Bush Firefighting Bell 214B-1 Helicopter VH-SUH and Fixed Wing Water Bombing Aircraft Around Rockhampton Airport

On Monday 14 November, McDermott Aviation Bell 214B-1 Biglifter helicopter VH-SUH was photographed on the ground at Rockhampton Airport by local plane spotter 'IAD' taking on fuel after earlier flying in as "Helitack 417".

With bushfires flaring up to the North of Rocky, VH-SUH was later noted departing to the Hedlow Airfield where it was believed that it would be based.

Also noted staging out of Hedlow but also believed to have landed at Rockhampton Airport late on Monday 14 November was Kennedy Aviation (Gunnedah) Air Tractor AT-802 VH-XAW "Bomber 277".  It was joined by Central Highlands Aerial Services (Emerald) Thrush S2R-T660 VH-PMD "Bomber 434".  Both crop-sprayers were noted departing Rockhampton Airport early on Tuesday 15 November for Hedlow.

Also heard in flying over the fire-zone was Becker Helicopters Aerospatiale AS.350D Squirrel VH-PIH "Firebird 469".

The very attractive Squirrel was photographed by local plane spotter Michael F as it passed through Gladstone Airport on Sunday 13 November.

Thanks guys!

Photos taken by 'IAD' and Michael Fleetwood  ©