For more than 30 years, the Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia has promoted the interests of its members and the Fleet Air Arm. Branches exist in all States and the ACT - please join us for the camaraderie and the important work of promoting naval aviation. Details.

Latest News

Updated 18 May 2012 - 723 Squadron receives new Bell 429 Helicopters
HMAS Albatross is now home to three new Bell 429 helicopters, with the aircraft obtained to provide flight training for 723 Squadron crews before they move to naval combat helicopters. Commanding Officer 723 Squadron, CMDR Matthew Shand, said the Bell helicopters have bolstered the squadron's existing fleet of 13 AS350BA Squirrel helicopters.

With their composite construction, full glass cockpit and advanced systems, the aircraft will be leased from Raytheon Australia and are set to be the most modern naval  aircraft in Australian skies. In preparation to receive the Bell helicopters, the squadron has been building its experience on three Agusta 109E aircraft, which were also on lease from Raytheon Australia.

CMDR Shand said training flights on the Agusta aircraft had provided valuable opportunities for junior aircrew to practise planning and executing tasks in a wide variety of environments. "We recently used the Agustas on a mission to Queensland where they were prepared to conduct relief operations during the floods" - initial report from LEUT Andrew Ragless, updated 18 May 2012.

28 April 2012 - Skyhawk Jet returns to Nowra
The ex-NZ Skyhawk jet earmarked for display at Australia's Fleet Air Arm Museum at Nowra, NSW, has arrived at HMAS Albatross and will undergo preparations ahead of being displayed at the Museum. Pictured: The A4 Skyhawk is moved into position prior to the hand-over from the Royal New Zealand Air Force Logistics Project Manager, Wing Commander Chris Calvert (Rtd) on behalf of the New Zealand Government to the Commanding Officer of HMAS Albatross, Captain Gordon Andrew on behalf of the Fleet Air Arm Museum. The A4 Skyhawk has been returned to HMAS Albatross where it spent many years in service with the RAN Fleet Air Arm before being sold to the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The New Zealand Government has donated one A4 Skyhawk to the Fleet Air Arm Museum for display.More Details.

15 April 2012 - Sea King 07 moves to Fleet Air Arm Museum
The retired Sea King 07 has joined the collection at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Nowra. It was installed in time for Easter and school holiday visitors to take enjoyment from the sight of the Sea King proudly on display between the Wessex and Scout helicopters. Shark 07 was gifted to the Museum in June 2011 in recognition of the Sea King's well-earned place in naval aviation history. The Sea King had over 60,000 flying hours serving the nation on operations in the Middle East as well as domestically. 817 Squadron also provided assistance to many Australians, fighting raging fires, rescuing hundreds of people in flood-ravaged areas and conducting countless rescue operations at sea. A formal handover ceremony for the Sea King is scheduled for later this year.

05 February 2012 - Webmaster Change
Greetings one and all and a prosperous New Year to everyone.

As your new Webmaster, I approach the task with some trepidation; Harley has left some enormous shoes to fill and I would like to extend to him a very big ‘Thank You’ on behalf of us all for the magnificent job he has done over the last 9 years or so in managing the FAAA Website. BZ Harley! Enjoy your retirement. You have earned it!

Recently, I had the priviledge of attending Oshkosh 2011 and found a booth with a message. While I am not suggesting that our Association is on the skids, it does make you think.

As David, our immediate Past President, and Geoff, our incumbent President, have regularly pointed out, we need to keep our membership numbers up or we face the prospect of fading into obscurity and that is not something anyone would wish for, so, if you know of anybody out there that is eligible to join, please get on to them.

Although I have no intention of rearranging all the good work that Harley has put into the website, I do however intend to start seeking out suggestions from all Divisions for ways in which we can improve the facilities of the site and hopefully, rally a lot more interest in the use of this medium. Yours Aye, Peter Welsh – Webmaster.

FAA Wall of Service: Interest continues in the Wall of Service established outside the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Nowra. The names of more than 750 ex-Fleet Air Arm members are now displayed on the wall. Details.