THE ROYAL Australian Air Force (RAAF) began training exercises over towns surrounding Dubbo this week.
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Fighter jet aircraft from RAAF Base Williamtown began conducting low-level flying over Mendooran, Gulgong, Coolah and Binnaway on Monday and will continue through to October 9.
Up to eight Hawk 127 jets from Number 76 Squadron will conduct day and night flying operations, while up to eight F/A-18 Hornet jets from Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit will conduct night flying operations.
The operations will take place daily until about 11pm.
Commander of Air Combat Group, Air Commodore 'Zed' Roberton said the aircraft would conduct training activities that involved intensive air-to-air operations.
"Developing skills in low-level flying is an important part of fighter pilot training," Air Commodore Roberton said.
"Hawk 127 jets will also operate at medium-level altitudes throughout the majority of the western airspace during this time."
The western airspace encompassed the North West slopes and ranges and was bounded by Richmond, Mudgee, Coonabarabran, Gunnedah and Scone.
Air Commodore Roberton said RAAF Base Williamtown had established a website to provide communities with more information regarding its operations.
The flying activity was vital in ensuring aircrew were trained at the highest level to support operations, he said, and noise reduction and the environment were vital considerations in the planning and conduct of military flying.
Information on aircraft noise and flying activities isatwww.defence.gov.au/aircraftnoise.