Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and Emergency Rescue Choppers Have a Busy Long Weekend in CQ

There are usually quite a number of Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) flights each day throughout Central Queensland, however on Saturday 9 June, there were five RFDS arrivals and departures from Emerald Airport, which is quite rare.

The RFDS aircraft were all various makes of B200 King Air, with VH-FDB, VH-FDI, VH-FDM and VH-FDW all noted.

On Monday 11 June, a boating incident off the coast of Central Queensland caused the regions emergency rescue helicopters to take to the air.  Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service Sikorsky S-76A VH-JRD was noted departing Rockhampton for Mackay as "Rescue 300".  Also arriving into Mackay was Emergency Management Queensland Bell 412 VH-ESD, which was flying as "Rescue 521".

Central Queensland (CQ-) Rescue Helicopter Bell 412 VH-NSV was also flying as "Rescue 412".

There were also a pair of Australia Helicopters operated Bell 412 helicopters that were noted flying up and down the coast over the long weekend.  Bell 412 VH-EMZ was photographed arriving at Gladstone Airport early on Saturday 8 June, before it later departed for Mackay and ports North.  Bell 412EP VH-VAU was noted arriving in Mackay Airport late on Monday 11 June from Townsville.