CH-47D Chinook Helicopters resume flying operations

Oct 10, 2011 ASDNews Source : MoD Australia

Army has lifted the precautionary suspension of flying operations for the CH-47D Chinook helicopter.

The suspension was put in place on 30 September following the identification of possible issues relating to the operation of the aircraft's Advanced Flight Control System (AFCS) in certain flight conditions.

Chief of Army Lieutenant General David Morrison, as the Army Operational Airworthiness Authority (OAA), has lifted the precautionary suspension following airworthiness advice from the Technical Airworthiness Authority (TAA).

Director General Aviation Brigadier Neil Turton said the OAA has authorised flying operations to resume following a thorough investigation and consultation with experts from the US Army and Boeing.

"Through thorough investigation and consultation with Boeing and the US Army - the largest operator of the CH-47D Chinook - we established there are no issues with the aircraft AFCS," Brigadier Turton said.‪

"The CH-47D suspension that was put in place has now been lifted and all flying operations have now resumed.

"The precautionary suspension was imposed to ensure safety and is consistent with Army Operation Airworthiness procedures."

The Australian Army operates five CH-47D Chinook aircraft. Of the five aircraft, two are deployed to Afghanistan, one is deployed to Papua New Guinea, one is on Horn Island and the remaining aircraft is in Townsville where the Chinook fleet is based.