Parachute Training School (Australian Army)

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.

History

Formed in 1951 as Parachute Training Wing as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) unit at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales. The unit's first Commanding Officer/Chief Instructor was Squadron Leader C.A.V. Bourne. The instructors on the staff were both Army and RAAF personnel. The first course of trainees commenced in September 1951.

The Army assumed responsibility for parachute training on 14 May 1974 and the school was renamed Parachute Training School, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith. The school relocated to Naval Air Station HMAS Albatross in 1986 and has continued its role there until the present.

Structure

A parachute rigger during a jump

• 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: 1951–1961.
• C130A Hercules: 1962–1978.
• DHC-4 (CC08) Caribou: 1964–2009
• C130H Hercules: 1978 and still in service.
• Pilatus Porter (Army): (Free Fall Only)
• GAF Nomad (Army): (Free Fall Only)
• UH-1H Iroquois: 1974–1990 (Free Fall Only)
• CH-47 Chinook: 1973–1986
• C130E Hercules: 1995–1999?

References

• Parachute Training School website