inter-agency collaboration, the RNZAF continues to enhance its capability to respond effectively to missions requiring mountain flying expertise.
