First HATS’ graduates

EC135 T2+ N52-002 typical of the fleet used by the Joint Helicopter School, a component of the Royal Australian Navy’s 723 Squadron, in conjunction with Boeing Defence Australia. POIS Kevin Hockey/Royal Australian Navy

The first graduates from Australia’s joint Army-Navy Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS), received their wings in a ceremony at HMAS Albatross, south of Sydney, on September 20, 2018.

The 28 graduates were made up of Army and Navy pilots and aircrew and Navy Aviation Warfare Oicers (AvWOs) and received their wings from Commander Fleet Air Arm, Commodore Chris Smallhorn. The HATS courses are run by the Joint Helicopter School, a component of the Royal Australian Navy’s 723 Squadron, in conjunction with Boeing Defence Australia, using the Airbus Helicopters EC135 T2+ helicopter.

Commander Bruce Willington, Commanding Oicer of 723 Squadron, said: “In the space of just over three and a half years, the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, along with Boeing, Thales and Defence, have delivered training outcomes to ensure we have professional, resilient helicopter crews with sound decision making and teamwork skills.”

The HATS training continuum is expected to train up to 116 students per year over the next 25 years.