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Negotiations are underway to have the 11 Australian CH-47C Chinooks swapped with the US Army for four updated CH-47Ds. The US Army is keen to take possession of the Australian Chinooks to provide additional capacity for its forces. A/111 would be updated to D standard by Boeing for the US Army, and four Ds would be handed back to Australia at no cost. Whether these would be ex Australian or ex US military has not been specified in the written submission placed with US authorities by the Dept of Defence. The deal must still be approved by the US Congress which could take several months, though Defence hopes that it may be ready to sign by the end of March
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Environmental Concerns Seen as Biggest Problem for Helicopter Community
Noise limitations are now seen as the biggest single problem restricting the growth of the Australian helicopter industry. The recent NSW state government turnaround from the construction of an inner city heliport because of unrealistic noise requirements has bought home to the industry how little its long and expensive noise standard negotiations with the government have achieved.
Without agreement within the industry and the legislative authorities it is likely that noise restrictions will severely limit an expansion in urban areas of the industry’s charter, business and private sectors. The heliport, planned for the inner city industrial suburb of Pyrmont, was to be built on disused wharves and although not in the immediate vicinity of the Sydney Central Business District is close enough for a quick taxi ride. However its position across a bay from the politically aware residents of the trendy suburb of Balmain and a possibility of political problems for the state government, which may call an election this year, bought about the abandonment of the project.
One of the reasons for the cancellation of the heliport project was a noise limit of 82db being imposed on helicopters operating from the site whereas twin engine machines typically produce around 85db. The State Pollution control Commission (SPCC), which is attempting to set the limit of 82db Australia wide, seems immune to the consistent and unpoliced noise made by trucks, imported small motor bikes and the amplified exhausts marketed in car accessory shops throughout the suburbs.
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