Ex Talisman Saber 2017 - Great Photos as RAAF Search and Rescue Sikorsky S-76A Helicopter VH-LAI Departs Rockhampton Airport to Emu Park as "Choppa 22"

This is our first of several posts from a spectacular day of military helicopter action around Rockhampton in association with joint Military Exercise Talisman Saber 2017 (TS17) on Thursday 20 July.  Local plane spotters Kayanne H and Daniel B were both on hand as Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue Sikorsky S-76A helicopter VH-LAI initially departed Rockhampton Airport for Emu Park as "Choppa 22".

It later returned back to Rocky, again taking up its parking spot beside Rocky's Cross Runway 04/22.

VH-LAI 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.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotters Kayanne H and Daniel B for taking the time to capture and send through some awesome photos of some spectacular helicopter action around Rockhampton!  Stay tuned for many more!

Photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman and Daniel Bishop  ©