Terrific Thursday Part 2 - Three Army Blackhawks Ferry South via Mackay, Rockhampton and Gladstone Airports

Also on Thursday 21 August, three Australian Army Sikorsky S-70A-9 Blackhawk helicopters popped into various Central Queensland Airports, ferrying South from Townsville.

They were also part of the Army's 5th Aviation Regiment special farewell fly-over of Townsville of Monday 18 August, where the last six Blackhawks based in the North did a final farewell flight around the city and along The Strand before they head to a new posting with the 6th Aviation Regiment in ­Sydney next month.  Blackhawks have been based at Townsville since 1986.

On Thursday 21 August, Blackhawks A25-103, A25-108 and A25-101, all ferried South from Townsville to Amberley.  '103' and '108' were both photographed by local plane spotter 'IAD' as they called into Rockhampton for fuel while on their journey South.

A25-103 - flying as "Warhorse 103" - the callsign of 5th Aviation Regiment - initially called into Mackay before landing at Rockhampton.

A25-108 - flying as "Warhorse 108" - overflew Mackay before landing at Rockhampton.

Finally, A25-101 - flying as "Redback 101" - the callsign of the 6th Aviation Regiment - also called into Mackay, but then overflew Rocky, and later landed at Gladstone Airport.

The Blackhawks will be replaced in Townsville by NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopters.

The 5th Aviation Regiment Blackhawks will never be forgotten by the people in the North of the State with historical highlights including providing assistance during Queensland Flood Assist in 2013 and 2011, Cyclone Yasi in 2011, providing humanitarian aid after the Pakistan earthquake in 2005 and providing air security for the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

For some more great images from Monday's fly-over of Townsville, check out the report from the local Townsville Bulletin newspaper:  http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/black-hawks-farewell-townsville-with-a-final-flyover/

Sincere thanks to 'IAD' for capturing and sending through these great photos from Rockhampton Airport, and sincere thanks to 'Shinpow16' in Townsville for allowing us to share his great photos from Monday's fly-over!

Photos taken by 'IAD' and 'Shinpow16'  ©