1984 Australian Helicopter Directory

If you live in one of this country’s major cities, it is a relatively simple task to hire a helicopter. One only has to refer to the local yellow pages. There are many advantages in hiring a helicopter rather than a fixed wing aircraft, or driving, provided, of course, there are suitable landing sites close to your departure point and destination.

Over short distances (up to 300 to 400 kilometres), a helicopter is quicker than a conventional aircraft if travel times to and from airports are taken into account. There are also many places of importance which do not have an airport within reasonable distances of the business and industrial areas. Wollongong Is a good case in point.

Obviously, helicopters are not cheap to charter, but speed and time saving has always come at a premium

The following helicopter operators provide charter services:

• Anderson Helicopters, Moorabbin, Victoria.
• Aviation Developments, Sydney, NSW.
• Rex Budd Pty Ltd, Mareeba, Queensland.
• City and Country Helicopters, Caloundra, Queensland.
• Cleary Bros (Bombo) Pty Ltd, Port Kembla, NSW.
• East Coast Helicopters, Caloundra, Queensland.
• Ferguson Helicopters, Sydney, NSW.
• Heli-Muster Pty Limited, Sydney, NSW, Kununurra, WA and Victoria Downs, NT.92
• Helicopter Operators Pty Ltd, Mt Isa, Queensland.
• Heliflite Pty Ltd, Castle Hill, NSW.
• Helihire Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW.
• Helitrans Australia Pty Ltd, Cairns, Queensland. Hookway Aviation Ltd, Hobart, Tasmania. Icelandair Helicopters, Brisbane, Queensland.
• JS & Son Pty Ltd, Budgewoi, NSW.
• J & B Helicopters, Kellyville, NSW.
• Jayrow Helicopters Pty Ltd, Moorabbin, Victoria.
• Leach Aero Services Pty Ltd, Alice Springs, NT.
• Lloyd Helicopters Ply Ltd, Adelaide, SA.
• Mciver Aviation, Haxton Park, NSW.
• Merrifield Helicopters Pty Ltd, Perth, WA. Nepean Helicopters, St Marys, NSW.
• Purnell Helicopter Service, Magnetic Island, Queensland.
• Rotor Services Pty Ltd, Darwin, NT.
• Rotor Work Pty Ltd, Bankstown, NSW.
• Seaworld Aviation, Surfers Paradise, Queensland.
• Vowell Air Services, Tyabb, Victoria, Perth, WA and Darwin, NT.

MUSTERING

The aerial mustering of cattle has grown enormously in the last decade. Again it is the time saving that makes the relatively expensive to operate helicopter-shine over competition from fixed wing aircraft and earthbound methods such as horseback and trail bikes. The manoeuvrability of the helicopter cannot be matched by fixed wing aircraft and the dangers of low flying are less for helicopters.

Though only time will tell, it has been predicted that ultralight aircraft may eventually supersede the helicopter in this role. The helicopter has more performance than is really necessary to fulfill the task of flushing cattle out of the scrub, so this role may become the first commercial application of the ultralight.

Cattle mustering is dominated by piston-engined machines with their low capital cost and instant throttle response. Most operators use Bell 47s and Hughes 300 aircraft.

The following companies use helicopters for cattle mustering:

• Rex Budd Pty Ltd, Mareeba, Queensland.
• Canelands Helicopter Service, Bundaberg, Queensland
• East Coast Helicopters, Caloundra, Queensland.
• Heli-Muster Pty Ltd, Kununurra, WA and Victoria Downs, NT.
• Helicopter Aviation Services, Mt Isa, Queensland.
• Helicopter Mustering Pty Ltd, Julia Creek, Queensland.
• Helicopter Operators Pty Ltd, Mt Isa, Queensland.
• Helicopter Service Centre, Bankstown, NSW.
• Islandair Helicopters, Brisbane, Queensland.
• Kimberley Helicopters, Kununurra, WA.
• Lawn Hill Pty Ltd, Mt Isa, Queensland.
• Leach Aero Services, Alice Springs, NT.
• Rotor Services, Darwin, NT.
• Traidaplane International, Essendon, Victoria.

PATROL

It has become an important role for the helicopter to patrol pipe and power lines. it is again the ability of the helicopter to fly low, slow and safely and yet cover a tremendous distance in a day that has led to many authorities contracting with commercial helicopter operators to carry out patrols. The rugged terrain that many of the lines traverse could otherwise only be covered on foot.

The following commercial operators are experienced in patrol work:

• Helitrans Australia Pty Ltd, Cairns, Queensland.
• Hookway Aviation, Hobart, Tasmania.
• Islandair Helicopters, Brisbane, Queensland.
• Jayrow Helicopters, Moorabbin, Victoria.
• Leach Aero Services, Alice Springs, NT.
• Lloyd Helicopters, Adelaide, SA.
• Mciver Aviation, Haxton Park, NSW.
• Okanagan Helicopters, Perth, WA.
• Vowell Air Services, Tyabb, Victoria

TRAINING

Learning to fly a helicopter is expensive. For this reason, the helicopter industry in Australia has long depended on ex-military pilots and sometimes recruited overseas. The growth in civil helicopter operations has outstripped the source of military pilots and more people are consequently being tempted to get a helicopter licence.

The rewards are good, for the demand for helicopter pilots is expected to grow and one can anticipate a higher income if so employed.

The following operators provide helicopter training:

• Air Golden Eagle, Coolangatta, Queensland.
• Benrik Aviation, Jandakot, WA.
• City and Country Helicopters, Caloundra, Queensland.
• East Coast Helicopters, Caloundra, Queensland.
• Helicopters Brisbane, Brisbane, Queensland.
• Helicopter Operators Pty Ltd, Mt Isa, Queensland.
• Helicopter Pilot School, Albion Park, NSW.
• Helicopter Service Centre, Bankstown, NSW.
• Heliflite Pty Ltd, Castle Hill, NSW.
• Heli-plane Services, Brunswick Heads, NSW.
• Jayrow Helicopters, Moorabbin, Victoria.
• Professional Helicopter Service, Moorabbin, Victoria.
• Rex Aviation, Bankstown, NSW.
• Trident Helicopters, Maleny, Queensland.

AGRICULTURE

The application of chemicals by helicopters has not reached the level predicted in this country. The helicopter really comes into its own in difficult areas but such areas are not common in open, flat Australia.

However, some companies are using helicopters for this work. They are:

• East Coast Helicopters, Caloundra, Queensland.
• Heli-Aust Pty Ltd, Bankstown, NSW.
• Heli-Muster Pty Ltd, Bankstown, NSW.
• Helicopter Aviation Services, Cudal, NSW.
• Lloyd Helicopters, Adelaide, SA.
• H. C. Sleigh, Essendon, Victoria.
• Vowell Air Services, Tyabb, Victoria.

MINERAL EXPLORATION AND SUPPORT

The most exciting of the roles performed by civil helicopters, the operations in support of the mining and oil industries, have been the main incentive for the development of new helicopters. The billion-dollar investments in minerals mean million-dollar helicopters and lucrative contracts. Most of these operations are remote from the main population centres and many involve long overwater flights by twin engine machines.

If not for the mining and oil industries, civil helicopter operators would still be dependent on derivatives of military aircraft, IFR operations would still be a dream and the dramatic improvement in helicopter operating costs and performance would not have eventuated.

Australia is a mineral-rich country and as a consequence, we have many operators flying in support of mining companies. Some of these are partly owned by large overseas concerns, the multinationals of the helicopter world, and it is mainly these companies that have brought to this nation the latest in rotary wing technology.

• Anderson Helicopters, Moorabbin, Victoria.
• Commercial Aviation, Bankstown, NSW.
• East Coast Helicopters, Caloundra, Queensland.
• ESSO Australia Ltd, Sale, Victoria.
• Helicopter Operators Pty Ltd, Mt Isa, Queensland.
• Helicopter Service Centre, Bankstown, NSW.
• Heliflite, Castle Hill, NSW.
• Helihire, Sydney, NSW.
• Helitrans Australia Pty Ltd, Cairns, Queensland.
• Hookway Aviation Ltd, Hobart, Tasmania.
• Jayrow Helicopters, Moorabbin, Victoria.
• Leach Aero Services, Alice Springs, NT.
• Lloyd Helicopters Pty Ltd, Adelaide, SA.
• Mayne-Bristow Helicopters, Jandakot, WA.
• Okanagan Helicopters, Perth, WA.
• Rotor Services, Darwin, NT.
• Sleigh/Schreiner-KLM Helicopters, Essendon, Victoria.
• Vowell Air Services, Tyabb, Victoria.

AIRLINES

The cessation of commuter operations by Scruse/New World meant the end of the most ambitious attempt in Australia to establish rotary wing airline services. Today, Ansett, a pioneer in scheduled helicopter operations, still serves its resort at Hayman Island on the Great Barrier Reef by helicopter from mainland airports. Jayrow also operate a Reg. 203 service between Melbourne Airport and the city.

MEDIA

The widespread adoption of the helicopter by the media was one of the features of the seventies. It was the rating-conscious television stations that were the most visible in the acquisition of helicopters, although radio stations have also made extensive use of them. The machines operated by television stations are fitted with ElectronicNews Gathering (ENG) equipment which enables pictures to be transmitted live from many miles from the studios and the helicopter can also act as a relay station for ground based crews.

The following media organisations operate helicopters:

• TCN Channel 9, Sydney, NSW.
• Amalgamated Television, Sydney, NSW.
• Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Sydney, NSW.
• United Telecasters, Sydney, NSW.
• NBN 3, Newcastle, NSW.
• Queensland Television, Brisbane, Queensland.
• Austrama Television, Melbourne, Victoria.
• Brisbane TV Ltd, Brisbane, Queensland.

RESCUE AND MEDIVAC

The helicopter first made its mark in the rescue and medivac role, notably during the Korean War in the early fifties. In Australia, helicopters have become a common sight over our surf beaches during the summer months. These surf patrols are often carried out by aircraft chartered by various generous companies and organisations and operated only during the warmer times of the year. The abilities shown by the helicopter in getting accident victims to hospital quickly have led in recent years to the creation of dedicated helicopter rescue services in some locations. These are:

• Helicopter Rescue Service, Sydney, NSW.
• State Emergency Service, Brisbane, Queensland.
• Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service, Maroochydore, Queensland.
• Gold Coast Helicopter Rescue Service, Surfers Paradise, Old.
• National Safety Council, Traralgon, Victoria.

POLICE

The use of helicopters by police forces in Australia has barely started, but those using these versatile aircraft would feel helpless without them. In addition to pursuing felons and looking for lost people, the police helicopters have naturally taken on rescue and medivac roles.

The New South Wales and Victorian Police Forces both operate helicopters.

GOVERNMENT AND SEMI-GOVERNMENT

It was the NSW Department of Main Roads that pioneered the rotary wing public servant. Its use of helicopters for traffic control and research into traffic flows is reputed to have saved Sydney motorists thousands of hours and millions of litres of petrol. Today, other government organisations have adopted helicopters for a

wide range of activities. These organisations are:

• NSW Department of Main Roads.
• NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
• NSW Electricity Commission.
• Pipeline Authority, Young, NSW.

MILITARY

The helicopter was developed as an instrument of war, and each of Australia’s armed services have large fleets. The RAAF operates 12 heavy-lift Boeing-Vertol CH-47C Chinooks with No. 12 Squadron based at Amberley in Queensland. These are the largest helicopters in service in this country. Other helicopters in RAAF service are the Bell UH-1 Iroquois in a wide variety of roles and some recently delivered Aerospatiale Squirrels as trainers.

The now carrierless RAN has become an all-helicopter service with the Westland Sea King filling the ASW role (though land-based), and the long serving Westland Wessex in the utility role. Like the RAAF, the RAN has recently acquired some Aerospatial Squirrel trainers to replace its Bell Iroquois. The RAN is soon to order a new ASW helicopter for use on its FFG frigates. The finalists are the Westland Lynx and Sikorsky Seahawk.

The Army has a large fleet of license-built Bell Kiowas, the military version of the JetRanger. They are used for observation and general transport duties.

Below is a list and brief description of each of the helicopter types presently operating in Australia. Each entry is followed by the civil registrations of these aircraft as at 1st January, 1984 and ownership can be established by reference to the civil register published in the March 1984 issue of Australian Aviation.

AEROSPATIALE SA315 LAMA (France)

Developed from Aerospatiale’s very successful Alouette series of light helicopters, the Lama combines the lightweight airframe of the Alouette II with the powerful Artouste engine and transmission of the Alouette Ill. It was developed specifically for Indian military operations in the Himalayas but soon found a niche in the civil market as a flying crane. The Lama has exceptional high-altitude performance and lifting ability.

No. registered at 1. 1. 84: 1. VH-BQT

AEROSPATIALE SA365 DAUPHIN 2 (France)

Aerospatiale’s entry into the twin-engine executive market, the Dauphin 2, has recently been restyled with a retractable undercarriage like its main competitors, the Sikorsky S. 76, Bell 222 and Agusta A. 109. The only example in Australia is operated by the Victorian Police Force and is the earlier version with fixed gear. It is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel turboshafts and seats 1 O passengers in standard configuration.

No. registered at 1. 1. 84: 1. VH-PVF

AEROSPATIALE AS 350 SQUIRREL AND AS 355 TWIN SQUIRREL (France)

First flying in 1974, the AS 350 Squirrel is a five-seat general-purpose helicopter. It is available with both the 641 shp Turbomeca Arriel and 592 shp Lycoming LTS-101 turboshaft engines, with the former being the model sold in Australia. The twin-engined version, the AS 355, appeared in 1979 and is powered by two Allison 250 engines. Aerospatiale pulled off a coup recently when the Squirrel was chosen as the new training helicopter for the RAAF and RAN against strong competition from the already entrenched Bell JetRanger.

The Squirrel and Twin Squirrel are distributed in Australia by Rex Aviation

AEROSPATIALE SA341 GAZELLE (France)

Developed primarily as a military helicopter, the five seat Gazelle has found only one Australian customer, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Despite this apparent lack of interest in Australia, it has been produced in large numbers for both the French and British armed forces. Power comes from a single 590 shp Turbomeca Astazou IVA engine.

No. registered at 1. 1. 84: 1. VH-PWS

AEROSPATIALE SA330 PUMA (France)

Carrying up to 16 passengers, the Puma is used in Australia for offshore oil support. Like most of Aerospatiale’s helicopters, it was a military requirement for a twin engine, medium helicopter that led to its development and first flight in 1965. It is powered by two 1575 shp Turbomeca Turmo IVC turboshaft engines.

A. stretched version, the Super Puma, can accommodate 21 passengers and will certainly be seen on Australian oil rigs in the future.

AGUSTA A. 109 (Italy)

An Italian aircraft, the Agusta A. 109 is only a recent arrival on the Australian scene. It is an attractive machine, and the first civil helicopter developed by this long-established manufacturer. Power is provided by two Allison 250 turboshafts and the A. 109 seats up to eight persons. The first prototype flew on 4th August, 1971 and many have been sold to operators in the United States and Europe. Local agent is Aerospace International.

No. registered at 1. 1. 84: 1. VH-MOB

BELL 47 (United States)

Immortalised by the television series M•A•S•H, the Bell 47 is one the classic helicopters of all time. It was produced in vast numbers and a myriad of versions starting in 1945. The basic version, with its bubble cockpit canopy and uncovered tail boom, is having a revival in Australia with cattle mustering operators because of its low capital cost and responsive piston engine. Its simple construction enables the aircraft to be rebuilt after accidents that would spell the end of most aircraft.

A refined model, with an enclosed cockpit and fuselage, appeared in 1954 as the Model 4 7 J Ranger and serviced with both Ansett

and TAA. BELL MODEL 204 and 205 IROOUOIS (United States) Serving in reasonable numbers with the RAAF, the Iroquois has been the mainstay of the service’s rotary wing squadrons for over 20 years. The Model 205 has a larger cabin than the Model 204 and both types have served with the military under the designations UH-1B, D and H. A civil version has also served in Australia. Lycoming turboshaft engines of up to 1400 shp have powered the Iroquois throughout its long production life. BELL MODEL 212 and 412 (United States)

Development of the the basic Iroquois, the 212 has a single 1800 shp Pratt & Whitney PT6T-3 coupled turboshaft in place of the earlier machine’s Lycoming engine. The first civil version was certified in 1970 and immediately found a ready market in the oil support area. The 412 is a further refinement, introduced in 1981, with a new four-blade main rotor. Again it has been the oil support industry that has mainly imported these Aircraft into Australia.

BELL MODEL 206 JETRANGER AND LONG RANGER (United States)

The single most popular helicopter in Australia, the five-seat Bell JetRanger is used for everything from military observation to relaying television pictures. The Army has a large fleet which was built locally under Australia’s only helicopter production programme. The civil production that was to follow was aborted, although hindsight shows the local market finally purchased more JetRangers than were to be built here.

A stretched version, the Model 206L LongRanger, which seats seven passengers, has found a strong market among television stations. It is ideally sized for a news crew with equipment.

All Bell 206s are powered by a single Allison 250 turboshaft engine and are sold here through Bell’s facility at Brisbane.

BELL MODEL 222 (United States)

Latest of the new technology executive helicopters to be imported, the Bell 222 first flew on 13th August, 1976. It is powered by two Lycoming LTS-101 turboshafts and seats eight in executive configuration. Like other new technology helicopters, the 222 has found favour with oil support operators. The normal version has retractable undercarriage, but a utility version, the 222UT, is available with fixed skids.

The 222 is sold through Bell-Textron of Brisbane, Queensland. None were registered at the beginning of the year, however six have since been delivered to Lloyd Helicopters of Adelaide. These were Model 222UTs.

BOEING-VERTOL CH-47 CHINOOK (United States)

The largest helicopter in use in Australia, the CH-47 Chinook is powered by two 3750 shp Lycoming T55 turboshafts. Power is delivered through tandem rotors, which is a unique feature among locally operated helicopters. The RAAF has 12 with No. 12 Squadron at Amberley in Queensland. During their 10 years of operation, the Chinooks have been great performers from the PR point of view, having made regular appearances on television, lifting everything from railway carriages to Caribou transports.

A civil version is available, but its cost would daunt most local companies.

ENSTROM F. 28 and F. 280 (United States)

To most interested Australians, the Enstrom series of helicopters is only a recent happening. However, the first F. 28 flew in 1962, followed by the first production model in 1968. Today’s Enstroms are available in four engine/airframe combinations- the F. 28C. 280C, F. 28F Falcon and 280F. The F. 28s are utility aircraft, whereas the 280s are sleeker executive helicopters. All Enstroms are powered by Lycoming piston engines.

Local agent for the Enstrom is Heliflite of Castle Hill, NSW.

HILLER UH-12 (United States)

Another of the classic light helicopters from the late 1940s. Early models served with TAA, but modern Australian piston-engined helicopters in more utilitarian roles, notably mustering and training. Basic models today are the three-seat UH-12E and fourseat UH-12E4. A Soloy conversion, with an Allison 250 turboshaft in place of the usual Lycoming VO-540 piston engine, is also available.

Local agent is City and Country Helicopters of Caloundra, Queensland.

HUGHES 300/MODEL 269 (United States)

A popular machine with cattle musterers, the Hughes300 first flew in 1956. It has been built in large numbers as a training helicopter for the US Army and has also proved a success in Australia. The three-seater is powered by a 190 hp Lycoming HIO-360 and sold in this country by Crowley Airways of Camden, NSW.

HUGHES 500/MODEL 369

Winner of the US Army Light Observation Helicopter contest that also saw the development of the JetRanger, the Hughes 500’s distinctive tear drop shape has become a common sight in our skies (if not as common as the JetRanger). The helicopter is noted for its performance and lifting ability and is powered by the ever popular Allison 250 turboshaft.

Recent developments of the 500 include a roomier cabin, as the original one was considered a sales impediment.

ROBINSON R22 (United States)

The lightest and cheapest helicopter available, the two-seat Robinson R. 22 is a popular choice among flying schools. It flew for the first time in 1977 and is poweredby an asingleLycoming 0-320 piston engine.

Local agent is Heliflite of Castle Hill, and the R22 can be expected to fill the gap created by the ever-decreasing numbers of Bell 47s (world wide, if not locally).

SIKORSKY S. 61N (United States)

A classic helicopter, the S. 61N was first flown in 1962. It was built in large numbers for the US Navy and under license in the United Kingdom by Westland as the Sea King. Its size led to its adoption by airlines, including Ansett, and more recently, by oil support operators where the two 1500 shp General Electric Turboshafts and 26 seat capacity make it ideal for offshore work. The helicopter is also amphibious.

SIKORSKY S. 76 (United States)

One of the new breed of sleek executive helicopters, the S. 76 was once known as the Spirit. South American superstition led to this name being dropped, but this has not stopped S. 76 from becoming Sikorsky’s most successful civil programme. First flying in 1977, the S. 76 is powered by two Allison 250 turboshaft engines and seats up to fourteen passengers.

Local operations have been restricted to offshore oil and gas support

WESTLAND WESSEX (United Kingdom)

A licensed-built version of the Sikorsky S58 with British engines and avionics, the Wessex has recently completed 21 years service with the RAN. A fine machine, it originally served in the ASW role, but today it is mainly used as a utility aircraft. With the departure of HMAS Melbourne, the Wessex seems to have only a limited future. A few civil versions have been operated here.

WESTLAND SEA KING (United Kingdom) The now carrierless RAN may no longer have a need for its relatively new Sea King ASW helicopters. A large aircraft, being a licensed-built version of the Sikorsky S. 61, it is considered too big for the Navy’s FFG frigates.

An excellent helicopter in its role, should have no trouble finding a buyer if they are tobe sold. Like Westland’s other licence-built Sikorskys, the Sea King has British engines, in this case, Rolls-Royce Gems.