Parachute Training School (Australian Army)
| Parachute Training School | |
|---|---|
|
A Military Support Services VH-MQD CASA C-212-CC Aviocar as used by the Australian Army Parachute Display Team | |
| Active | 1951–present |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Army |
| Garrison/HQ | HMAS Albatross, Nowra, New South Wales |
| Motto(s) | Knowledge Dispels Fear |
.jpg)
The Parachute Training School (PTS) is an Australian Army (Army) training unit in parachuting techniques, developing parachute doctrine and techniques, trial-evaluation of parachute systems and associated equipment, located adjacent to HMAS Albatross, Nowra, New South Wales.[1]
History
The first parachute training unit was formed in 1942 designated the Paratroop Training Unit (PTU) and at the end of the war was disbanded.[1] In 1951, the Parachute Training Wing was formed as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) unit at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales.[2][1] The unit's first Commanding Officer/Chief Instructor was Squadron Leader C.A.V. Bourne.[2] The instructors on the staff were both Army and RAAF personnel.[2] The first course of trainees commenced in September 1951.[2] In 1958, it was re-designated as the Parachute Training Flight.[1]
The Army assumed responsibility for parachute training on 14 May 1974 and the school was renamed Parachute Training School, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith.[2][1] The school relocated to Naval Air Station HMAS Albatross in 1986 and has continued its role there until the present.[2][1]
Structure
- Headquarters – co-ordinates the functions of the School.
- Training Wing – conducts all parachute training activities of the School.
- Development Wing (DEV WING) – conducts evaluation and testing of personnel parachute systems and associated equipment.
- Parachute Maintenance Wing (PMW) – stores repairs and repacks all personnel parachutes.
- Logistic Support Wing – stores, transport, medical and catering.
Aircraft used in training
- DC3 Dakota: 1951–1964/65.[2]
- C130A Hercules: 1962–1978.[2]
- DHC-4 (CC-108; C-7) Caribou: 1964–2009[2]
- C130H Hercules: 1978 and still in service.[2]
- Pilatus Porter (Army): (Free Fall Only)[2]
- GAF Nomad (Army): (Free Fall Only)[2]
- UH-1H Iroquois: 1974–1990 (Free Fall Only)[2]
- CH-47 Chinook: 1973–1986[2]
- C130E Hercules: 1995–1999?[2]