Rotor Torque

Jayrow Opens Pontoon in Cairns Harbour

After two years work, Jayrow has commenced operations from their 12 5ft long wharf in Cairns Harbour next to the Pier Market Place. Tourist flights out to the reef are Jayrow’s main business, using an AS 350 and a Bell 206B.

Pacific Aviation Gains Agusta Agency

Pacific Aviation has been successful in gaining the sales and distribution rights for the Italian Agusta 109 helicopter. The previous distributor was Helijet in Queensland, who have replaced

The 109with the Bell 222 for offshore pilot transfers.

Jayrow Takes Over Rotor Services in Darwin

Jayrow has taken over Rotor Services in Darwin and plans to continue operations with mineral exploration and survey work. A new hangar complex is under way and is expected to be completed by next March. A fleet of three 206Bs services the area.

First MD 520N Enters Service

The Phoenix Police Department has taken delivery of the first of seven MD 520N Notars to replace its existing 500Ds. The 520N received its FAA type certificate on September 17, 1991 with firm orders for 160 of the new no tail rotor helicopter. There

are options for a further 20 with at least one of these planned for delivery to Australia.

Restructuring of Licence Qualifications

Included in the many changes taking place in CAA regulations

has been the restructuring of theory examinations and licencing requirements. In the past, students attempting the commercial exams were able to study them as individual subjects then sit the

exam. This is no longer possible as the new exam system consists of two three hour exams, to be undertaken on the one day, covering the entire syllabus. The content remains largely the

same but with some subject name changes. Aviation Medicine, which was examined in the Performance and Operations exam, is now called Human Performance and Limitations, and is examined at the f ying l school. One significant change is the deletion of the private restricted licence. Pilots operating under a student’s licence may obtain a passenger carrying endorsement. A private licence now indicates that the navigation training requirement has been completed. Minimum hours for this licence remains unchanged at 50 hours, assuming no previous fixed wing credits.

Rnzn Wasp Flight Celebrates 25 Years

The Naval support flight of the RNZAF’S 3Squadron, which operates the Westland Wasp, last year celebrated 2 5years of operations. This coincided with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Royal NZ Navy.

The first three Wasps, NZ 3901-03were obtained in 1966for ASW duties from the helo decks of the RNZN’s four Leander class frigates. Since then they have accomplished considerably more than was envisaged in their original intended role. Only one aircraft has been lost to date, leaving the total number of Wasps remaining at seven, all of which were in the air for the first time at the Navy’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Numerous members of the squadron have been honoured for their service, including Lieutenant A G Tunnicle, who received the Air Force Cross in November 1978for “his skilful and courageous flying” in rescuing a badly injured seaman from the pitching deck of a Russian trawler in high seas.

The Wasp, affectionately dubbed the “Parrafin Parrot” by its crews, is expected to last well into the late 1990’s by which time there will be a problem in obtaining main rotor blades. It is envisaged that the Wasp’s replacement will arrive at the same time as the ANZAC frigates. While no funding has been allocated, a likely replacement is the Westland Lynx or the Sikorsky Seahawk.

Germany Cuts Helicopter Programmes

The German Defence Ministry, as a part of drastic reductions in planned defence expenditure, has cut the Eurocopter PAH-2 anti tank helicopter procurement programme by a reported 80 aircraft from the originally planned 212.

In addition it has scrapped a programme to give the army’s MBB BO-105’sa night fighting capability utilising a roof mounted sight, night vision goggles and associated cockpit displays. Eurocopter has yet to comment on the effect of the cuts on the PAH-2 programme.

Cuban Defectorshelo Ride to Freedom

Thirty four Cuban defectors recently stole a Russian built Mi-8 troop carrier to effect a well planned dash to freedom, landing at Dade County airport in Florida, USA. The helicopter, operated by Cuba ‘s national airline, is normally used to ferry tourists to the Varadero Beach resort near Havana. The pilot, who was employed by the airline and a veteran of the Angolan war, planned the flight with the other defectors, hoarding fuel over a three month period. US authorities thought at first that the helicopter was a drug runner but it was soon clear when it was intercepted that it was on another mission. The helicopter will most likely be returned to Cuba, providing the Cuban authorities can find someone they can trust to pick it up!

Us Army CU Ts Rah-66 Comanche Development Programme

The US Army plans to defer a decision on whether to proceed with the RAH-66development programme and has reduced the number of prototype aircraft originally planned from four to three. In addition it has deferred two development aircraft which were to be added in 1 996. However, the Army will upgrade the Allison Garrett T-800engine and will continue with the development of the RAH-66avionics system.

Iroquoislikely to Remain in Usarmy Service

With the US Army unlikely to purchase new utility helicopters for at least five years, the UH-1 Iroquois looks set to continue in service for some time.

This would require an update of navigation and communications equipment and it is understood that 500of the existing aircraft would be involved with the rest most likely disposed of to friendly countries at minimal cost. There is no dearth of companies eager to offer upgrades ranging from the minimal to the outrageous (refer p. 77March 92 AA).