Ex Talisman Saber 2017 - RAAF Search and Rescue Sikorsky S-76A Helicopter VH-LAI Departs Rockhampton Airport For Good

On Saturday 22 July, the departure of aircraft and helicopters following the completion of joint Military Exercise Talisman Saber 2017 (TS17) continued as Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue Sikorsky S-76A helicopter VH-LAI departed Rockhampton Airport for Toowoomba as "Choppa 22".

It had arrived around a fortnight prior and completed several flights from Rockhampton Airport around the local area.

VH-LAI was noted continuing from Toowoomba to Armidale before finishing its journey at RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales.

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.

Meanwhile, fellow RAAF Search and Rescue Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-SYJ "Choppa 27" looked to complete a med-evac flight into Rockhampton Airport from and back to Shoalwater Bay late on Saturday 22 July.

UPDATE!  VH-SYJ "Choppa 27" completed another med-evac flight into Rocky on Sunday 23 July.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter 'IAD' for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by 'IAD'  ©