This is why you have seen and heard army helicopters over Ormskirk and West Lancs - the Chinook helicopters have been taking part in essential training for crews from RAF Benson.

https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisat...ns/raf-benson/

Exercise 'Kukri Dawn' was part of the operational flying phase of the Chinook training course run by 28 Squadron based at RAF Benson; the Operational Conversion Unit for the Puma and Chinook Forces.

The training - based at RAF Woodvale - started on Sunday, 6th September and finished yesterday.

The course qualifies pilots and crewmen to fly the Chinook helicopter on operations in the UK and overseas. This essential training provides the crews with key skills that will be required when they graduate from the Operational Conversion Unit and are posted to a front-line Chinook squadron at RAF Odiham.

https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisat...ns/raf-odiham/

The operational phase of the course is the culmination of months of training by the sixteen students and will enable them to learn various elements of tactical flying, including flying in formation with another aircraft.
RAF Woodvale was chosen for the exercise as it provided an excellent forward operating base for the Operational Conversion Unit. It also provided additional support to the training being undertaking by introducing the crews to operating in unfamiliar surroundings and a different environment.