RAAF Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters) Sikorsky S-76A VH-LHZ at Gladstone and Mackay Airports

With the start of the Australian Defence Force's Exercise Black Dagger in Townsville this week, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (SAR) Sikorsky S-76A helicopter VH-LHZ was spotted passing through both Gladstone and Mackay Airports on Monday 16 March.

VH-LHZ is owned by Lloyd Helicopters and operated by CHC Helicopters Australia, and is one of a number of choppers used for RAAF Search and Rescue jobs.

VH-LHZ was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Choppa 4", and after calling into Gladstone Airport from the South, it departed to Mackay, before continuing on to Townsville.

Thanks to local plane spotters Jamie and Tash for sending through these great photos from Gladstone Airport!

Photos taken by Jamie and Tash  ©