Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Bell 429 Helicopters at Gladstone Airport Wednesday

A wonderful surprise arrival into Gladstone Airport during the afternoon of Wednesday 5 June were a pair of  Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Bell 429 Helicopters.

Local plane spotters Jamie C and Tash C report that the crew of the Bell 429s certainly put on a great show, flying into Gladstone Airport and landing on the helicopters pad at the Western end of the apron.

The RAN's newer Bell 429 choppers were noted to be carrying the serials of N49-047 and N49-048 - the same pair that were noted at Rockhampton Airport about two weeks ago.  Reports suggest that the RAN helicopters have been participating in exercises in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

After taking on fuel, both choppers departed for the South.

  

Both Jamie and Tash really enjoyed catching these fantastic helicopters, and I thank them sincerely for sending through their great photos!

Photos taken by Jamie C and Tash C  ©