Scenic Flights and Other Services with Queensland Helicopters at Longreach Airport

Often overlooked in favour of the well-known Qantas Founders Museum, locally owned and operated Queensland Helicopters operates local scenic joyflights and other services out of Longreach Airport in the Central West of Queensland.

Queensland Helicopters was established in 1974 with its main base initially at Mount Isa and servicing the nearby mining and pastoral industries. In 1993, Tim Rayner, the chief Pilot for Queensland Helicopters, took over the company, basing the operation in Longreach, the hub of the Central West.

Queensland Helicopters currently operates a fleet of Robinson R44 and R22 helicopters along with a larger Bell 206 Jetranger.  Their hangar and office and located at Longreach Airport on the Eastern side of the General Aviation (GA) parking apron.

Queensland Helicopters core business is charter, aerial mustering, tourism and various types of aerial survey work such as aerial helicopter work, powerline patrols and pole inspections, film and photography work and geological work for future mining exploration.

Brisbane-based plane spotter Brandon G had the pleasure of jumping aboard one of Queensland Helicopters' scenic flights where he was able to view some of the spectacular scenery that the Queensland Outback has to offer.

Queensland Helicopters offers a fantastic 10 minute scenic flight around Longreach and over the Thomson River - viewing the famous Stockman’s Hall of Fame and of course the QANTAS Museum and the aircraft on display at the airport. The scenic flight includes a pilot commentary on the area.  An extended scenic flight - of 20 minutes - is also available.

Queenland Helicopters also have a spectacular sunset flight of 20 minutes where passengers can view a spectacular sunset from a totally different perspective on board the Robinson R44 helicopter.  Passengers are also treated to a pre flight drink (18+) whilst relaxing under a Poinciana tree at Longreach Airport, in anticipation of a show that can only be surpassed by mother nature. (Minimum of 2 passengers per flight. Bookings are essential. Sunset quality varies from day to day.)

Queensland Helicopters has a long tradition of providing quality service to the Central West and further.  Joining one of their spectacular scenic flight is certainly a must when visiting Longreach.  For more information on Queensland Helicopters - or to view their spectacular photo gallery - you can visit their website (http://www.queenslandhelicopters.com.au/) or alternatively check out their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Queensland-Helicopters/).

Photos taken by Brandon Giacomin  ©