Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (SAR) Bell 412EP Helicopter VH-VAA "Choppa 82" Arrives at Rockhampton Airport Following Australian Army Exercise Diamond Run

After looking to complete its duties in support of the Australian Army's Exercise Diamond Run, on Friday 10 November, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (SAR) Bell 412EP helicopter VH-VAA departed the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and touched down at Rockhampton Airport where it will reportedly be parked for the weekend.

VH-VAA is owned by Lloyd Helicopters and operated by CHC Helicopters Australia for the RAAF and has been noted using the RAAF Support radio callsign of "Choppa 82".

Of interest, on Sunday 5 November, VH-VAA "Choppa 82" was noted completing a med-evac flight from Shoalwater Bay direct to the Rockhampton Base Hospital.  After refuelling, it returned to the Bay.

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

All photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman  ©