RAAF Base Pearce
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| RAAF Base Pearce | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| IATA: none – ICAO: YPEA | |||
| Summary | |||
| Airport type | Military | ||
| Operator | RAAF | ||
| Elevation AMSL | 149 ft / 49 m | ||
| Coordinates | 31°40′06″S 116°00′54″E / 31.66833°S 116.015°ECoordinates: 31°40′06″S 116°00′54″E / 31.66833°S 116.015°E | ||
| Runways | |||
| Direction | Length | Surface | |
| ft | m | ||
| 12/30 | 5,548 | 1,691 | Asphalt |
| 18L/36R | 8,002 | 2,439 | Asphalt |
| 18R/36L | 5,712 | 1,741 | Concrete |
RAAF Base Pearce (ICAO: YPEA) is the main RAAF base in Western Australia. The base is located in Bullsbrook, north of Perth. It is used for training by the Royal Australian Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force. The current commanding officer of RAAF Base Pearce is GPCAPT Ian Petkoff who has been there since 2005.
It is the busiest RAAF base in the country in terms of total aircraft moves, including civil moves at the Joint User bases. Although its primary role is pilot training, it remains the only permanent Air Force base on the west coast, and thus has a significant logistics role.
RAAF Gingin is a small airfield located near Pearce which is also used for flying training. The airfield is owned by the Air Force and is managed by RAAF Base Pearce. A rotation of Air Traffic Controllers travel from Pearce each day to provide services, when requested by the flying units.
Contents |
[edit] History
RAAF Base Pearce was officially granted 'station' status on February 6, 1939. The base opened with two resident squadrons, 14 Squadron and 25 Squadron.
[edit] No. 5 Initial Training School
No. 5 Initial Training School was formed at RAAF Pearce as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme during World War II. Recruits commenced their military service at the Initial Training School, learning fundamentals such as mathematics, navigation and aerodynamics.
[edit] Airshows
The 2005 Defence Force Air Show, held at Pearce on 19–20 November, marked the first visit to Perth of the USAF B-1B Lancer bomber.
[edit] Units
| Unit name | FEG | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| No. 44 Wing Detachment Pearce | Surveillance and Response Group | |
| No. 25 "City of Perth" Squadron | Combat Support Group | |
| No. 79 Squadron RAAF | Air Combat Group | BAE-Hawk 127 |
| No. 278 Squadron Detachment Pearce | Air Combat Group | |
| No. 1 Air Terminal Squadron Detachment Pearce | Combat Support Group | |
| No. 2 Flying Training School | Training Command | PC-9 |
| Combat Support Unit - Pearce | Training Command |
- Republic of Singapore Air Force 130 Squadron
[edit] Other uses
RAAF Pearce is used as an alternate aerodrome for NASA Space Shuttles.[citation needed] It is also used by the Australian Air Force Cadets as a headquarters and on promotional courses, as well as serving as HQ for 701 SQN(AAFC).
