POLICE have confirmed that an aircraft spotted flying in circles above Bathurst on Saturday afternoon was part of a training session.
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The aircraft was seen flying above the central business district as well as Mount Panorama, Gormans Hill, Raglan and Laffing Waters.
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, known as POL28, left Bankstown Airport at 1.23pm and travelled to Bathurst where it circled in the skies above the city for one hour and 40 minutes.
It then flew above Black Springs on its way back to Bankstown Airport where it landed at 4.09pm.
A NSW Police Force spokesperson said POL28's chief pilot confirmed the aircraft had conducted a training flight with junior personnel over the Bathurst area on Saturday.
The flight was not due to any specific incident and there were no concerns for the safety of the community.
"The NSW Police Force Aviation Support Branch has three Cessna Grand Caravan EX aeroplanes, which conduct patrol and transport operations," the spokesperson said.
"As they are capable of flying faster, further, and for longer than helicopters, they are the preferred machines for use in regional areas, such as Bathurst."
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Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
