Aerorescue (AMSA) Dornier 328-100 VH-PPV "Rescue 441" Pops into Mackay Airport as RAAF S-76A VH-HRP "Choppa 3" Departs

Interesting to note that late on Sunday 27 September Aerorescue (AMSA - Australian Maritime Safety Authority) / Aero Pearl Dornier 328-100 VH-PPV "Rescue 441" called into Mackay Airport from its Cairns base.

File photo taken by 'AC'  ©

After staying at Mackay for the night, VH-PPV returned to Cairns mid-morning on Monday 28 September.

Another departure on Monday 28 September was that of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters) Sikorsky S-76A VH-HRP "Choppa 3".  As mentioned below, "Choppa 3" had operated out of Mackay Airport over Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September in support of the RAAF Roulettes elite formation aerobatic display team, which wowed the crowds at the Airlie Beach Airshow at the Whitsunday Airport as Shute Harbour.

File photo

VH-HRP was later noted at Gladstone Airport and ports further to the South.

Finally, the Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 560 Citation Ultra bizjet VH-PSU was also noted calling into Mackay Airport on Monday 28 September.  VH-PSU touched down from Brisbane and later departed to Townsville.