Ore. National Guard to fly over, scout high-altitude training sites

Oregon Army National Guard aviators are scheduled to conduct high-altitude survey flights with HH-60M Blackhawk helicopters on Thursday near the summits of Mt. Bachelor, Tumalo Mountain and Kwohl Butte.

The purpose of the flight by Charlie Company, 7-158th Aviation is to conduct reconnaissance of some potential landing zones for future high-altitude training, officials said.

The National Guard is working in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service to identify possible locations in Oregon between 6,000 and 9,000 feet elevation for Blackhawk pilots to conduct training in support of the search and rescue program.

Officials said reconnaissance flights in other high-altitude locations throughout the state will take place later this spring and will be announced when scheduled.

Oregon Army Guard pilots currently use an approved training area that only has terrain up to about 3,500 feet. Pilots must travel to training sites in Colorado in order to receive the flight certification required to perform high-altitude search and rescue missions.

“Working with the Forest Service to establish high-altitude helicopter training sites in Oregon will enable the Oregon National Guard to reduce the overall training cost, allowing more pilots to be certified and ready to rescue their fellow Oregonians,” the Oregon Military Department announcement said.

The Guard officials said the exercise should have minimal impact on recreation users.

“If anyone should encounter a helicopter landing in these areas, be advised to stay clear of the area as rotor wash will be strong with blowing snow and possible debris,” the department said.