1989 Helicopter Operators Directory

Air Taxi and Charter

The following helicopter operators provide charter services: AA Company, PO Box 1334, Mt Isa, 4825. (077) 43 8977 Ag-Rotors, Delemere Station, via Darwin, 5790. (089) 75 0738 Air Mt Isa, Mt Isa Aerodrome, 4925. (077) 43 2844

Airtech Helicopters, Adelaide Aerodrome, 5000. (08) 352 6688

Alice Helicopter Tours, PO Box 701, Alice Springs, 5750. (089) 52 7015 Anderson Helicopters, 4 Kimberley Crt, Mt Waverley, 3149. (03) 288 5580 Aust Aeronautical Academy, 46 Vaughan Ave, Essendon, 3040. (03) 379 2832 Bell Group Aviation Services, Osborne Rd, Tuart Hill, 6060. (09) 344 0777 Blanch’s Holdings, PO Box 219, Ingham, 4850. (077) 76 2767 Bristow Helicopters, PO Box 355, Willetton, 6155. (09) 332 7188 Capricom Helicopters, PO Box 3840, Nice Springs, 5750. (089) 52 4202 Central Aust Helicopters, PO Box 8170, Alice Springs, 5750. (089) 52 3069 Centrelit Helicopters, PO Box 405, Alice Springs, 5750 Central Old Aviation, PO Box 722, Emerald, 4720. (079) 82 3338

City & Country Helicopters, PO Box 351, Caloundra, 4551. (071) 92 4600 Coffs Harbour Heli Service, 10 Cassandra CL Coffs Harbour. (066) 52 6232 Crane Air PYL, Eleventh St, Mascot, 2020. (02) 667 4974 Diversified Minerals, PO Box 404, Cloncurry, 4824. (077) 42 1758 Dwyer Aviation Services, 15 Carlisle St, Cranbrook, 4814. (077) 79 4662 Great Northern Helicopters, 45 Leichhardt St, Bull Creek, 6155. (09) 417 9895 Grif-Air Helicopters, 61 Rasmussan Ave, Salonika Beach, 4740. (079) 56 3389 Gulf Helicopters, “Maggieville Normanton, 4890. (077) 45 3008 Heavy-Lift, Hangar 271, Bankstown Aerodrome, 2200. (02) 707 4300 Heli-Aust, Hangar 271, Bankstown Aerodrome, 2200. (02) 709 1215 Helicruise Air Services, PO Box 30, Wickham, 2293. (049) 62 1045 Heli-Muster, Victoria River Downs, 5771. (0071) 12 001

Helifte Training, Hangar 604, Miles St, Bankstown Ad. 2200. (02) 709 4804 Helicopter Charter, Heliport Pl, Mascot, 2020. (02) 693 1188

Helicopters Brisbane, Hangar 224, Archerfield Airport, 4108. (07) 277 0001 Helicopter Management, Lotus Ck, Marlborough, 4705. (079) 56 8335 Helicopter Operators, PO Box 2168, Mt Isa, 4825. (077) 43 2844 Helicopter Resources, 110 Stuart Rd, Tyabb, 3913. (059) 77 4505 Helicopter Resources (Offshore), PO Box 352, Revesby, 2212. (02) 709 2308 Helijet Aviation Services, Terminal Dr, Eagle Farm, 4007. (07) 860 4777 Hellink, PO Box 363, Garbutt, 4814. (077) 21 1866

Helitrans Australia, PO Box 1492, Caims, 4870. (070) 53 4544

Heli Work, PO Box 165, Kununurra, 6743. (091) 1083

Highland Helicopters, PO Box 848, Fyshwick, 2609. (062) 57 2549

Jayrow Helicopters, PO Box 46, Mentone, 3194. (03) 587 1833

Jeff McTaggart Helicopters, PO Box 1174, Surfers Paradise, 4217. (075) 96 3623 Kestrel Aviation, Bundora Pde, Moorabbin Airport, 3194. (03) 580 5411

Labrix, PO Box 235, Clermont, 4721. (079) 83 1979

Leed Helicopters, 28 Busaco Rd, Marsfield, 2122. (02) 869 2800 Leeuwin Helicopters, Port Beach Rd, Fremantle, 6160 (09) 430 4126 Librair, PO Box 649, Nambour, 4560. (071) 487855

Lloyd Helicopters, Adelaide Airport, 5000. (08) 352 6944 Logan Aviation, PO Box 108, Rockhampton, 4700. (079) 39 1454 Mclver Aviation, Hoxton Park Aerodrome, 2171. (02) 607 4455 Nagari, Hangar 464, Bankstown Aerodrome, 2200. (02) 790 5533 Nexcorp, PO Box 346, Hamilton Central, 4007

Paradise Helicopters, Coolangatta Aerodrome, 4225. (018) 75 3466 Professional Helicopter Services, Moorabbin Airport, 3194. (03) 580 7262 Purnell Helicopter Service, 22 Greenwood Rd, Abbotsford, 3067. (03) 429 1231 Queensland Helicopters, PO Box 2121, Mt Isa, 4825. (077) 43 7330 Rotor Services, PO Box 39145, Winnellie, 5789. (089) 81 8604 Rotor-Work, PO Box 439, Bankstown, 2200. (02) 709 2181 Rundle Air Services, PO Box 116, Garbutt, 4814. (077) 79 6933 Rural Helicopters, 10 Willshire Rd, Alice Springs, 5750. (089) 53 0544 Sea World Aviation, PO Box 190, Surfers Paradise, 4217. (075) 32 0955 Simms Helicopters, PO Box 1125, Mareeba, 4880. (070) 93 2556 Slingsby Helicopters, PO Box 612, Kununurra, 6743. (091) 68 1811 Southwest Pacific Helicopters, PO Box 344, Murwillumbah, 2484. (066) 723460 Sunshine Coast Helicopters, Maroochydore Ad, 4558. (071) 48 7711 Sydney Helicopter Service, PO Box 2, Surry Hills, 2000. (02) 690 1747 Townsends Helicopters, PO Box 203, Camden, 2570. (02) 607 8300 Trident Helicopters, PO Box 126, Maleny, 4552. (071) 48 7716 Westcoast Helicopters, PO Box 108, Belmont, 6104. (09) 277 8399

Mustering

The following operators use helicopters for mustering:

AA Company, PO Box 1334, Mt Isa, 4825. (077) 43 8977 Air Wingless, PO Box 1257, Mareeba, 4880. (070) 93 3977

Alice Helicopter Tours, PO Box 701, Alice Springs, 5750. (089) 52 7015 Rex Budd Pty Ltd, Mareeba Aerodrome, 4880. (070) 93 3811 Blanch’s Holdings, PO Box 219, Ingham, 4850. (077) 76 2767 Capricorn Helicopters, PO Box 3640, Alice Springs, 5750. (089) 52 4202 Central Aust Helicopters, PO Box 8170, Alice Springs, 5750. (089) 52 3059 Centrall Old Aviation, PO Box 722, Emerald, 4720. (079) 82 3338 Cloncurry Mustering, PO Box 322, Cloncurry, 4824. (077) 42 1421 Collaroy Helicopter Service, ‘Collaroy, Nebo, 4741. (079) 56 8378 Dwyer Aviation Services, 15 Carlisle St, Cranbrook, 4814. (077) 79 4662 East Coast Helicopters, PO Box 351, Caloundra, 4551. (071) 91 4600 Fitzroy Helicopters, PO Box 159, Derby, 6728. (091) 91 4753 Heli-Muster, Victoria River Downs, 5771. (0071) 12001

Helicopters Brisbane, Hangar 224, Archerfield Airport, 4108. (07) 277 0001 Helicopter Operators, PO Box 216, Mt Isa, 4825. (077) 43 2844 Kims Hell Mustering, PO Box 344, Mt Isa, 4825. (077) 43 3077 Queensland Helicopters, PO Box 2121, Mt Isa, 4825. (077) 43 7330 Simms Helicopters, PO Box 1125, Mareeba, 4880. (070) 93 2556 Slingsby Helicopters, PO Box 612, Kununurra, 6743. (091) 68 1811 Versatile Helicopter Services, PO Box 189, Normanton, 4890. (077) 45 1188

Patrol, Survey and Air Work

The following operators use helicopters for patrol and aerial survey work: Anderson Helicopters, 4 Kimberley Crt, Mt Waverley, 3149. (03) 288 5580 Cairns Pipeline Contractors, PO Box 1518, Cairns, 4870. (070) 51 1649 Capricorn Helicopters, PO Box 3640, Alice Springs, 5750. (089) 52 4202 Central Old Aviation, PO Box 722, Emerald, 4720. (079) 82 3338 Diversified Minerals, PO Box 404, Cloncurry, 4824. (077) 42 1758 Dwyer Aviation Services, 15 Carlisle St, Cranbrook, 4814. (077) 79 4662 City and Country Helicopters, PO Box 351, Caloundra, 4551. (071) 91 4600 Great Northern Helicopters, 45 Leichhardt St, Bull Creek, 6155. (09) 417 9895 Heavy Lift, Hangar 271, Bankstown Airport, 2200. (02) 707 4300 Helicopters Brisbane, Hangar 224, Archerfield Ad, 4108. (07) 277 0001 Helicopter Charter, Heliport Pl, Mascot, 2020 (02) 693 1188 Helicopter Management, Lotus Ck, Marlborough, 4705. (079) 56 8335 Helicopter Resources (Offshore), PO Box 352, Revesby, 2212. (02) 709 2308 Hellink, PO Box 363, Garbutt, 4814. (077) 21 1866

Hell-Muster, Victoria River Downs Station, Katherine, 5771. (0071) 12001 Helitrans Australia, PO Box 1492, Cairns, 4870. (070) 53 4544

Highland Helicopters, PO Box 848, Fyshwick, 2609. (062) 57 2549

Jayrow Helicopters, PO Box 46, Mentone, 3194. (03) 587 1833

Jeff McTaggart Helicopters, PO Box 1174, Surfers Paradise, 4217. (075)963623 Lloyd Helicopters, Adelaide Airport, 5000. (08) 352 6944

Mcĺver Aviation, Hoxton Park Aerodrome, 2171. (02) 607 4455

Professional Helicopter Services, Moorabbin Airport, 3194. (03) 580 7262 Rotor Services, PO Box 39145, Winnellie, 5789. (089) 81 8604 Rotor-Work, PO Box 439, Bankstown, 2200. (02) 709 2181 Rundle Air Services, PO Box 116, Garbutt, 4814. (077) 79 6933 Simms Helicopters, PO Box 1125, Mareeba, 4880. (070) 93 2556

South West Pacific Helicopters, PO Box 344, Murwillumbah. (066) 72 3460 Sydney Helicopter Service, PO Box 2, Surry Hills, 2010. (02) 690 1747 Westcoast Helicopters, PO Box 108, Belmont, 6104. (09) 277 8399

Training

The following provide helicopter pilot training:

Aust Aeronautical Academy. 46 Vaughan Ave, Essendon, 3040. (03) 379 2832 City & Country Helicopters, PO Box 351, Caloundra, 4551. (071) 91 4600 Great Northern Helicopters, 45 Leichhardt St, Bull Creek, 6155. (09) 417 9895 Helicopters Brisbane, Hangar 224, Archerfield Airport, 4108. (07) 277 0001 Helicopter Operators, PO Box 2168, Mt Isa, 4825. (077) 43 2844

Heliflite Training School, Hangar 604, Miles St, Bankstown Ad. (02) 709 4804 Heli-Aust, Hangar 271, Bankstown Airport, 2200. (02) 709 1215 Heli-Training, Hangar 464, Birch St, Bankstown Ad. (02) 790 5533 Highland Helicopters, PO Box 848, Fyshwick, 2609. (062) 57 2549 Jayrow Helicopters, PO Box 46, Mentone, 3194. (03) 587 1833

Jeff McTaggart Helicopters, PO Box 1174, Surfers Paradise, 4217. (075) 963623 Kestrel Aviation, Bundora Pde, Moorabbin Airport, 3194. (03) 580 5411 Mereeba Heli Flying School, Mareeba Airport, 4880. (070) 93 3819 Mclver Aviation, Hoxton Park Aerodrome, 2171. (02) 607 4455 Professional Helicopter Services, Moorabbin Airport, 3194. (03) 580 7262 Townsends Helicopter Training School, Hoxton Park, 2171. (02) 607 8300 Trident Helicopters, PO Box 126, Maleny, 4552. (071) 48 7716

Agriculture

The following operators use helicopters for the spraying of weeds and the laying of fertilisers etc:

Ag-Rotors, Delemere Station, via Darwin, 5790. (089) 75 0738

Blanch’s Holdings, PO Box 219, Ingham, 4850. (077) 76 2767 Capricorn Helicopters, PO Box 3640, Alice Springs, 5750. (089) 52 4202 City and Country Helicopters, PO Box 351, Caloundra, 4551. (071) 91 4600 Dwyer Aviation Services, 15 Carlisle St, Cranbrook, 4814. (077) 79 4662 Great Northern Helicopters, 45 Leichhardt St, Bull Creek, 6155. (09) 417 9895 Helicopter Aviation Services, Springside via Orange, 2800. (063) 65 4222 Helicopter Resources, 110 Stuart Rd, Tyabb, 3913. (059) 77 4506 Heli-Muster, Victoria River Downs Station, via Katherine, 5771 (0071) 12001 Highland Helicopters, PO Box 848, Fyshwick, 2609. (062) 57 2549 Lloyd Helicopters, Adelaide Airport, 5000. (08) 352 6944

Slingsby Helicopters, PO Box 612, Kununurra, 6743. (091) 68 1811 Westcoast Helicopters, PO Box 108, Belmont, 6104. (09) 277 8399

Mineral Exploration and Support

The following use helicopters for mineral exploration and offshore rig support. Air Mt Isa, Mt Isa Aerodrome, 4925. (077) 43 2844

Anderson Helicopters, 4 Kimberley Crt, Mt Waverley, 3149. (03) 288 5580 Bristow Helicopters, PO Box 355, Willetton, 6155.

City & Country Helicopters, PO Box 351, Caloundra, 4551. (071) 91 4600 Esso Australia, PO Box 372, Sale, 3850. (051) 49 6222

Diversified Minerals, PO Box 404, Cloncurry, 4824. (077) 42 1758 Heavy-Lift, Hangar 271, Bankstown Aerodrome, 2200. (02) 707 4300 Helicopter Operators, PO Box 2168, Mt Isa, 4825. (077) 43 2844 Helicopter Resources, 110 Stuart Rd, Tyabb, 3913. (059) 77 4506 Helitrans Australia, PO Box 1492, Cairns, 4870. (070) 53 4544 Jayrow Helicopters, PO Box 46, Mentone, 3194. (03) 587 1833 Lloyd Helicopters, Adelaide Airport, 5000. (08) 352 6944

Rotor Services, PO Box 39145, Winnellie, 5789. (089) 81 8604 Rotor-Work, PO Box 439, Bankstown, 2200. (02) 709 2181

Media

The following media organisations operate helicopters:

Amalgamated Television Services, Mobbs Lane Epping, 2121. (02) 858 7777 Austrama TV, PO Box 42, Nunawading, 3131. (03) 234 1010

Australian Broadcasting Corp, PO Box 165, Lane Cove, 2066. (02) 437 8000 Australian Broadcasting Corp, Gordon St, Elsternwick, 3185. (03) 528 4444 Brisbane Television, GPO Box 604, Brisbane, 4001. (07) 854 1244

Ballarat and Western Victoria TV, PO Box 646, Ballarat, 3350. (053) 31 3166 General Television, PO Box 100, Richmond, 3121. (03) 429 0201 Network Ten Old, GPO Box 751, Brisbane, 4001. (07) 369 0000 NBN, PO Box 750L, Newcastle, 2300. (049) 29 2933

Queensland Television, GPO Box 72, Brisbane, 4001. (07) 369 9999 Radio ZUE Sydney, PO Box 950, North Sydney, 2060. (02) 922 9950 TCN Channel 9, PO Box 27, Willoughby, 2068. (02) 430 0444

TVW (Ch7), PO Box 77, Tuart Hill, 6060. (09) 344 0777

United Telecasters Sydney, PO Box 10, Lane Cove, 2066. (02) 887 0222

Rescue and Medivac

Services involved in the rescue and medical evacuation fields include: Careflight, c/o Westmead Hospital, 2145. (02) 633 6495

Gold Coast Helicopter Rescue Service, PO Box 118, Nerang, 4211. (075) 583400 Newcastle SLSA Helicopter Rescue Service, Broadmeadow. 2292. (049) 52 4144 Perth SLSA Heli. Rescue Serv, PO Box 146, Scarborough 6019. (09) 244 1222 Old State Emergency Service, PO Box 307. Fortitude Valley, 4006. (07) 224 8680 Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad, c/o Police Stn, Sorrento 3943. (059) 842000

Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service, Nambour, 4560. (071) 48 7711 Sydney SLSA Heli. Rescue Serv, Prince Henry Hosp, 2036. (02) 661 4908

Police

At present there are only two states that use helicopters as part of their police force: the NSW Police Air Wing, GPO Box 45, Sydney, 2000 (02) 20966 and the Victorian Police Force, Hangar 104, Lionel St, Essendon, 3041 (03) 379 7347

Government and Semi-government

These government and semi-government bodies operate helicopters: Department of TAFE, PO Box 141, Padstow, 2211. (02) 774 9111

Forestry Commission of NSW, GPO Box 2667, Sydney, 2001. (02) 234 1567 NSW Department of Main Roads, PO Box 198, Haymarket, 2000. (02) 2186888 NSW Electricity Commission, co PO, Eastern Creek, 2766. (02) 625 8331 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Tower Rd, Bankstown Airport, 2200 NSW Pipeline Authority, PO Box 495, Young, 2594

Military

The Australian Army presently operates 41 Kiowas (Bell 206), of an original 56 assembled and/or built under licence by the then Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, now HdH Vic. A total of 39 Sikorsky S-70A Black Hawks have now been ordered, to date 15 have been delive- red to the Townsville based Army Squadron, and it is expected that they will be fully operational by mid September.

The Royal Australian Air Force operates, at time of compilation, 24 Bell Iroquois, 18 Aerospatiale Squirrels and 11 Boeing Vertol Chinooks, of these 3 are attrition aircraft. The Department of Defence withdrew the Chinook from service effective June 30.

The Royal Australian Navy operates 6 Aerospatiale Squirrels, 3 Bell 2068, 7 Westland Sea Kings and 1 Westland Wessex helicopter. The first of 16 S-70B Seahawks has recently been handed over to the Navy.

Below is a brief description of the helicopter types currently registered in Australia. Following that is a list of civil registrations for that particular type of helicopter. Ownership can be found by using the Australian Civil Aircraft Register as found in the May and July issues of Australian Avia- tion, with updates appearing in subsequent issues. Please note that the number registered refers solely to those of each type in civil service.

Aerospatiale SA330 Puma (France)

First flying in 1965, the Puma was designed to meet French military requirements for a medium lift, all weather and climates, twin engined helicopter. The three Pumas on the Australian register are of the 330J series which are equipped with two 1,5758hp Turbomeca Turmo IVC turboshaft engines and are operated by Bristow Helicopters of Westem Australia. They are used primarily as offshore oil rig support and can carry up to sixteen passengers. Number registered at 1.7.89: 3 VH-WOD WOE WOF

Aerospatiale AS350 Ecureuil (France)

More commonly known in Australia as the Squirrel, this machine is a five seater general purpose helicopter that first flew in 1974. It was inten- ded as a successor to the SA318 Alouette and was designed with the emphasis on low operating costs. All helicopters of this type in Australia, with two exceptions, are 350B models equipped with the 641 Turbomeca Arriel engine. ECZ and JRO are 350D models, known as the Astar in Northern America. Aerospatiale have supplied 18 Squirrels to the RAAF for training and search and rescue operations (serial numbers A22-001 to 012 and A22-019 to 024) and 6 to the RAN (serial numbers N22-013 to 018) for training purposes. Number registered at 1.7.89: 24 VH-AFO BHX BLACPA ECZ HBA HOO HRF HRS HRX HTVHVT JRD LEW NFO OTV PTH PVM SES SGK SRB SUF TOY TVG

Aerospatiale as355f Twin Squirrel (France)

The Twin Squirrel is a development of the AS350 Squirrel and first flew in 1979, entering production in 1981. The AS355F is equipped with two 425shp Allison 250-C20F turboshafts. Number registered at 1.7.89: 9 VH-BLU ECL HJK HPB HRT HSG HWA NTV NWA

Aerospatiale SA365 Dauphin 2 (France)

The Dauphin has two versions, the single engine SA360 equipped with a 1,050shp Turbomeca Astazou engine and the twin SA365 powered by two 641shp Turbomeca Arriel turboshafts. The twin first flew in 1975 and it was Aerospatiale’s first entry into the twin executive helicopter market. There are now four Dauphins in Australia, three on the register are operated by the Victorian Police Force and the fourth, HCF, is operated by the Careflight rescue service. Number registered at 1.7.89: 4 VH-HCF PVA PVF PVK

Agusta A109 (Italy)

The Agusta A109 is the first helicopter developed specifically for a civilian role by the Agusta Company and the prototype first flew in 1971. However, the first example in Australia, MOB, was not registered until August 1983 by Mimair of Queensland. The NSW Department of Main Roads operates DMR which is based at Mascot. The A109 Mk11 is powered by two 420shp Allison 250 turboshafts and can seat up to eight passengers. Number registered at 1.7.89: 4 VH-DMR KES LHJ MOB

Bell 47 (USA)

First flown in 1946, this is the helicopter made famous by the “MASH” television series. The oldest helicopter in Australia is a 1947 Bell 47-D1, UTU, owned by Peter Spoor of Maleny, Qld. The 47 was used extensively by the Australian Army between 1961 until 1977, when they were repla ced by the Kiowa.

The basic model is a three seater with a bubble cockpit, whilst a later development is the J2 series which is a four seater with enclosed cockpit and fuselage first flown in 1954 and powered by a 305hp Lycoming eng- ine. There are five 47J Rangers in this country- JAV, KHX, KHZ, NHR and THH.

An American company, Soloy, now supplies converted airframes or conversion kits so that the helicopter can take an Allison 250 turboshaft engine with, as a result, vastly increased performance.

The Bell 47 was also manufactured under licence by the Agusta and Kawasaki companies, with MOU being the sole Agusta 47 machine in Australia and there are 12 Kawasaki 478. The 47 series is ever popular for use in cattle mustering and helicopter pilot training. Number registered at 1.7.89: 81 VH-AAU AEO AET AEG ANG BHM BHR BHT CHD CSECSI CSJCSM

CSW DUS FJP FUW HBY HFV HGM HHB HMI HMJ HMK HMU HSA JAJ JAV JCN JHM JGF JWA JWB JWC JWJ JWI JWZ KHJ KHK KHM KHO KHU KHX KHY KHZ KSJ KSL KSM KSO KSU LEF LEH MZU NAG NHR NKE NXB OCT ORC ORM OUT PIV PSH RFE RFY SJI SKU SJA SRQ SUC SXO THH TZW UAF UHA UTQ UTU UTY WHF WHS WHX

Bell Model 205 (Iroquois) (USA)

Designed as a medium lift transport helicopter for the US Army, the military version of the 205 is called the Iroquois which first flew in 1958 and has been an integral part of the RAAF since first deliveries began in 1962. At present the Air Force operate 24, which are designated UH-1D and UH-1H. Four have recently been donated to the Papua New Guinea Del- ence Force.

The Model 205 is a fifteen seat commercial variant of the Iroquois powered by a 1,400shp Lycoming turboshaft engine. At present there are 6 Model 205s and one UH-1H on the civil register, although 4 of the 2058 were owned by the NSCA and after the collapse of this organisation their helicopters may have found new owners overseas by the time these words are read. UHE, the UH-1H, is an ex-Argentine Army craft that was captured by the British during the Falklands War and is now owned by Helicopter Developments (BH Pacific) of Brisbane and is being used as a Developmental Test Bed for upgrading and extending the life of the Iroquois. Number registered at 1.7.89: 7VH-HLH NGI NGJ NGK NGN NST UHE

Bell 206 Jetranger and Longranger (USA)

The Jetranger’s position as Australia’s most popular civil helicopter has been lost to the Robinson R22 this year. There are 105 206s at present on the civil register, 3 in service with the Navy and 41 with the Army. The military version is called the Kiowa and 56 were built locally, under lic- ence, by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation. The Agusta Company also built many under licence, four of which are registered in Australia- BEQ, BHI, BHL and LEC.

The 206B is powered by a single 420shp Allison 250 turboshaft engine and seats five. The Jetranger is popular with television stations for news coverage, power and gas line inspections, the NSW Police Department have three-PHW, PHX and PHY- and between August 1982 and July 1983 Dick Smith conducted the first solo helicopter flight to the North Pole in DIK.

The prototype of the Longranger first flew in 1974 and has a longer fuselage and greater range than the Jetranger and with seating for 7, it was designed to fill the gap in the Bell range between the 206 and the 205 which can carry up to 15 passengers. The 206L is powered by a 420shp Allison 250 turboshaft and the 206L-1 by a 500shp Allison 250-C2BB turboshaft. Number of Jetrangers registered at 1.7.89: 105

VH-AAL AFV AGL AHL AHV AJI AJU ALV AND ANL ATS AZD AZH

BEQ BHF BHL BHS BHU BHY BIQ BJG BKG BLD BLJ BLN BLO BLP BLR BPB BTV CBI COW CWO DIB DIK FFP FHA FHF FHV FHW FHX FHY FHZ FJB FJC FJE FJO FUB FUX FVF HKB HJJ HPO HRB HRE HRZ HWS HZO JMN JRO JSM JVW JWE JWF JWM JWN KHR KKY LAL LEC LHA MHW MIS MXW NRS PCR PGI PHA PHW PHX PHY PHZ PMO PMR RLV RMJ SAI SBC SEE SRN SWH SWI TFH TMR UBH UEE UOD UOR UPT UTS WCF WNA WOK XDM

Number of Longrangers registered at 1.7.89: 20

VH-BHF BJX BKU BLV ECT FTV HKH HHS HIP HJG HJL HQY LIN LKU LTH MQA PMO SCV TCH UTL

Bell Model 212 (USA)

The Model 212 is a twin engined development of the Bell 205 and the civil version was first certified in 1970. The 1,800shp Pratt & Whitney PT6T-3B engine, consisting of two PT6 turboshafts, was designed especially for this model and drives the two bladed rotor through a common gearbox.

The twin engine is a requirement of the Civil Aviation Authority of Australia for overwater operations and therefore the 212 is used extensively in oil rig support. As with the Bell 2058, the six NSCA Bell2128 have found new owners by now. Number registered at 1.7.89: 12

VH-BEE BEL BEY EMI EMJ HVX LAM NŠA NSJ NSN NSU NSY

Bell Model 214st (USA)

Originally the initials ‘ST’ were to describe the 214 as a “Stretched Twin’ but the Bell company have now changed this to “Super Transport. The 214ST was initially developed as a military transport helicopter for production and service in Iran, with the prototype first flying in 1977. LAO was the first of its type in Australia arriving in 1986, however early in 1988 it crashed into the Timor Sea.

The 214ST is equipped with two 1,625shp General Electric CT7-2A turboshafts connected to a combining gearbox and can carry up to eigh- teen passengers. Number registered at 1.7.89: 2

VH-HOQ LAT

Bell Model 412 (USA)

The 412 is a further development of the Model 212 with the prototype first flying in 1979 and was the first production Bell helicopter with a four bladed rotor, which makes for improved performance and quieter operations. The 412 is powered by a 1,800shp Pratt & Whitney PT-6T turboshaft and can carry up to fifteen passengers. The four NSCA aircraft, NSB, NSC, NSP and NSV have now been sold. A full update on the fate of the various NSCA Bell helos is given in this issue’s Traffic column. Number registered at 1.7.89: 8

VH-BZH EEH EEP NSB NSC NSP NSV UAH

Boeing – Vertol Ch-47C Chinook (USA)

Powered by two 3,750shp Lycoming T55 turboshafts, this is the largest type of helicopter in Australia and has been in operation with the RAAF since 1974. The ability of the Chinook to carry heavy external loads has been well documented and includes the lifting of Caribou, Iroquois and Wessex craft, a lighthouse tower, and a complete telephone exchange. Of an original 12 there are 8 operational, with 3 stored as attrition aircraft. The Department of Defence decommissioned the Chinook at the end of the last financial year.

Serial numbers for the eleven are:- A15-002 to 012

Enstrom F28 and F280 (USA)

The Enstrom Company was formed in 1959 to develop and produce a

small helicopter for commercial and private use, the F28 was the result. First flown in 1963. production of the F28 and F280 models was ended in 1978, to be replaced by turbocharged versions, the 28C and 280C, with the present models being the F28F Falcon and 280F Shark, which are equipped with 225hp Avco Lycoming HIO-360-F1AD engines. Number registered at 1.7.89: 7

VH-FSE FSP HAH IPE IYR IYS JAX

Hiller Uh-12 (USA)

Certified in 1948, the UH-12 is available as a three seat basic model or. since 1960, a four seat configuration-the UH-12E4. In 1970 a subsidiary of Fairchild Industries purchased the production rights to the 12E which comes with either a petrol driven 323hp Lycoming engine or an Allison 250 turbine. Number registered at 1.7.89: 23

VH-CCU CCV ECK ECQ FBE FBH FBQ FBV FBX FFT FFU FFV FFX FOR FXX HJW HMT KAU LMA MJV MKZ PYH UHB

Hughes 300 (Model 269) (USA)

First flying in 1956 and in production since 1961 the Model 269 was originally designed as a training helicopter for the US Army. The Hughes 300 is popular in Australia with cattle mustering operators, for agricultural work and for pilot training. The 300C, which has been produced by the Schweizer Company since 1983, is the most popular of the three 300 models currently in use in Australia, and is powered by a 190shp Avco- Lycoming HIO-360-D1A engine. Number registered at 1.7.89:59 VH-ACD AHQ AJC APD BBS BCB CHM CHV FHI FHJ HAKHEA HFC HFU HJD HOR HRR HUP IHD IHV IHW JMY JWK KHO KKC KKG KKJ MHJ MHM MZR NCL OBK PHN PHT PHU PKK PSK RIK SIH SMQ SWQ TES THE THJ THM THN THQ THR THU THV THY TTZ UFX UOB UOS WPP WZH XBN XXM

Hughes 500 (Model 369) (USA)

The Hughes 500 is a commercial variant of a light observation helicop- ter originally developed for the US Army. Available in three versions-the basic with seating for up to seven; the five seat executive and a utility model.

In 1984 the McDonnell Douglas company took over production and development of the 500D series, resulting in the MD500E. Both the D model, which is now out of production, and the E model have a five blade main rotor and T-tail, which gives greater stability. The 500E is a longer and sleeker version of the 5000 and is powered by an Allison 250-C20B engine. There are three MD500Es on the Australian register-FTS, JBE and JHE. Number registered at 1.7.89: 20

VH-AJZ BAD BAG FTS HED HRJ HRK HUE HZZ JBE JDM JHE NDC PHL PMY RMS SWC WOR XAX XTX

Mbb-BO105 (West Germany)

Built by the Messerschmidt-Bolkow-Blohm GmbH aerospace company and first flying in 1967, the Bo105 is a twin engined light utility helicopter seating five to six passengers and equipped with two Allison 250 turboshafts. The first Bo105 in Australia was NSL arriving in late 1985 and it has since been reregistered as PHO. The Bolkowia used extensively in the medivac field. Number registered at 1.7.89: 2

VH-HRM PHO

Robinson R22 (USA)

The lightest and cheapest helicopter presently available, the prototype first flew in 1975, but it wasn’t until 1981 that one was imported into Australia. The R22 has now overtaken the Bell Jetranger as Australia’s most popular helicopter.

There are five production models the original R22, R22HP, R22
Alpha, and the R22 Beta which has been the standard version since 1985, which can also be supplied with floats and corrosion proofing as the Mariner for amphibious operations. There are now three Mariners registe- red in Australia – COS, HBS and HII.
The R22B holds the altitude record for its class of light helicopter with a height of 16,522ft (5,037m). Seating two and powered by an 150hp Avco Lycoming engine it is popular for pilot training and cattle mustering. Number on register at 1.7.89: 119
VH-BCR CDO COS DBQ ECP EFK FHD FHE FHK FOT HAP HAS
HAU HBB HBC HBD HBE HBF HBG HBH HBK HBL HBN HBO HBQ HBR HBS HBT HBU HBV HBW HCL HEB HEE HEF HEG HEU HEV HEWHFO HFP HHF HIG HII HIJ HIM HIW HLI HLJHLK HQX HRO HRU HRW HRY HTA HTE HTF HTW HZA HZB HZP IOT IXMIXN IXR IXS JDB JKG JKQJKS JNA JOT JVB JVC JWG JWL JWT JWV KHI KEE KIS KMS KSI KSY LCH LCR LOA LOH LOTLSWLUMNDT NOC NOT NRJ NWJ ONE PYG SAP TGS THI THPUXA UXB UXD UXF UXH UXJ UXL UXMUXRUXTUXU UXV UXW WKF XOX XZT

Sikorsky S-55 (USA)

The prototype of the Sikorsky S-55 first flew in 1949, but it wasn’t until June of 1985 when two were imported from America that Australia first saw this twelve seat general purpose helicopter in operation. The standard S-55 is supplied with a 550hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340 engine. Number registered at 1.7.89: 2
VH-ORA ORL

Sikorsky S-62 (USA)

The S-62 was designed for amphibious operations with the bottom of the fuselage being watertight and strengthened to allow water landings. First flying in 1968, the Sikorsky S-62A is equipped with a single 1,250shp General Electric CT58-110 engine and can carry a crew of two and up to ten passengers. The two presently on the register were imported from China in late 1986, and are operated by Librair of Nambour, and used for tourist operations on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. Number registered at 1.7.89: 2
VH-NWB NWC

Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk and Seahawk (USA)

Designed to replace the US Army’s Iroquois, the $70A-9 Black Hawk (Aust designation), first flying in 1974, can carry all elements of a 10 man infantry squad and is equipped with General Electric T700A-1 turbo- shafts. 39 Black Hawks have been ordered the first pre-assembled model arrived from the USA early last year, and since then Hawker de Havilland of Bankstown have been responsible for assembly. At present there are 15 Black Hawks based with the Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment at Townsville.
The S70B-2 Seahawk is similar to the Blawk Hawk but with structural changes to provide shipboard compatibility. At the time of writing, only one of the original sixteen ordered, has been delivered and all will operate from the RANS FFG-7 class of guided missile frigates. In addition to the ASW (Anti Submarine Warfare) role, the helicopter will be configured for surface surveillance and targeting tasks. Aerospace Technologies of Australia (formally the GAF) have taken over the Hawker de Havilland contract for the assembly of the remaining Seahawks due to pressure of work at Hawkers.

Sikorsky S-76 (USA)

The S-76 benefits from the research and development of the S-70 Black Hawk and the prototype first flew in 1977. The S-76 can seat up to fourteen and it is powered by two 650shp Allison 250-C30s turboshafts.
The Esso Company operates 6 for offshore oil and gas rig support and, after importing 2 last year, Helicopter Resources of Tyabb have recently imported another 2 – XHA and XHB, both ex-Jordanian Air Force machines. JXL is also operated by the Elders IXL company. Number registered at 1.7.89: 16
VH-CPH CPQ ECR ECS EML EMN EMM EMX HRP HRQ HUB HUC JEU JXL XHA XHB

Westland Sea King (UK)

The Sea King is a development of the Sikorsky S-61 and first flew in 1969. It has been used by the RAN in anti-submarine operations and for search and rescue since 1974. The RAN operates 7, of an original 12, Sea King Mk 50s which are powered by two 1,500shp Rolls-Royce Gnome H1400 turboshafts.

Westland Wessex (UK)

Another redesign of a Sikorsky helicopter, this time the S-58. Operational with the RAN since 1962, they now have only 1 of an original 27 operational and 4 are in storage as attrition aircraft. The Wessex will be formally decommissioned at the end of this year, with the Sea King taking Over its role. The Mk.31B Wessex is equipped with a 1,650shp Napier Gazelle turboshaft.