1985 Helicopter Operators Directory

The oil rig support field has remained fairly static throughout the year, although the period has seen larger types coming into service, mainly the extremely capable Bell 412. As well, the National Safety Council has gone ahead in leaps and bounds and has really extended its fleet in recent times with the acquisition of further Bell 412’s and 212’s for search and rescue, Bell 205’s for firebombing etc; and a Dornier 228 to replace the Nomads.

Media organisations have updated their fleets in recent times, a number going for the twin-engine AS355 Twin Squirrel, but the Messerschmitt-Bolkow MB105, the very successful twin-engine German machine has now become available, finally receiving a type approval in Australia, and following the recent sales tour by a German registered machine, orders from a number of operators are said to be in the wind.

In the military field, the RAN and the RAAF have been taking delivery of their Aerospatiale Squirrels to replace old B model Iroquois, and Hawker de Havilland have been making overtures to the Government to put some of the Iroquois through a re-manufacturing process to extend their life. During the year the Government announced the purchase of the Sikorsky S-70 Seahawk for the Navy’s FFG Class frigates but the first of these are not expected to be received until 1987?

In the cattle mustering field there are still a number of operators using the tried and proven Bell 47G and during the year further examples have been obtained so it seems that the old 47 is destined to remain in use in this role for many years to come. However, in more recent times the Robinson R. 22 has joined the 47 in this role and is starting to make its mark.

In Newcastle it is reported the Phillips Philicopter, a light two-place machine similar in size to the Robinson R-22, is coming along but as yet none appear on the register, although it is understood a C of A is nearing issue.

The only real new helicopter type to appear on the register this year is the Sikorsky S-55, although calling it a new type would be a bit of a misnomer, as it is actually a rebuild of the 1950’s vintage machine which saw considerable service in the Korean war with the US military. Two of these machines have been imported by a company operating out of Archerfield and are to be used on charter work in Queensland.

This review has been compiled in two sections: firstly, under headings signifying the principal functions of the modern helicopter are lists of operators whose fleets perform that function. However, these lists may not be complete and we would be glad to hear of any alterations which should be made. The second part is a brief description of each of the helicopter types presently flying in Australia and the registrations of those of each type on the register as at the end of July 1985.

AIR TAXI AND CHARTER

For those who require a quick means of transport from one centre to another over a short distance, it is very simple to look at the Yellow Pages and locate an air taxi and charter operator flying light helicopters. There are many advantages in hiring a helicopter over a fixed-wing aircraft, or travelling by road, provided, of course, there are suitable landing sites close to the departure and the destination points.

Over short distances (approximately 300 to 400 kilometres) a helicopter is quicker than a conventional aircraft if travel times to and from airports are taken into account.

Of course, helicopters are not cheap to charter and operate but when time and speed are of the essence they are certainly the way to travel. 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 Ltd, Sydney, NSW: Kununurra, WA; and Victoria Downs, NT Helicopter Operators Pty Ltd, Mt Isa, Queensland Hookway Aviation Ltd, Hobart, Tasmania Islandair Helicopters, Brisbane, Queensland JS and Son Pty Ltd, Budgewoi, NSW J&B Helicopters Pty Ltd, Moorabbin, Victoria Intercontinental Shelf, Archerfield, Queensland Aerocountry, Moorabbin, Victoria Jayrow Helicopters Pty Ltd, Moorabbin, Victoria Leach Aero Services Pty Ltd, Alice Springs, N. T. Lloyd Helicopters Pty Ltd, Adelaide, S. A. Mciver Aviation, Hoxton Park, NSW Merifield Helicopters Pty Ltd, Perth, W. A. Nepean Helicopters, St Marys, NSW Pacific Coast Helicopters, Camden Airport, NSW Purnell Helicopters Service, Magnetic Island, Queensland Rotor Work Pty Ltd, Bankstown, NSW Sea World Aviation, Surfers Paradise, Queensland Vowell Air Services, Tyabb, Victoria; Perth, WA. ; and Darwin, N. T.

MUSTERING

As noted last year, the aerial mustering of cattle has grown enormously in recent years and is continuing to thrive. As is the case with most helicopter operations, the time factor is most important and it is this, and the vast distances involved in the theatre of operations that makes the helicopter so competitive as compared with riders on horseback or trail bikes. Additionally, the manoeuvrability of the helicopter cannot be matched by fixed wing aircraft.

In recent times there has been much talk about ultralight aircraft eventually taking over some of the helicopter’s roles in the cattle mustering field and only time will tell as to whether this will in fact occur. If it does, this will be one of the first commercial applications of the ultralight, although some experiments have been carried out on the ultralight in the seeding and dusting role.

This field is dominated by piston engine machines, with their low initial cost and instant throttle response, the main types being the Bell 47, Hughes 300, and Robinson R22.

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, W. A. and Victoria Downs, N. T. 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, W. A. Lawn Hill Pty Ltd, Mt Isa, Queensland Leach Aero Services, Alice Springs, N. T. Rotor Services, Darwin, N. T. Traidaplane International, Essendon, Victoria Airborne Harvest, Kembla Grange, NSW.

PATROL

The patrolling of pipelines and power lines regularly is an important role in the helicopter industry. The ability of the helicopter to fly low and slow along these lines has proved to be most beneficial in locating problems quickly and the ability of the helicopter to land nearby gives it an edge over other types. Only time will tell if aircraft like the Edgley Optica find a niche in this field. The importance of this regular patrolling has led to many authorities contracting with commercial helicopter operators to provide machines to carry out these patrols, and the operators listed hereunder are known to be experienced in this field.

Helitrans Australia Pty Ltd, Caims, Queensland Hookway Aviation, Hobart, Tasmania Islandair Helicopters, Brisbane, Queensland Jayrow Helicopters, Moorabbin, Victoria Leach Aero Services, Alice Springs, N. T. Lloyd Helicopters, Adelaide, S. A Mclver Aviation, Hoxton Park, NSW Okanagan Helicopters, Perth, WA. Vowell Air Services, Tyabb, Victoria.

TRAINING

The cost to the budding helicopter pilot of learning to fly a helicopter is quite enormous when compared with the average light aircraft, such as the Tomahawk or Cessna 152, and it is, for this reason, the helicopter industry has for many years depended on recruiting pilots from the military services, or from overseas. However, in the last decade the growth of the helicopter industry has far outstripped the number of pilots available from previously used sources and a number of operators have set up specialised training schools to train future helicopter pilots.

Although the costs of training is still quite high, the remunerative re- wards are extremely good, and the demand for helicopter pilots is continuing to grow, thus ensuring those who outlay the necessary expense in training a relatively healthy future.

The following operators are known to provide helicopter training. Air Golden Eagle, Coolangatta, Queensland Benrik Aviation, Jandakot, W. A. City and Country Helicopters, Caloundra, Queensland East Coast Helicopters, Caloundra, Queensland Helicopters Brisbane, Brisbane, Queensland Helicopters 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 Pacific Coast Helicopters, Camden Airport, NSW Professional Helicopter Service, Moorabbin, Victoria Trident Helicopters, Maleny, Queensland Townsend’s Helicopter Training School, Hoxton Park, NSW Mclver Aviation, Hoxton Park, NSW Aerocountry, Moorabbin, Victoria.

AGRICULTURE

Although a small number of operators use helicopters in the agricultural field, this type of application of chemicals has not advanced to the stage it was expected some years ago. This field is largely the province of operators with fixed-wing aircraft, and these days the modern agricultural aircraft is a very capable and highly manoeuvrable machine, and it is only in extreme cases where the helicopter comes into its own in difficult areas. However, the helicopter is still quite popular in this role, being able to apply its load at very slow speeds if required.

The following operators are known to use helicopters in this field, East Coast Helicopters, Caloundra, Queensland Heli-Muster Pty Ltd, Bankstown, NSW Helicopter Aviation Services, Cudal, NSW Lloyd Helicopters, Adelaide, S. A H. C. Sleigh, Essendon, Victoria Vowell Air Services, Tyabb, Victoria.

MINERAL EXPLORATION AND SUPPORT

The role of helicopter support for mining operations and oil rig support etc. has been a field that has gone ahead in leaps and bounds in the last decade and has led to the development of a whole new range of high-performance large civil helicopters, with machines as large as the Chinook being used in the North Sea off the coast of England supporting oil rigs. In more recent times the Bell 412 twin-engined helicopter has been taking over many of the operations in this field in Australia, with the Sikorsky S. 76 and Aerospatiale Puma also being used.

The massive investment of capital in exploration for minerals and oil in Australia has produced very lucrative contracts for the helicopter operators involved in this field and has meant the introduction of large and powerful helicopters to fill the bill. Most operations are in remote areas, far from large population centres, and long overwater flights are necessary, thus ensuring large twin-engine aircraft.

Australia is rich in minerals, and the search for oil in this area continues, thus ensuring work for a number of helicopter operators. Some of the large exploration companies use machines chartered from helicopter operators, such as Bristow Helicopters, while others, such as Esso/BP, have their own fleet to service their requirements.

The importance of minerals and oil to the world is well known, and this has necessitated operators in the field requiring the best equipment available, and this has meant that helicopter manufacturers have had to work to develop new types to meet the ever-increasing demands placed on machines. The use of the large helicopters in this field has meant the development of specialised machines; otherwise, because of the small number of large helicopters used by airlines in the world, the operators would probably have had to rely on derivatives of military types. The following operators used helicopters in this role.

Anderson Helicopters, Moorabbin, Victoria Commercial Aviation, Bankstown, NSW East Coast Helicopters, Caloundra, Queensland Esso/BP 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 Helicopters Pty Ltd, Adelaide, S. A. Lloyd Helicopters Pty Ltd, Adelaide, S. A. Mayne-Bristow Helicopters, Jandakot, W. A. Okanagan Helicopters, Perth W. A. Rotor Services, Darwin, N. T. Sleigh/Schreiner-KLM Helicopters, Essendon, Victoria Vowell Air Services, Tyabb, Victoria.

AIRLINES:

For some time Scruse/New World operated a commuter operation from the central coast of NSW to Sydney, and this was the first serious attempt in Australia to commence a rotary wing airline, but this unit closed down operations. Subsequently, Ansett Airlines Sikorsky S. 61 operations in the Whitsunday area with VH-BRH and VH-BRI were the only operations of this type to remain but, following the opening of the new airstrip at Hamilton Island, which takes Ansett aircraft up to Boeing 767 size, the requirements for the helicopter service have now ceased and the two Sikorsky’s have been flown to Melbourne where they have been placed on sale. At present, the only Reg. 203 service is operated between Melbourne Airport and the city by Jayrow Helicopters.

MEDIA

The widespread adoption of the helicopter by media organisations was one of the features of the aviation industry in the seventies. It was the rating-conscious television stations that were one of the first to see the capital to be gained by the acquisition of a helicopter for gathering important news stories quickly and efficiently. This has been more so in recent years with the link up between the television stations and the national daily newspapers. Although some of the radio stations have been involved in the use of helicopters, it has been the television services that have actually acquired their own units, the radio stations usually using chartered machines for news gathering and reports of morning and evening peak hour traffic conditions.

The machines used by television stations are fitted with ENG (electronic news gathering equipment) which enables pictures to be transmitted live direct to the studios or to television units in the field; and in these cases the helicopter can also act as a relay station for ground based crews.

One of the major technological breakthroughs in this field in recent times has been the use of direct telecasts of motor racing events around Australia, a feature being the use of cameras on board sedan racing cars, the helicopter hovering over the top of the racetrack transmitting the signal, in the case of major events such as the James Hardie 1000 from Bathurst, to ground stations which then transmit the signal to Sydney for telecast throughout Australia and the world.

The use of the helicopter has become so important to the television industry that all the major networks own at least one helicopter, usually two, and quite often further units are chartered to take news-gathering teams to important events in order that the newsgathering may proceed with speed and efficiency, quite often the videotape being delivered to the television channel within minutes of the actual events occurring.

The following media organisations are known to 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.

In recent times television channels have been looking towards twin-engine helicopters, and Channel 10 in Sydney was one of the first to move to the very capable Aerospatiale AS355 Twin Squirrel. Since then other operators have commenced to follow suit. Also, the Australian distributor for the Messerschmitt-Bolkow BK-105 has demonstrated an example (D- HDSW) to interested parties and it could well just be a matter of time before examples of this type are seen, it being powered by the very well known Allison 250 turboshaft.

RESCUE AND MEDIVAC

The helicopter really began to make its mark in the rescue and medivac role during the Korean war, and its importance in this role was soon realised and subsequently development of specialised models for this role appeared. In more recent times helicopters patrolling the Australian coastline during summer have increased with various machines chartered by various companies and organisations, these machines usually being painted in the colour scheme of the company providing the sponsorship. . In more recent times these patrols have continued into the winter months, and in fact almost all year round, as more and more Australians get out into the mountains and countryside to get a breath of fresh air, and with mountain climbing and rapelling becoming more and more common, persons are becoming injured, or hikers are becoming lost, and the helicopters called upon to fulfil a role of rescuing such persons and conveying them to safety. They have also been used extensively in moving seriously injured patients from scenes of accidents etc. to hospitals quickly and efficiently. All of these events have led to the formation of a dedicated helicopter rescue service.

Another operation that has been progressing in leaps and bounds is the National Safety Council of Australia, an organisation which now has three Bell 412’s for search and rescue duties; a number of Bell 205’s fitted with 1360 litre belly tanks for firebombing; and a Dornier 228 and Beech King Air aircraft. This organisation has bases in Queensland, Victoria (Morwell) and NSW (Albion Park) where they are on call at all times to meet requirements for search and rescue duties along the Australian coastline.

Services involved in the rescue and medivac field include: Helicopter Rescue Service, Sydney, NSW State Emergency Service, Brisbane, Queensland Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service, Maroochydore, Queensland Gold Coast Helicopter Rescue Service, Surfers Paradise, Queensland National Safety Council of Australia, Traralgon, Victoria and Albion Park, NSW.

POLICE

Compared to overseas, the use of helicopters by police forces in Australia is only a relatively new operation, but those using them now have indicated they would be quite restricted in their services without them. New South Wales, leads the field with three Bell Jetrangers in service. These machines have been used extensively in the pursuit of felons after bank hold-ups, etc. , and have also been used in the medivac role. Quite often they may be seen at night at the scenes of major road accidents, where their 3. 7 million candle-power searchlights are used to light up the scene and provide the necessary light needed by services on the grounds to extricate injured drivers and passengers. The Victorian police force has one of the superb Aerospatiale Dauphin twin-engine machines and is said to be looking to upgrade its fleet. Indeed it can only be a matter of time, before police forces in other states finally become the owners of new technology high-performance helicopters to assist them in their task of combating crime.

GOVERNMENT AND SEMI-GOVERNMENT

In New South Wales the Department of Main Roads pioneered the use of the helicopter for its services, this service obtained a Bell 47J-2 to use for traffic control and research into traffic flow in and around Sydney. It, and its successor, has been used throughout the years during peak periods to monitor traffic flow, and thus attempt to ensure traffic is flowing smoothly. Other government departments and organisations have adopted the helicopter for a wide range of activities, such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This latter service has used the only Aerospatiale Gazelle on the Australian register and at present operates VH-PWS, which was purchased to replace a previous Gazelle which was lost in an accident.

Government and semi-government bodies that operate helicopters include: NSW Department of Main Road NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service NSW Electricity Commission Pipeline Authority, Young, NSW.

MILITARY

The helicopter was originally developed during World War II as an instrument of war, and considerable sums of money have been spent by a number of countries throughout the world in the development of the machine. Australia’s three services have used the helicopter extensively since the early 1950’s, the RAAF using such early types as the Sikorsky S. 51 for search and rescue.

At present the RAAF operates twelve heavy-lift Boeing CH-47C Chinooks with No. 12 Squadron, based at Amberley in Queensland. These are the largest helicopters in the country and have been used to great effect in their design role supporting army units on the ground. In addition, they have been used for salvage operations, such as the lifting of Grumman Trackers which survived the disastrous fire at Nowra some years ago on to HMAS Melbourne, and later from the Melbourne to Bankstown aerodrome, NSW for refurbishment. Other lifts have included a damaged Caribous in New Guinea, a damaged Westland Wessex, and the notable salvage from the New Guinea jungles of a Douglas Boston World War II bomber for restoration at the RAAF Museum at Point Cook. Other helicopters in RAAF service include the Bell UH-1H Iroquois and the Aerospatiale Squirrel, examples of the latter entering service in 1985 at RAAF Fairbairn, ACT, to replace some of the older Iroquois in the training role. However, financial restrictions have not permitted the RAAF to order replacements for the late model Iroquois and these are expected to soldier on for some years yet.

Since the grounding of all fixed-wing RAN aircraft, the RAN is now solely a helicopter service in the aviation field. At present in the anti-submarine warfare role the Westland Sea King fills the bill, all aircraft being operated from HMAS Albatross at Nowra because there is no ship in the Navy capable of handling the machine. Originally ten examples were obtained but four were lost in accidents, and a further two were obtained as attrition replacements. The Navy also operates a number of Westland Wessex’s in the utility role. Although 27 were originally obtained as ASW aircraft during the early sixties, a number of these have been lost over their quite long service life. However, it is expected those remaining will be around for some time yet.

Probably the most important aircraft as far as the Navy is concerned is the order placed for eight examples (with more to follow later) of the Sikorsky Seahawk helicopter for the anti-ship and anti-submarine role. These modem advanced technology machines will be based on board the new FFG frigates being built for the Navy, each ship having two aircraft attached; and deliveries of these are expected to commence in 1987.

The Australian Army has a large fleet of licence-built (by Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation) Bell JetRangers which, in Army service, are known as the Kiowa and which, for a short period, were to be known as the Kalkadoon, until sanity prevailed. These are used for observation and general liaison duties and are based at various army bases, such as the major base at Oakey in Queensland, Holsworthy in NSW etc. and these operate alongside Army GAF Nomads and Pilatus Turbo-Porters.

Below is a brief description of each of the helicopter types presently operating in Australia. Each entry is followed by the civil registrations of aircraft of the type operating in Australia, and ownership of each example can be gleaned by reference to the Australian Civil Aircraft Register which was published the March and June editions of Australian Aviation.

AEROSPATIALE SA 315 LAMA (France)

The Lama was developed from Aerospatiale’s very successful Alouette series of high-performance light helicopters, the Lama incorporated the lightweight airframe of the Alouette II with the more powerful Artouste engine and transmission of the Alouette III, thus providing a machine that could be used successfully in high altitudes. In fact it was basically developed to meet a requirement of the Indian military services to operate in the Himalayas. Only one is registered at present, and this has been noted a couple of times operating in the Snowy Mountains lifting equipment into position for ski lifts. Power Plant is one 870shp Turbomeca Artouste IIIB turbo-shaft de-rated to 550shp. Number registered at 15. 8. 85 – 1. VH-PDU.

AEROSPATIALE SA 365 DAUPHIN 2 (France)

The Dauphin was Aerospatiale’s first entry into the twin-engine executive helicopter market, and, since its inception, like the Sikorsky S. 76 and Bell 222, has undergone some changes in design, more powerful engines etc. The Dauphin 2 model was restyled to have a retractable undercarriage in lieu of the skids, and although the type has been very successful overseas, only one example has been seen in Australia, this being the machine operated by the Victorian Police Force, which is an early model with a fixed undercarriage. The Dauphin is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel turboshafts of 641shp each and can seat ten in standard passenger configuration.

Number. registered at 15. 8. 85-1. VH-PE.

AEROSPATIALE AS 350 SQUIRREL (France)

Flying for the first time in 1974, the AS350 Squirrel and its sister, the AS355 Twin Squirrel (see below) has been one of the success stories for new helicopters on the Australian market, with a continuous stream of examples arriving in Australia for civil and military operators. Two engines are available, the 641shp Turbomeca Arriel and the 592shp Lycoming LTS-101 turboshaft, although all of the machines sold in Australia have the French engine. In 1984 the French firm won a contract to provide Squirrels to the RAAF and the RAN for use in the training role and deliveries have been continuing during the past twelve months. Number registered as at 15. 8. 85-15. VH-NTV,-HTV. -HRX, -HRS, -OTV, -SRB, -SRA, -SES, -SCK, -HBA, -AFO, -BLU, -BLA, -ECU, -HRD.

AEROSPATIALE AS 355 TWIN SQUIRREL (France)

The Twin Squirrel first appeared in 1979 and is a development of the very successful Squirrel mentioned above. Basically the same helicopter but fitted with two tried and proven Allison 250 turboshafts of 425shp, the type is becoming popular amongst media and rescue organisations. Number registered at 15. 8. 85-5. VH-NWA, -HWA, -HSG, -HPB, -HRT.

AEROSPATIALE SA 341 GAZELLE (France)

The Gazelle was developed primarily as a military aircraft for the French military services, but since then has sold very successfully on the world market both in its civil and military guise. It has been built in large numbers for both the French and British military services.

Power is provided by a 590shp Turbomeca Astazou IVA engine. Seat- ing five, only two have been seen in Australia, both for the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The first machine (VH-WLS) was operated for some years but was lost in an accident in the Snowy Mountains and was replaced by the machine noted below. Number registered at 15. 8. 85-1. VH-PWS.

AEROSPATIALE SA 330 PUMA (France)

A quite large helicopter by any standards, seating 16 passengers, the Puma has been basically used in Australia in the offshore oil rig support role. The Puma was designed to meet a military requirement for a twin-engine medium-lift helicopter and the prototype made its first flight in 1965. It is powered by two 1575shp Turbomeca Turmo IVC turboshafts. Subsequent development lead to a stretched version, the Super-Puma, which can accommodate up to 21 passengers. Last year when our first survey was published there were seven on the register but this has reduced now to three. The type has mainly been used by Mayne-Bristow Helicopters and Commercial Aviation. Number registered as at 15. 8. 85-3. VH-WOD, -WOA, -CRA.

AGUSTA A. 109 (Italy)

The Agusta A. 109 is a high-performance twin-engine helicopter designed by the Agusta company in Italy, a company which has become well known over the years for the licence construction of Bell helicopters for the European market, and in fact a small number of the company’s Bell 206’s are registered in Australia. The A. 109 is a very attractive machine powered by two of the ever-popular Allison 250 turboshafts and, seating up to eight persons, it has been very successful in Europe, with specialised attack versions being developed for a number of air forces, including that of Italy.

The A. 109 is the first civil helicopter developed solely by Agusta and, although the prototype first flew in August 1971, and large numbers have been sold in Europe and the United States, it has not found favour in Australia and it was not until the then local agent, Aerospace International obtained an order from Mimair Pty Ltd of Brisbane (Mt Isa Mines) that one was seen in Australia. Since its arrival, this machine has been based at Mackay in Queensland. Number registered as at 15. 8. 85 – 1. VH-MOB

BELL 47 (USA)

The Bell 47 series was one of, if not the, most successful helicopter ever designed and, over the years, has been produced in vast numbers in a variety of versions to meet countless requirements of civil and military operators. One of the stars of the television series, M. A. S. H. , the Bell 47 first appeared in 1945 and development continued until production concluded. In more recent times Soloy in the United States has converted the airframe to take an Allison 250, turboshaft to increase power and performance, and a small number of these conversions have been made by Hawker Pacific in Sydney for Australian operators. The rugged simple construction of the type has enabled some 47’s which would normally be written off to be rebuilt after accidents; and many a LAME has said, after such a rebuild, that the only piece of the original aircraft still left is the construction plate.

A refined model of the 47 appeared in 1954, known as the 47J Ranger, with an enclosed cockpit and fuselage, and an uprated engine, and a number of these saw service in Australia with Ansett, TAA and the NSW Department of Main Roads, Helicopter Utilities, Airfast etc; and although a few still survive here, only two are registered at present.

It would seem the 47 series is having a revival in Australia because at our last review, 48 examples were registered and now there are 60 on the register, a small number of these being ex-Australian Army machines that were retired and have now been rebuilt. A considerable number of those in use are used for cattle mustering operations, helicopter pilot training, and a few in the agricultural spraying role.

Number registered as at 15. 8. 85-60. VH-MQU. -UHA, -UAF,-TZW. -UTY, -UTX,-UTQ, -UTM, -HMU-WHX, -WHQ, -WHU, -WHS, -WHF, -HMJ, -HMX, -BHM, -BHR, -BHQ, -HSA, -ANG, -HBY. -AET, -AEO, -AEG, -AAU, -JGF, BHT, -KSL, -KSM, -KSO, -MZU, -PIV. -NKE, -CHD, -HHB, -CSI, -CSE, -DUS, -CSW, -PSH, -CSM, -CSJ, -HGM, -RFE, -RFY, -FUW, -SJA, -SJI, -SJY, -SKG, -SKU, -FJP. -SRE, -SUC, -SXO, -SRO, VH-THH, -INF.

BELL MODEL 204 AND 205 IROQUOIS (U. S. A. )

The Iroquois has been the mainstay of the RAAF’s helicopter Squadrons for over 20 years now and is likely to remain in service for some years yet. Both the model 204 and the 205 have served in Australia in both civil and military guise, being known in RAAF service as the UH-1B, D and H; and a number of B models served with the RAN until recently replaced by the Aerospatiale Ecureuil, or Squirrel. Last year at the time of our review two Model 205’s were registered and this number has increased to five this year. Two examples are still operated by Esso/BP from Sale, and have done so for some years, on oil-rig support work in the Bass Straight. The other three machines have recently been obtained by the National Safety Council of Australia and, based at Morwell Vic. and Albion Park, NSW, are fitted with large water containers and used for firebombing operations etc.

Power is provided by Lycoming turboshaft engines and, depending on the model, the power output can be up to 1400 shp.

Number registered as at 15. 8. 85 -5. VH-UHN, -UHP, -NSH, -NSI, -NSJ.

BELL MODEL 212 (U. S. A. )

Basically a development of the Iroquois, the Bell model 212 is a twin-engine machine to provide better performance and lifting capability and is fitted with an 1800shp Pratt and Whitney PT6T-3 coupled turboshaft, which is basically two PT6 turbines in one unit driving through a common gearbox, powering a two-blade propeller. Bell saw the need for a twin-engine version of their very successful Iroquois and it has since been produced for a number of the world’s air forces, and in 1970 a civil version was certificated and immediately found a ready market in the oil-rig support field. Last year at the time of our review 10 were registered and this has now reduced to nine, some of the previous operators now opting for the Model 412 noted below.

Number registered as at 15. 8. 85 – 10. VH-BEL, -MNU, -HCA, -NSA, -NSB, -NSC, -EMI, -EMK, -EMJ, -LAM. Three of these aircraft are operated by the National Safety Council of Australia and three by Esso/BP at Sale.

BELL 412 (U. S. A. )

The Bell 412 stems from the long line of developments that commenced with the Iroquois and is basically a development of the Model 212 introduced in 1981 and fitted with a new four-blade rotor. The type is proving very successful in Australia with good reliability and performance and. although only two were registered at the time of our last review, this has increased to six this year, and further examples are expected to be imported. The first few were imported for oil-rig work but later examples have been obtained for the National Safety Council of Australia for search and rescue duties, these being fitted with a winch capable of lifting two men out of the water, and are extensively equipped for operations in most weathers.

The model 412 is powered by one 1800shp Pratt & Whitney PT6T-3B-1 turboshaft. Number registered as at 15. 8. 85-7. VH-UAH, -BZH, -CRQ, -SUH, -NSO, -NSP, -AHH.

BELL 206 JETRANGER AND LONGRANGER (U. S. A. )

The most popular helicopter in Australia, with 77 on the civil register, and some 70 in service with the Australian Army and the RAN. The type has been over the years used in just about every role a helicopter can be used for, from military observation (where it is known as the Kiowa) to relaying television pictures, search and rescue, beach patrols, police duties, traffic patrolling etc. The Australian Army has a large fleet, 75 originally being built by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation at Fishermans Bend (it was originally planned to build a number for the civil market but this did not occur), and a small number of these went to the Royal Australian Navy for various duties with the remainder to the Australian Army. The number of JetRangers seems to be remaining static, 78 being registered last year and 77 this year.

A stretched version known as the model 206L LongRanger was also built, having seating for seven instead of the usual five, and for some years this was found to be ideal for the civil television stations for their news gathering teams.

The Bell 206 series is powered by the well known Allison 250 turboshaft which, according to the model, provides from 400shp and upwards. Number registered as at 15. 8. 85-80.

Bell 206 A and B. Jetranger and Agusta 206. VH-LED, -BHV, VHL, -UOR, -UHH, -UBH, -TMR, -UTS, -WNB, -WHW. -WNA, -WOK, -AZH, -ATS, -AND, -AJU, -AHV. -AHL, -ITH, -AFV, -AAL, -BHY, -BHS, -BKG, -BJG, -KKY, -KWX, -KXV, -LAQ, -BLI, -BLD, -BLP. -MHW, -MIS, -BLO, -BLN, -BLJ, -MXW, -BLR, -BTV, -CEC, -CBI, -PCR. -PHA, -PHB, -CPA, -COW, -CIH, -PHW, -PHX, -PHY. -DIK, -PMR, -EEC, FVF. -SAI, -SBC, -SEE, -FUT, -FUB, -FJR, -FJO, -SRN, -SUF, -SWH, -SWI, -FJC, -TCH, -FJB, -FHZ, -FHX, -FHW, -FHV. -FHB, -FHA, -FHF, -LEC, -BHU, -LAL, -AJI, -HRB.

Bell 206L Longranger.

Number registered as at 15. 8. 85-14.

VH-UTL, -HIP, -HIL, -BJY, -BJX, -BKU. -LIN, -LKU,-LTH, -MQA, -BLV. -PMO. -SCV,-FTV.

BELL 222 (U. S. A. )

Designed as a modern new technology high-performance executive helicopter, the Bell 222 has now found its niche in other roles and is starting to make its presence known in the helicopter market. The prototype flew for the first time on 13 August 1976 and, powered by two Lycoming LTS-101 turboshafts, it entered production seating eight in executive configuration. However the type has not sold as well as was envisaged, but has found some favour in the oil-rig support world, like the Sikorsky S. 76. The first model 222 was fitted with a retractable undercarriage, and a model in this configuration was demonstrated throughout Australia a few years ago but not sold and subsequently returned to the United States. Since then a utility version, known as the 222UT has become available fitted with fixed skids and updated equipment. Six examples of this model were ordered for Lloyds Helicopters but delivery of only four was. taken, one other being sold to the Hamilton Island organisation in north Queensland, and the sixth remained with Bell-Textron in Brisbane as a demonstrator.

Number registered as at 15. 8. 85-5. VH-LAH, -LAI, -LAJ, -LAK, -HIA.

BOEING-VERTOL CH-47C CHINOOK (U. S. A. )

The largest and most powerful helicopter to be ever operated in Australia, the CH-47C Chinook is powered by two 3750shp Lycoming T55 turboshafts delivering power to two separate sets of rotor blades. Twelve examples of the type were obtained for the heavy-lift role for the RAAF and these are based at Amberley in Queensland and serve with No. 12 Squadron. The cost of operating such an aircraft would be quite daunting to any civil operator, and it is probably for this reason that none has been obtained for operations in a civil guise in Australia, though a number are operated in the United Kingdom by British Airways. Number of machines operated by RAAF – 12. Serial numbers allotted – A15-001 to A15-012.

ENSTROM F. 28 AND F. 280 (U. S. A. )

The Enstrom series of helicopters is a light helicopter aimed at the private owner but used in some numbers as an executive transport. Four basic models have been available for some time, each basically varying in the equipment available and the engines fitted. All have Lycoming piston engines. The first F. 28 flew in 1962 and the type has been produced in some numbers since then. The four models available are the F. 28C, F. 280C, F. 28F Falcon and the F. 280F. The F. 28’s are utility aircraft whereas the 280 models are more expensive executive-style transports. Helifite at Castle Hill, NSW, is the Australian distributor and the number on the register is slowly increasing each year. Number on the register as at 15. 8. 85-9. VH-FSP. -FSL. -FSE, -HAH, -IYT, -IYS, -IYR, -IYP, -IEP.

HILLER UH-12 (U. S. A. )

The Hiller UH-12 series first appeared in the late 1940’s and was a competitor of the Bell 47 series, also being built in quite large numbers for civil and military operators throughout the world. The type was one of the first seen in Australia in the commercial field, early examples being used by TAA at one stage in conveying passengers from the Melbourne Airport, Essendon, to the city.

These days the piston-engined model, which is powered by a Lycoming VO-540 engine, is used in the more utilitarian role, mainly mustering and pilot training, although a couple have been noted with spraying bars fitted for use in the agricultural field. Two basic models are supplied, the UH-12E, which is the basic three-place type, and the UH-12E4 which has a larger cabin and seats four.

As with the Bell 47, the Soloy company in the United States has been involved in converting Hillers to take the reliable and powerful Allison Turbine, or supplying kits for conversion, and a small number of these have been registered in Australia also. Local agent for the type has been East Coast Helicopters at Caloundra.

At one stage the production of the Hiller series of helicopters ceased some years ago but, because of demand for new machines, production re-commenced and continues.

Number registered as at 15. 8. 85-24. VH-AGL, -ČCU, -UHB, -CCV, -MKZ, -MJV, -KAU, -FXX, -FFX, -FFV. -FFT, -FFE, -FBZ, -THA, -PYH, -FBX, -FBV, -FBQ, -FBH, -FBE, -UXG. -ECK, -ECQ, -FFU.

The Hiller VH-THA is one of the original TAA machines and, now some thirty-odd years old, would almost be a candidate for the National Aviation Museum when it eventually becomes a reality.

HUGHES 300 (MODEL 269) (U. S. A. )

The Hughes 300 series has been very popular amongst operators who require a light good-performing reliable helicopter and it has sold extremely well in Australia over the years. Used by a number of cattle mustering organisations, it is also flown by training organisations in the larger cities and in some cases as a private business machine.

The type was originally designed as a training helicopter for the US Army and was built in quite large numbers.

Number registered as at 15. 8. 85-49. VH-PKK, -WAA, -PSU, -PSK, -PHU, -PHT, -PHN, -PHK, -RIK, -WPP. -THE-THM,-THJ, -RHN, -FHJ, -FHI,-THU,-THR, -THQ, -UOS, -GMD, -HAK, -SIH, -SBR, -TID, -THY, -THV, -SMQ,-TES, -SWQ, -KHO, -KLQ, -KKJ. -KKG, -KKC, -UOB, -HFC, -CHV, -CHM, -NCL, -MZR, -MSL, -UFX, -AHO, -IHW, -IHV, -IHD, -BBS, -XBN.

HUGHES 500 (MODEL 369) (U. S. A. )

Designed to meet a US Army requirement for a light observation helicopter, the Hughes 500 has been produced in vast numbers for that service in a variety of versions. The Hughes 500 is a high-performance single-engine machine powered by the ever-popular Allison 250 turboshaft. Seating is provided for five. Although produced to compete with the Bell Jet anger, it has sold nowhere near as well in Australia, with only six being registered at present compared with nine at the time of our last review.

In commercial use the type is known as the Hughes 500, the models most in use here being the 500C and the 500D, the main difference between the two being that the former has a tail like an inverted V and the latter a T-type tail. Also, the latter has a slightly roomier cabin, a point which was not lost by the JetRanger salesman when the Bell 206 was compared with earlier model Hughes 500’s. Number registered in Australia as at 15. 8. 85-6. VH-BAD, -BAG, -RRC, -FAM, -PHL, -RMY.

ROBINSON R-22 (U. S. A. )

Although only introduced to the helicopter market in 1977, the Lycoming 0-320 powered prototype first flying in 1975, the Robinson R-22 has taken the light field by storm. An indication of this being that last year at the time of our review 18 examples were registered in Australia compared with 37 at the time of this review.

The lightest and cheapest helicopter available on the mass production helicopter market, the R. 22 has proved to be far more popular than the makers ever dreamed and is now being produced in numbers belying the present state of the sales of new aircraft on the world’s markets. Two models have been available, the basic Model R. 22 and the R. 22HP, the latter having an uprated engine which provides maximum power at altitude to increase lifting capability and performance at high altitudes. Number registered as at 15. 8. 85 -37. VH-HTA, -IPC, -IXS, -IXR, -IXN, -BHR, -HAU, -HBN, -HBL, -NOC, -NRJ, -NOT, -CDO, -ONE, -LCH, -LCR, -KEE, -JVC, -FHK, -UXA, -PYG, -UXH, -UXF, -UXE, -UXD, -UXB, -CIU, -UXL, -UXR, -NDT, -BCR, -HBO, -UXM, -UXQ, -UXJ, -UXT, -SRP.

SIKORSKY S. 61N (U. S. A. )

The Sikorsky S. 61 has been one of the great classic helicopters of the past 20 years, the prototype being flown for the first time in 1962 and production continuing for military and civil operators until only a few years ago. Powered by two 1500shp General Electric CT58 turboshafts, the S. 61, the big brother to the S. 62, normally has a crew of two and seats up to 26 passengers. Large numbers were built for the US Navy and other US services, and it has been used throughout the world in its military guise extensively for search and rescue operations. In more recent times its capacity has been seen to be of great use to companies involved in oil-rig support work, and it is to this end that it is receiving more and more use. It has also been used by a number of large operators around the world for airline inter-city type work. It is also amphibious, being able to land on still water. if the occasion arises.

Ansett Airlines had used two such aircraft on its operations in the Whitsunday Passage area of the Great Barrier Reef. However, since the 1984 opening of the Hamilton Island resort, and the associated runway able to take Ansett’s large commercial jetliners, the requirement for the two Sikorsky helicopters has now disappeared and they have been withdrawn from service and, unless a local operator can see some use for them, it is likely in the near future they will be sold overseas. Number registered as at 15. 8. 85-2. VH-BRH, -BRI.

SIKORSKY S. 76 (U. S. A. )

One of the newer breed of high-performance twin-engine helicopters, the S. 76 was for some little time known as the Spirit but this name was later dropped.

The S. 76 is by far one of the best-looking helicopters around, with a beautiful sleek fuselage and a fully retractable undercarriage. Power is provided by two 650shp Allison 250 turboshafts, but in recent times the company has offered a new model powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT68-36 turboshafts providing 1000shp, and this is known as the S. 7611. The prototype of the series flew for the first time on 13 March 1977 and it immediately found a ready market, being able to seat up to 14 passengers. Main operations of the type have been in the oil-rig support work field, the two main operators being Okanagan, a Canadian company which used a few of these machines in Bass Strait working for Esso/BP before that organisation obtained six examples of its own, and later used a few of its machines operating on similar work off the Western Australian coast, where VH-WXF still operates.

The six machines operated by Esso/BP operate from that company’s facility at Longford alongside Bell 412’s and Bell 205’s, and occasionally they are seen visiting Moorabbin. , Number registered as at 15. 8. 85-7.

VH-ECR, -EMX, -EMN, -ECS, -EMM, -EML, -WXF. WESTLAND WESSEX (UNITED KINGDOM) The Westland Wexxes is a licence-built variant of the Sikorsky S. 58 helicopter fitted with British engines and avionics. 27 examples of the type were obtained for the Royal Australian Navy some 22 years ago for operations from HMAS Sydney and HMAS Melbourne in the anti-submarine warfare role. This role they filled very adequately for a number of years, only a small number being lost in accidents, and today the survivors, now that their role has been taken over by the Westland Sea King and the future S. 70 Seahawk, soldier on in the utility role.

A small number have been operated in recent years in the civil role in Western Australia on oil-rig support work by the British company, Mayne Bristow Helicopters, but these have all returned to the United Kingdom now and have been replaced on that work by Aerospatiale Pumas.

The serial numbers of the Navy machines were not allotted in sequence but the number related to the construction or serial number of the aircraft. No civil machines are registered at present.

WESTLAND SEA KING (UNITED KINGDOM)

Like the Wessex, the Sea King was a rework of a very successful Sikorsky design by Westland to produce a helicopter able to meet the requirements of the British services.

A large aircraft, being basically designed around the Sikorsky S. 61, the Sea King is considered too large for the new FFG Frigates the RAN is obtaining for which the Sikorsky S. 70 is being obtained. The role of the Sea King after the delivery of the S. 70’s in 1987 is not at present known. Ten examples of the Sea King were originally obtained for the Navy, and four have been lost during their service, two replacement machines being obtained for attrition.

As with the Wessex, the serial numbers do not run in sequence but relate to the aircraft construction number. SIKORSKY S-55 (U. S. A. ) Although not a new helicopter, being designed to meet US military requirements in 1948, and seeing considerable service during the Korean war, the S-55 has in recent times undergone rejuvenation and is being remanufactured at the hands of Orlando Helicopter Airways in Florida. A total of 1,281 examples were built in civil and military guise, and it was also built in the United Kingdom by Westland as the Whirlwind; in France by Sud; and by Mitsubishi in Japan. Power in the first model was a 600hp Pratt and Whitney R-1340 radial, this changed to the 700hp Wright R- -1300 in the S-55C. Accommodation was provided for nine to twelve. The type was quite popular in early years, a small number being seen in this country in service with Airfast and Helicopter Utilities.

Last year two of the newly rebuilt examples were imported into Archerfield and have since been registered and placed in service with Intercontinental Shelf. Number registered as at 15. 8. 85-2.

VH-ORA, -ORL There are also a couple of other types that are known to exist but are not registered or are unairworthy. The RAAF Museum at Point Cook has the ex-RAAF Sikorsky S-51 on exhibition, this machine being the first helicopter type used by that service. The RAN museum at HMAS Albatross at Nowra, NSW, has recently restored its Westland N8-101Wasp to airworthy standard and in the future this machine is likely to be seen on the airshow circuit resplendent in its original markings. Other machines known to exist are the French Djinn light helicopter imported sometime ago by Ansett/ANA and which is in storage; the Brantley B-2, also a two-seat machine stored west of Sydney; the Cierva autogyro of 1930’s vintage stored for the Sydney Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences; the Victa Gyrocopter on display at the Camden Museum of Aviation at Narellan, NSW. A small number of Bristol Sycamores and a couple of McCulloch J-2’s also survive and at least one is being restored at present; and it is probable a couple of Aerospatiale Alouette II’s and it also survive.